The NSW Government is calling for expressions of interest from universities, research organisations, industry, consortiums and NSW-based NCRIS (National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy) facilities for open-access projects to be supported by a new AU$ 8 million Tech Central Research and Innovation Infrastructure Fund.
The Minister for Enterprise, Investment and Trade stated that the fund will help realise proposals that provide significant physical and digital infrastructure to the Tech Central Precinct, expand technical expertise, collaboration and commercialisation and otherwise build capacity across its target industries and research areas.
The Minister also noted that Tech Central boasts a tech giant as an anchor tenant and is home to three world-class universities, a world-leading research hospital and over 100 research institutes and Centres of Excellence. However, to translate the region’s R&D fortitude into even more tangible outcomes that deliver for the NSW economy, the Government is working to offer wider access to high-tech facilities, equipment and staff, and this fund is about just that.
Meanwhile, the Minister for Science, Innovation and Technology and Minister for Skills and Training noted that the fund was focused on providing specialised equipment, skilled experts and collaborative programs with a focus on existing industry and research strengths across the precinct.
The Tech Central Research and Innovation Infrastructure Fund is focused on expanding access to equipment and expertise from quantum computing to robotics, biotech, cyber security, creative industries and more. It was also designed to drive the collaboration of NSW’s leading tech community with all parts of industry and academia.
The move is about delivering innovation, R&D and industry talent that will support the translation of world-class research into commercial outcomes, new technologies, services and globally competitive cutting-edge industries.
Competitive project funding is anticipated to vary between AU$ 500,000 and AU$ 5 million per project, with a focus on supporting proposals that have a specialised physical or digital expenditure. Expressions of interest will be accepted until 5 pm AEST Friday 17 June 2022.
About Tech Central Precinct
As the future focal point of Sydney’s innovation and technology community, Tech Central aims to develop a vibrant innovation and technology precinct in the heart of Sydney’s CBD, with strong links to international markets, Greater Sydney, and the rest of NSW.
Home to the Sydney Quantum Academy and future Space Industry Hub, Tech Central will future-proof and diversify the New South Wales economy and cement its position as a leader in:
- Fintech, Cyber and e-Health
- Digital and deep technology including quantum, blockchain, AI, robotics, IoT and analytics
- Creative industries including VR and game design
Tech Central will provide up to 250,000 square metres of space for technology companies. The NSW Government is also providing a funding package of AU$ 48.2 million that has kick-started development and a tech giant is confirmed, an anchor tenant, will launch its headquarters in the precinct and bring with it more than 4,000 employees.
Moreover, top-ranked nearby institutions including the University of Sydney, University of Technology Sydney, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital and CSIRO’s Data61 are looking to collaborate further with businesses on joint research, commercialisation and graduate programs.