The Morrison Government is backing Australian small businesses and researchers to grow and create local jobs, with $1.6 million to connect them with global markets.

20 researchers and 14 small businesses are being supported in Round 4 of the Global Connections Fund (GCF) Bridging Grants.

Minister for Industry, Science and Technology Karen Andrews said the Government was committed to backing projects that create job opportunities and help build the Australian economy.

“These grants provide a critical pathway for Australian businesses and researchers to not only build capacity and skills, but grow in scale to attract potential investment,” Minister Andrews said.

“Through this fund we are supporting Australian businesses and researchers to engage with international partners and undertake product development, market testing and commercialisation activities.”

The 34 successful projects cover areas including advanced manufacturing, food and agribusiness, medical technologies and pharmaceuticals. The funding will support projects such as the development of a safer cochlear implant surgery, a laser nose to improve wine quality and health, and machine learning to improve diabetes management.

“Past Bridging Grants have helped recipients collaborate with partners from 31 different economies, raising working capital of almost $9.5 million – meaning every government dollar has been leveraged more than twofold.”

Previous grants have helped the University of Sydney partner with a US company on a project that uses nanotechnology to improve non-invasive early detection and diagnosis of cancer and other diseases.

They’ve also helped fund a device for diagnosing Parkinson’s disease, virtual reality to improve health check-ups, and renewable fertiliser. 

Bridging Grants provide $25,000 to $50,000 per grant as seed funding and support partnerships between small and medium sized businesses and researchers.

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

Media contact: Minister Andrews' office 02 6277 7070