Call for submissions

The Small Scale Technology Cluster (STC) has available small cash grants and discounted access to MiniFAB's facilities through its Small Scale Technology Access Program. Applications will be reviewed and ranked by the STC Scientific Review Panel.

The STC offers access to state-of-the-art equipment and a highly trained workforce in a clustered and highly interactive environment and aims to be Australia's foremost generator of business and innovative manufacturing activity based on the exploitation of small scale technologies.

The key activities of STC are to:

• Identify projects which build on or use the micro-fabrication cluster to develop prototypes and then can manufacture high value products;
• To build partnerships with industry and government and bring into the cluster people and equipment capable of creating long-term "legacy';
• To continually, in a reactive and proactive manner, identify and support further projects to enhance the cluster;
• To identify new business opportunities and foster the growth of the cluster companies.

The program is aimed at providing cost-effective access for SMEs, developers and early stage investigations wishing to use the advanced capabilities available at the cluster.

Criteria for evaluation of submissions:

• Potential to enhance the skills, capabilities and infrastructure of the cluster;
• Increase the throughput of the cluster;
• Potential to lead to commercial outcomes;
• Synergy with cluster capabilities and infrastructure;
• Enhancement of the reputation and capability of the cluster and its associates;
• Enhancement of collaborative linkages.

Submissions to be emailed to Clive Davenport, CEO, Small Technologies Cluster at clive@stc-melbourne.com by no later than 27 October 2006. Successful applicants will be notified by 30 November 2006.