Other funding and business resources
QSEIF funding is a targeted initiative to support the development of new sustainable technologies in Queensland that result in water and/or energy savings. Other sources of funding and advice are available to assist businesses develop and commercialise new technologies. Below is a list of some funding programs and advice services that may be of assistance. Please refer to website links to obtain updates and further information.
Links to other funding sources and financial assistance:
Queensland Government Grants
This site allows users to search a wide variety of Queensland government grants.
National Australian Technology Showcase (ATS)
Australian Technology Showcase is a national and international campaign designed to promote leading-edge Australian technology and the skills of the companies that produce them.
GrantsLINK
This Australian Government website allows you to search for funding available under a variety of grant programs for individuals, businesses and communities to develop solutions to local and national problems, fund ideas and initiatives or provide assistance in times of hardship.
The R&D Tax Incentive provides a targeted tax offset designed to encourage more companies to engage in research and development in Australia. It has two core components:
- a 45 per cent refundable tax offset (equivalent to a 150 per cent deduction) to eligible entities with an aggregated turnover of less than $20 million per annum
- a non-refundable 40 per cent tax offset (equivalent to 133 per cent deduction) to all other eligible entities.
Clean Technology Investment Program
The Clean Technology Investment Program supports Australian manufacturers to maintain their competitiveness through investing in energy efficient capital equipment and low pollution technologies, processes and products. The minimum funding is $25,000 per project. There is no maximum level of funding. Funding is provided on a 1:1 ratio for grants up to $500,000, where the applicant has an annual turnover of less than $100 million. Funding is on a 2:1 ratio for grants above $500,000 or for companies with a turnover above $100 million per year. Funding is on a 3:1 ratio for grant funding in excess of $10 million. To be eligible, applicants must use a minimum amount of electricity, gas, etc. Applicants must document their energy consumption and emissions for the year before the application is lodged, and must document their consumption within 15 months after completion of the project.
Commercialisation Australia
Commercialisation Australia is an Australian Government initiative that assists researchers, entrepreneurs and innovative companies to convert ideas into successful commercial ventures.
- Proof of Concept grants of $50,000 - $250,000 are provided to test the commercial viability of a new product, process or service.
- Early stage commercialisation grants of $50,000 - $2 million are provided for early stage commercialisation activities that enable a new product, process or service to be taken to market.
Applicants are expected to match funding on a 50:50 basis.
Business & Industry Transformation Incentives
BITI provides incentives for progressive businesses with significant growth potential within Queensland. Applications are particularly encouraged from groups of businesses working on a collaborative project. The incentive scheme essentially seeks projects that will be transformational at a business and industry level; forge change, lift standards and drive substantial improvements for customers and/or suppliers; and raise competitiveness in priority industries of the Queensland economy. The scheme aims to achieve transformation through funding projects that support innovation, raise productivity and increase exports.
Australian Solar Institute funding
ASI supports “technically excellent” R&D projects leading to increased commercial deployment of photovoltaic and concentrating solar thermal technology. Applicants must be research institutions, university or business with the capability to undertake leading-edge research and development.
Inventor’s Guide
The Inventor‘s Guide, operated by the Australian Institute of Commercialisation, is a free service for Queensland residents that includes:
- An online assessment to determine your current position in the commercialisation of your product or service.
- Written guides.
- Templates, such as business and commercialisation plans, to help communicate with potential financiers and collaborators.
- A project management workspace to help plan and manage your project.
Proof of Concept Fund
The Proof of Concept Fund provides assistance to demonstrate the commercial potential of innovations (technologies, products or processes) and to assist innovators to attract potential collaborators and investors. Project-based funding is available to industry, research institutes and universities that do not have an in-house proof of concept program. The Fund reimburses up to 50% of the cost of eligible activities, with a total Queensland Government contribution of $20,000 to $50,000 per project over twelve months.
Researchers in Business (PDF)*
The Researchers in Business program supports the placement of researchers from universities or public research agencies, into firms that wish to develop a new idea with commercial potential. Funding for up to 50 per cent of salary costs, to a maximum of $50 000 will be provided. Placements can be for a period of 2 to 12 months. Researchers must spend a significant time period working on-site within the firm. Eligible research projects may involve product or process innovation, marketing innovation, environmental sustainability or mathematical modelling to improve a product, process or marketing.
Links to Business advice resources:
Queensland Department of Employment Economic Development and Innovation is the central entry point for Queensland businesses to access government services.
Australian Institute for Commercialisation
The Australian Institute for Commercialisation (AIC) is a leading service organisation helping innovators achieve commercial success. Around Australia, the AIC helps business, research organisations and governments convert their ideas into successful outcomes. Services include Techfast Business Support Program, Enterprise Connect and TechClinics collaborative research projects.
Ideas2Market
Ideas2Market is about building skills to commercialise ideas and inventions to assist business growth. The program provides innovators and entrepreneurs with advice, ideas, hints and links that can assist them in taking their idea or product to market.
business.qld.gov.au
business.qld.gov.au provides a range of information on running a business. The website covers starting a business, employment and tools, resources and support for Queensland businesses.
business.gov.au
business.gov.au is an Australian Government initiative, it offers you simple and convenient access to all the government information, transactions and services you need. It's a whole-of-government service providing essential information on planning, starting and running your business.
CEED Program
The CEED Program links students from four Universities (including UQ, QUT and USQ) with companies/government, for industry-based projects. Projects are completed by students as part of their university degree - final year Undergraduate, Masters, or Honours. CEED provides clients with students from a wide range of specialisations (including engineering, business, science and environmental management) to undertake their projects.
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Last updated 4 April 2012