3-minute read

Do you have a bright business idea that harnesses the benefits of the nbn^® network? Applications are now open for the 2024 Innovate with nbn^® Grants Program.

Innovate. Verb (used without object) – to introduce something new; make changes in anything established.¹
Innovate with nbn. Verb (used with object) – a grants program designed to support regional and remote businesses in Australia.

Yes, get excited because it’s that time again. Applications for the 2024 Innovate with nbn Grants Program are now open.

Now in its fifth year, we’re once again looking for businesses in regional and remote Australia that are harnessing the power of the nbn network to develop products or solutions that improve digital participation, productivity or social outcomes.

We aren’t necessarily after designs for the next evolution of rockets – sometimes it’s the simplest ideas that can make big differences.

Making a difference in their communities  

The Innovate with nbn Grants Program continues to unearth fantastic finalists and deserving winners.

Since 2020, we have received almost 650 applications from the length and breadth of regional and remote Australia, from which we’ve recognised 26 finalists and 24 winners.

Winners in 2023 included:

Observa Care

Health category winner and overall Champion, Observa Care was recognised for developing a clinical service model using existing wearable sensor technology that can measure a patient’s vital signs and overall health status. The information is delivered wirelessly to clinicians via cloud services.

Cured Compliance

In the agriculture space, Cured Compliance has been working hard to develop a Bluetooth data logger to monitor the cooking and cooling temperatures of meat products. Customers will be able to automate and improve the quality of their reporting for regulators and help ensure their products are cooked to required Australian standards.

We continue to stay in touch with former finalists and winners about the good work they are doing in their respective industries and communities.

Why innovation is important

A consistent message we hear from our applicants, finalists and winners is that they couldn’t do the things they are doing without the nbn network.

According to research from Accenture (commissioned by nbn), between now and 2030, access to broadband services over our network is estimated to add $399 billion to Australia’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This comes on the back of $122 billion in higher GDP delivered between 2012 and 2022.

In regional Australia, the increase in GDP attributable to the nbn network is twice as great as in metropolitan areas, and grows to 16 times greater in remote and isolated areas.

Broadband connectivity is more than just an internet connection; it is the backbone of economic growth, educational advancement, and healthcare access for regional Australians,” says Gavin Williams, Chief Development Officer – Regional and Remote at nbn.

“Every year, the Innovate with nbn Grants Program unearths new ideas that regional Australian innovators are already putting into practice to help solve problems not only for their local communities but wider Australia.”

$125,000 in grants available

In 2024, $125,000 in grants are available with eligible Australian businesses encouraged to apply in one of seven categories: Indigenous Business, Education, Agriculture, Women in Regional Business, Health, Tourism and Arts. 

The winner of each category will receive a $15,000 grant to help them develop or expand their innovative idea. Each category winner will also go into the pool to become the overall winner and receive an additional $20,000.

Applications are now open, and close on 29 September 2024. Finalists will be announced in late October and winners revealed at a ceremony in Sydney in November.

At a glance: 2024 Innovate with nbn  

• $125,000 in grants are available
• Each category winner will receive a $15,000 grant – one will be recognised as overall Champion and receive an additional $20,000
• Entries close on 29 September 2024
  

¹ Dictionary.com