Applications are now open for the 2021 Innovate with NBN Grants Program, with $95,000 up for grabs to support regional and remote businesses that drive the development and adoption of their bright ideas.
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Innovate with NBN - delivered in partnership with the Regional Australia Institute - is looking for businesses that are harnessing the benefits of the NBN network to develop products or solutions that improve digital participation, productivity or social outcomes for regional and remote Australians.
Eligible businesses are encouraged to apply for one of the seven categories including: agriculture, arts, education, health, indigenous business, tourism and women in business.
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The winner of each category will receive a $10,000 grant. Each category winner will go into the pool to become the overall winner and receive an additional $25,000.
Gavin Williams, NBN Co Chief Development Officer, Regional and Remote said NBN was committed to lifting the digital capability of Australia and helping regional businesses to unlock the benefits of the broadband network.
"Through Innovate with NBN, we are looking for these new and exciting innovations that need a little bit of help to bring their idea to life," he said.
"I encourage eligible businesses to apply, and I am excited to see the depth and range of digitally-led solutions that are being developed in regional Australia for regional Australians."
Liz Ritchie, Chief Executive Officer of the Regional Australia Institute said quality broadband services were critical for business in regional and remote Australia to innovate and compete.
"High quality broadband connectivity is critical to boost the prosperity, creativity and sustainability of regions and the livelihoods of their people," she said.
"The Regional Australia Institute is delighted to be involved with the Innovate with NBN Grants Program again this year."
The inaugural overall winner - HoldAccess (WUNA) from the Northern Territory - said that wining the Innovate with NBN had been critical in scaling his product.
The Indigenous start-up created a (Digital) Diji-Wallet, making it easy for those of First Nation backgrounds, job seekers and transitional populations who require easy access and ability to share their important data such as identification, training certificates, compliance ID and cultural heritage, health, and family lines at an instant.
"It can be quite difficult to create economic opportunities that stick when you lack digital access to yourself or if it is held by third parties on their behalf, also creating a privacy risk for third parties who have no choice when nothing else has been available, until now with HoldAccess (WUNA) Diji Wallet," Jason Davis, CEO of WUNA sad.
"HoldAccess (WUNA) has created a disruptive digital solution that provides instant information - a virtual locker at your fingertips - to embed the latest cards, certificates and identification swiftly, built for people in transferable work."
Applications close on November 30.
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