Vic govt offering state funds for high-tech projects

The Victorian government has started taking submissions for a voucher program aimed at companies looking to implement cutting-edge technology.

The Technology Implementation program will allow companies to apply for vouchers worth up to $250,000 for technology projects designed to improve their products, processes, services and competitiveness.

The program, launched by Minister for Technology Gordon Rich-Phillips, forms part of the state government’s wider $8 million Technology Voucher program. The other types of vouchers available under the program cover technology development and student ICT research projects.

The Technology Voucher initiative is itself part of the $150 million ‘Victoria’s Technology Plan for the Future’ policy.

Rich-Phillips said implementation vouchers “focus on projects that create more competitive [companies] through the application of small technologies, industrial biotechnology or advanced  information and communication technology in innovative or novel ways”.

He said seven companies were awarded technology implementation vouchers earlier this year.

“These seven companies have projects underway, working with specialist suppliers to develop their projects to ultimately improve their productivity and global competitiveness.”

Projects currently underway include a cloud-based livestock weight management system, the development of a new forensics diagnostic tool and a renewable solvent to replace existing petroleum-derived products.

Pictured: Victorian Minister for Technology Gordon Rich-Phillips