By Melbourne Centre for Nanofabrication
A Victorian State Government initiative, Innovation and Technology Voucher Programs help businesses to undertake R&D and design research, and to learn innovation-relevant skills, while adopting and developing specific new technologies. The State Government of Victoria provides vouchers to successful applications, which can be exchanged for access to facilities, goods, services, advice or expertise provided by other companies or publicly funded research organisations, such as MCN. The MCN has been involved in more than a dozen of these projects since the Technology Voucher Program was introduced. MCN’s Managing Director, Dwayne Kirk said, “the voucher program is a great way for companies to achieve key milestones between the proof of concept phase and a validated prototype.” Please note – the following vouchers are currently suspended. Please check the following links for more information. Voucher types Up to $25,000 Smart Design Voucher (IVP) This voucher aims to assist businesses to create or enhance existing products, processes or services by undertaking design research in Victoria. Up to $25,000 Business R&D Voucher (IVP) This program aims to support small to medium businesses to undertake actual or scoping work for activities that will meet the AusIndustry definition of research and development (R&D) Up to $50,000 Technology Development Voucher (TVP) This program is available to support commercially focused projects involving the substantial development/and or absorption of industrial biotechnology, small technologies or advanced information and communication technology (ICT). Up to $250,000 Technology Implementation Voucher (TVP) This program helps companies to adopt and develop new technologies by providing a voucher that can be exchanged for access to facilities, goods, services, advice or expertise provided by other companies or publicly funded research organisations. It specifically targets the development, adoption and integration of industrial biotechnology, small technologies (nano and micro scale technologies) and advanced information and communication technology (ICT) by businesses. Eligibility All Vouchers are open to all Victorian small and medium sized businesses with fewer than 200 employees. Technology development and implementation vouchers are also open to large businesses with more than 200 employees. Non-Victorian businesses may also be eligible for the vouchers and are encouraged to apply. For more information, visit www.business.vic.gov.au or speak to an MCN staff member for assistance applying for the vouchers.
