Australian researchers and businesses can receive up to $50,000 funding from the Morrison Government to take their products global under round four of the Global Connections Fund (GCF) Bridging Grants.

A device for diagnosing Parkinson’s disease, virtual reality to improve health check-ups, and renewable fertiliser are some of the projects previously supported by the GCF.

Minister for Industry, Science and Technology Karen Andrews said the grants are designed to strengthen international partnerships between small businesses and researchers.

“The grants will help strengthen business-researcher relationships and lead to the translation of research knowledge into market ready products and services,” Minister Andrews said.

“Connecting small and medium enterprises with the research community will help grow our economy and create new Australian jobs.

“This will also help get innovative ideas off the ground, with the funding supporting early stage proof of concept and knowledge transfer, product development and market testing.”

To date, $4.2 million in GCF grants funding has been used to increase collaboration in science, technology and innovation at an international level.

The Morrison Government knows greater investment in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics sectors will help to boost Australia’s economic growth and reach our target of creating an extra 1.25 million jobs over the next five years.

The Australian Academy of Technology and Engineering administers the Global Connections Fund.

For more information visit www.globalconnectionsfund.org.au/bridge-grants/

Media contact: Minister Andrews' office 02 6277 7070