SMALL BUSINESSES DELIVER INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS

Seventeen small businesses will share in more than $1.5 million in NSW Government funding to develop innovative solutions to well-defined problems, such as connectivity in remote areas, water purification and waste reduction associated with personal protective equipment.

 Minister for Science, Innovation and Technology Alister Henskens said the Small Business Innovation and Research program was helping local businesses solve long-standing problems, while boosting jobs, products and services in high-tech industries.

Zetifi, here in Wagga Wagga, will undertake a feasibility study to assess the feasibility of the ZetiNet Connectivity Platform – a distributed network of off-grid small cells that can be rapidly deployed on existing power poles or as standalone pods to provide resilient long-range Wi-Fi and radio communications. Zetifi’s funding comes under the Connectivity Challenge, aiming to increase the strength and resilience of communications networks in regional and remote areas.

“NSW has great business innovators and we want to harness that talent. The first phase of this program will back small businesses to develop devices and systems that have the potential to benefit our people, the environment and our economy,” Mr Henskens said.

“We are investing in a range of innovative projects which include drone-surveying technology, navigation systems for people who are vision impaired and advanced filtration systems, all designed to meet specific challenges in NSW.”

The five challenge areas outlined under the program included Connectivity, Hyperlocal Navigation, Koala Count, Personal Protective Equipment and Water Purification. 

Minister for Small Business Eleni Petinos said businesses will receive up to $100,000 to undertake three-month feasibility studies into their proposed solutions.

“This program is harnessing the power of local innovation and supporting small businesses by investing in ideas to create jobs and change lives,” Ms Petinos said.

NSW Chief Scientist and Engineer Professor Hugh Durrant-Whyte said the program has received a huge response from local innovators.

“We hosted webinars which were attended by over 250 local businesses, entrepreneurs and researchers. The response has been overwhelming and shows the strength and depth of local talent,” Professor Durrant-Whyte said. 

Proof-of-concept grants of up to $1 million each will be available to businesses that complete a successful feasibility study. A new set of challenges and further feasibility grants will be offered later this year.