2022 Innovate with nbn Grants Program closing soon
The nbn network has become the digital backbone of our country – and it’s our job to unlock its potential.
We’re always looking ahead – investing in innovation today, so Australia is ready for tomorrow.
That’s why we are excited that applications for the 2022 Innovate with nbn Grants Program are now open – but they’re closing soon.
Now in its third year, the initiative aims to help regionally-based businesses and individuals transform their great ideas into game-changing achievements.
Run in partnership with the Regional Australia Institute (RAI), the Innovate with nbn Grants Program is part of nbn’s commitment to lift the digital capability of people and businesses in regional Australia.
Participants have the chance to share in $125,000 in grants designed to help them bring their bright ideas, powered by access to the nbn network, to life.
Across seven categories – Agriculture, Arts, Education, Health, Indigenous Business, Tourism, and Women in Regional Business – each winner receives $15,000.
The overall Innovate with nbn Champion will be awarded an additional $20,000 grant to help take their idea to the next level.
Who can apply?
We’re looking for digital businesses in regional and remote Australia who live and breathe technology and are:
- Harnessing the benefits of the nbn network to enable regional Australians to live, learn and work in a digital society
- Innovative digital businesses challenging traditional markets in regional Australia
- Businesses who are lifting digital participation and stimulating regional economies
- Champions of digital adoption for regional and remote communities
Gavin Williams, Chief Development Officer, Regional and Remote at nbn, says the aim is to unearth fresh ideas and support businesses that are using the nbn network to develop products or solutions that improve productivity or social outcomes.
“This excellent program continues to go from strength to strength and every year we are amazed at the clever solutions and innovative thinking out there in regional and remote Australia.”
Gavin says he recently saw this creativity first-hand when meeting the current winner of the Education category and overall 2021 Innovate with nbn Champion, Bitlink, on home turf in Launceston, Tasmania (Stony Creek Country).
Bitlink’s gadget-packed Internet of Things (IoT) kit, supported by online videos and internet interactivity, is designed to open the eyes of primary school students to the possibilities of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) careers by allowing them to get hands-on with technology in the classroom in a fun and engaging way.
“I was privileged to be able to accompany Bitlink co-director and passionate education advocate James Riggall on a school visit to Flinders Island and watch his team’s innovative approach to engaging children with technology in action,” says Gavin.
“To think nbn is playing a part in helping prepare Australia’s school children for the technological challenges of the future by supporting the educational efforts of Bitlink through the Innovate with nbn Grants Program, is just fantastic.”
Innovation across the nation
Gavin says it has been equally heartening to watch other 2021 Innovate with nbn Grant winners evolve and grow their business.
They include Gunnedah farmer, veteran speech pathologist and Health category winner Kylie Toynton, whose online platform Growing Words is helping equip geographically isolated parents with the tools they need to help improve their child’s speech and language skills.
Pioneered by Cairns-based entrepreneur Jodie Mlikota, Gathar creates unique dining experiences in people's homes, weekend getaways and offices by enabling customers to book chefs, cooks or caterers to come and do all the hard work in the kitchen.
“It is exactly these kinds of clever ideas enabled by broadband access to make a real difference to people’s lives that the Innovate with nbn Program is designed to help grow, thrive and reach their full potential.”
Gavin says nbn continues to work hard to help people across Australia be empowered with the opportunities made possible by broadband in their daily lives, health, connectivity and livelihoods.
“So, embrace the power of digital connectivity to help kick-start your potentially game-changing start-up by applying for an Innovate with nbn grant today.”
Applications close at midnight on Sunday 20 November 2022.