Startups and small-to-medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Australia who offer new regtech solutions to improve information sharing for trades licences can receive grants of up to $675k.
Minister for Industry, Energy, and Emissions Reduction Angus Taylor announced the grant programme in a joint release, saying that the grant will be delivered under the Business Research and Innovation Initiative (BRII), which will target projects to improve access to information on state and territory occupational licences.
“We are looking for digital disruptors to come up with regtech solutions to improve information sharing for occupational registrations and licences,” Minister Taylor said.
The federal government’s digital disrupters grant has urged SMEs to submit innovative digital solutions to red tape bottlenecks by simplifying how information about licence registrations and conditions is disseminated.
“Through its reforms to the mutual recognition of occupational licences the government is making it easier for licensed workers to work across jurisdictions but we need to streamline how states and territories share information on licence registrations and conditions, Minister Taylor said.
“The most successful of these ideas may be eligible for a grant of up to $675,000 to develop a prototype or proof of concept.”
Grants are available for innovative proposals that satisfy major regulatory requirements around information management, according to Minister Assisting the Prime Minister and Cabinet, Ben Morton.
“Information management and sharing is a significant issue for government regulators and the private sector is well placed to provide solutions,” Minister Morton said.
“We encourage interested parties to start working on their proposal now. It’s a great opportunity for SMEs and start-ups to develop their ideas. Applications will close on 30 November 2021.
Welcoming the BRII’s latest round of grants Minister for Employment, Workforce, Skills, Small and Family Business, Stuart Robert said, “As we secure our economic recovery, removing red tape across state and territory occupational licences will help our workforce move across the country, ensuring we can more easily realise economic opportunities, from major infrastructure projects through to our booming residential construction sector.”
“Whether it is streamlining occupational licences or bringing Australia’s skills and training system into alignment, the Morrison Government is leading a national effort to secure the workforce we need to grow our economy and build a better future.”
Business Research and Innovation Initiative
The Business Research and Innovation Initiative provides businesses with funding to solve government challenges using innovative approaches and technologies.
Grants from $50,000 to $70,000 for the feasibility study. If the feasibility study is successful, a business may receive up to $675,000 to develop a proof of concept. To date, the BRII program has provided 83 grants, totalling more than $30 million in funding.
For information on how to apply visit www.business.gov.au/BRII.
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