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InnovationConnect (ICon) is an ACT Government program designed to provide creative innovators and entrepreneurs with limited funding support that will accelerate the progress of viable, creative ideas along the development and commercialisation pathway.

The program's objective is to meet an identified market gap—that of a program, funding interventions and services to accelerate the formation of investment ready companies and entities. The program has been designed to assist companies that need relatively early stage support in taking an innovative product or service to investment readiness or commercialisation.

The investment ready or commercialisation pathway can be loosely broken up into three stages:

  • Pre Start-Up;
  • Start-Up; and
  • Growth.

ICon has two main funding components that cover these stages:

  • Proof of Technology (Pre Start-Up Stage); and
  • Accelerating Innovation (Start-Up and Growth).

Proof of Technology Grants

Proof of Technology Grants support the development of:

  • prototypes that prove a concept; or
  • a technology plan or business case study that demonstrates whether a concept is commercially viable.

Proof of Technology Grants range from $5,000 to $25,000 but there may be an opportunity for grants of up to $50,000 in exceptional circumstances.

Accelerating Innovation Grants

Accelerating Innovation Grants will support start-up and growth companies with a viable, proven concept or service with funding that will enable:

  • participation in formalised commercialisation training;
  • IP strategies and advice;
  • establishment of advanced business processes;
  • market testing;
  • mentoring; and
  • projects that link the technology and creative industry sectors.

Accelerating Innovation Grants will range from $5,000 to $10,000 and will only be granted on a dollar-for-dollar basis based on reimbursement.

Information Sheets

Application Forms

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Further Information

For further information or assistance contact one of the following BID Client Managers:

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