The Australian Government has awarded 22 Bridging Grants to help Australian innovators from research and business to collaborate with international partners.
The recipients will use the grants of up to $50,000 each to get new products market-ready, including through continued product development, market testing and proof-of-concept studies.
For example, Dr Nicole Freene, a researcher at the University of Canberra, will trial a behavioural smartphone app that aims to reduce the risk of repeat heart attacks in patients with coronary heart disease. The ToDo-CR app developed by Dutch design firm Onmi and UK-based firm Do Something Different delivers a cloud-based and personalised service through which patients can gradually change their behaviour and habits towards a less sedentary life-style.
Other successful projects include:
Bridging Grants are a component of the Global Connections Fund (GCF), which is a key measure of the Australian Government's Global Innovation Strategy to promote collaborations between Australian innovators and partners in 12 key economies.
Administered by the Australian Academy of Technology & Engineering, the GCF also includes smaller Priming Grants worth $7000 each, and designed to support the initial steps of exploring international partnerships.