The COVID-19 TechVoucher program provides support funding for technology-rich startups, scaleups or SMEs to collaborate with Publicly Funded Research Organisations (PFRO) to accelerate the commercialisation of innovative R&D products and services that address ongoing disruptions.Eligible businesses The program is available to incorporated entities that are start-ups, scaleups or SMEs and have:
Eligible businesses
The program is available to incorporated entities that are start-ups, scaleups or SMEs and have:
- an ABN registered in NSW and are based in NSW
- fewer than 200 employees
- operated for at least 12 months, based on date of ABN registration
- at least $150,000 in sales revenue or operating expenditure within the last 12 months
- at least 75% Australian ownership (and not more than 50% owned by another business)
- propose a technology-based product or service that addresses the impacts of COVID-19
- provide evidence of the ability to co-invest at least 50 per cent of eligible project budget
- demonstrate capability and capacity to complete the TechVoucher project within six months (Stream 1) or 12 months (Stream 2)
- be engaged with an eligible PFRO for R& D collaboration and have obtained a quote
- confirmation that the business holds the rights to commercialise the IP from the project.
Eligible activities
Activities funded by the program include:
- access to research facilities and equipment such as electron microscopes, medical imaging, and other PRFO delivery partner facilities
- product or process design, such as engineering or technical design expertise to determine prototype structure, function or materials
- validating or demonstrating technical capabilities of a product, process or technology including clinical trials and in-market validation
- funding toxicology studies on materials that could be incorporated into a new product
- testing and certification for supply of products
- enhancing existing product capabilities or enabling entry to international markets.
Funding
Funding is available in two streams depending on the size of the R& D project and is matched by the government up to a certain amount.
| Total projected budget | Intended project duration | Matched government contribution | |
| Stream 1: Smaller R & D projects | $30,000 to $50,000 | Up to six months | Maximum $25,000 |
| Stream 2: Larger R & D projects | $50,001 to $100,000+ | Up to 12 months | Maximum $50,000 |
A TechVoucher will fund up to 50 per cent of all invoices issued by a PFRO partner to the maximum value of the voucher for each stream.
Funding will be provided for approved projects until the available funding is exhausted or the final deadline for applications. Status Applications close on 29 October 2021.
Status
Applications close on 29 October 2021.
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