Nominations called for technology grants

The NSW government has opened nominations for a new grants program that will connect NSW and South Korea in joint technology projects.

The Minister for Science and Medical Research Verity Firth said the ‘NSW–Gangwon Technology Collaboration Grants’ will offer up to AU$100,000 a year to assist joint projects involving researchers from NSW and the South Korean province of Gangwon.

The funding will be provided in a joint split ($50,000–50,000,000 won) between the NSW and Gangwon Governments.

“This grants program follows the signing of an agreement between NSW and Gangwon earlier this year,” Ms Firth said. “The program aims to develop technology links that will produce business and economic opportunities for both areas.

“Grants will assist research collaborations in areas including medical devices, information and communications technology (ICT), advanced materials, nanotechnology and biotechnology.

“This program will build on complementary strengths NSW and Gangwon offer in key technology areas.

“It also aims to build longer term relationships that can provide NSW with improved access to North Asian distribution networks, export opportunities and foreign investment markets.”

Ms Firth said collaborative research teams applying for grants must have at least one company or researcher from both NSW and Gangwon.

Eligible applicants can come from companies, universities, research organisations or technical institutes and application forms and submissions guidelines are available from the NSW-Gangwon Technology Collaboration website.

NSW and Gangwon researchers will be assisted in identifying complementary researchers through preliminary applications posted on the website.

Preliminary applications will close on 30 September and final applications on 15 November.