Innovate with nbn Grants Program

A grants program that's designed to support regional and remote businesses

Businesses throughout regional and remote Australia often face numerous challenges. Whether it be related to their relative isolation, or simply finding ways of promoting themselves – finding a path to success can be hard.

It’s through these times of adversity that many of these businesses have found not only a deep resolve and determination, but a vast amount of innovation and creativity.

As the organisation behind Australia’s digital backbone, we decided to develop the Innovate with nbn Grants Program in partnership with the Regional Australia Institute (RAI). Now in its fifth year, the program will again recognise and showcase regional and remote businesses.

Logo for the 2024 Innovate with nbn Grants Program

Who can apply? 

We’re looking for digital businesses in regional and remote Australia who live and breathe technology and are:
  • Harnessing the benefits of the nbn® network to enable regional Australians to live, learn and work in a digital society
  • Innovative digital businesses challenging the traditional markets in regional Australia
  • Businesses who are lifting digital participation and stimulating regional economies
  • Champions of digital adoption for regional and remote communities

Eligibility criteria

Applications will only be eligible if you:

  • are connected to the nbn network
  • are located in regional Australia
  • have an Australian Business Number (ABN)
  • have an Australian bank account (corresponding to the ABN)
  • apply for one category

Health category winner and 2023 Champion, Observa Care

Learn how Observa Care, overall winner of the Innovate with nbn® Grants Program 2023, is helping to improve health outcomes for Regional Australia. Play the Observa Care - A Digital Healthcare Service video (duration 2:56) to find out more.

Grant categories

This year, the Innovate with nbn® Grants Program offers seven specific categories and an overall Champion award. 

We’re looking for Indigenous business owners who embrace innovation and have bold ideas on how to create digital solutions. If you’re an Indigenous-owned enterprise, or a tech company partnering with Indigenous remote communities, we’d like to hear from you.

Grants

The program will award one grant of $15,000 to an organisation or business project aligned with each of the above categories. 
 
Additionally, one regional/remote business will be recognised and awarded with the ‘Innovate with nbn® Champion award’ worth an additional $20,000. 
 
Keep in mind that you can only apply to one category and you’ll need an ABN to qualify. 

7 × $15,000

Covering each of the categories:

  • Indigenous Business
  • Education
  • Agriculture
  • Women in Regional Business
  • Health
  • Tourism
  • Arts

 

$20,000

Innovate with nbn® Champion

 

Applications

Applications closed on 29 September 2024.

Successful grant recipients were announced on 12 November 2024.

Innovate with nbn® Grants Program partners

nbn

nbn is commited to lifting the digital capability of Australia, helping Australians to have access to a fast, reliable broadband network.

Regional and remote communities across Australia are a priority for nbn. In 2019, a dedicated business unit – nbn Regional and Remote – was created to help meet the needs of customers in rural and regional Australia, while aiming to raise the digital capability of these areas.

Regional Australia Institute (RAI)

Regional Australia Institute (RAI) is the only national, independent research, advocacy, capacity-building and membership organisation dedicated to supporting the prosperity of regional Australia. Our research, community engagement and partnerships with all tiers of government, corporate Australia and local organisations enables us to develop strong policy solutions and deliver tangible outcomes to improve regional communities. RAI’s purpose is to empower regions to thrive.