By Melbourne Centre for Nanofabrication
The ANFF-VIC Access and Pricing Policy reflects a subsidised access rate for academic users owing the public funded nature of the operations. Though it is standard practice for industry users to pay elevated rates when accessing university operated research infrastructure, these rates can often present significant barriers to "start-up" companies who are not yet able to attract funding from commercial investors. To address this barrier and assist such "start-ups" with access the MCN for continued development of their devices/technologies, the MCN has introduced an application pathway for eligible start-ups to receive a 40% discount to published industry residency rates. Eligibility Criteria A company seeking the "start-up" residency discount must provide: - Australian Business Number (ABN) - Staffing profile; with total FTEs < 4 - Evidence that company is at a pre-seed stage and is, as yet, unable to raise funds from commercial sources - A listing of any grants/investment received to date - Evidence that company activity has a connection with at least one of the ANFF-VIC joint venture (JV) partners whether via direct spin-out, work originating from a JV member institution or via a cooperative grant application. - Description of what MCN/ANFF-VIC infrastructure the company intends to utilise and why access is important re: their TRL growth Discount Terms - 40% discount to published industry residency rates with the same quarterly billing arrangement per the ANFF-VIC Access and Pricing Policy - Start-up discount is valid for a period of 12-months - Validity of discount hinges on continuing to meet the above eligibility requirements - Participants must advise MCN if they no longer meet the eligibility requirements with the discount ceasing at the next quarterly invoicing interval - Applications for renewal of the 12-month discount will be considered subject to the conditions above; applications for renewal must be submitted within the last quarter of the 12-month discount period.
