Monday 10 October, 2022 - Up to $125,000 in grants are available to regional Australian businesses who have an innovative idea they need help to bring to life.  

Now in its third year, the Innovate with nbn Grants Program is looking for businesses harnessing the benefits of the nbn network to develop products or solutions that improve digital participation, productivity or social outcomes for people living in regional and remote Australia.  

Businesses can apply across seven categories including Health, Agriculture, Tourism, Arts, Education, Indigenous Business and Women in Regional Business.  

The winner of each category will receive a $15,000 grant. Each of the category winners will go into the pool to become the overall winner and receive an additional $20,000.  

Gavin Williams, nbn Chief Development Officer, Regional and Remote, says:

the aim is to unearth fresh ideas and support businesses that are using the nbn™ network to develop products or solutions that improve productivity and/or social outcomes. 

“This excellent program continues to go from strength to strength and every year we are amazed at the clever solutions and innovative thinking out there in regional and remote Australia,” he said. 

“Our purpose is to help lift the digital capability of Australia by connecting homes and businesses across Australia and providing access to the positive social and economic benefits enabled by access to a secure digital backbone. 

“We know broadband connectivity can help improve health and lifestyle outcomes through enabling access to remote healthcare providers, online social networks and educational opportunities.” 

Run in partnership with the Regional Australia Institute (RAI), the Innovate with nbn Grants Program is part of nbn’s commitment to lift the digital capability of people and business in regional Australia. 

Winners of the 2021 program have used their winnings to make a real difference to their businesses and the communities they live and work in. 

Among them is 2021 overall winner and Education Category winner Bitlink from Launceston, Tasmania. Their gadget packed Internet of Things (IoT) kit, supported by online videos and internet interactivity, is designed to open the eyes of primary school students to the possibilities of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) careers by allowing them to get hands-on with technology in the classroom in a fun and engaging way. 

Their prize money helped them to visit King Island and deliver their IoT kits to the local school.  

Other 2021 winners include Gunnedah farmer, veteran speech pathologist and Health category winner Kylie Toynton, whose online platform Growing Words is helping equip geographically isolated parents with the tools they need to help improve their child’s speech and language skills. 

Similarly winner for Women in Regional Business Gathar is harnessing the power of connectivity to bring people together through food. 

Pioneered by Cairns based entrepreneur Jodie Mlikota, Gathar creates unique dining experiences in people's homes, weekend getaways and offices by enabling customers to book chefs, cooks, or caterers to come and do all the hard work in the kitchen. 

“We continue to work hard to help people across Australia be empowered with the opportunities made possible by broadband in their daily lives, health, connectivity, and livelihoods," Mr Williams said.

“It is exactly these kinds of clever ideas enabled by broadband access to make a real difference to people’s lives that the Innovate with nbn Program is designed to help grow, thrive and reach their full potential.” 

Interested businesses should visit www.nbnco.com.au/innovatewithnbn to apply.