As part of its commitment to innovation, the federal government is offering business grants to stimulate solutions to challenges across biosecurity, child protection, water markets and policy design.

Businesses can submit proposals that address the government challenges, and successful applicants will receive grants of up to $100,000 to develop ideas and test feasibility over three months. The most successful ideas may then be eligible for up to $1 million to develop a prototype or proof of concept.

“The programme provides critical early stage support for testing new ideas, developing pathways to market, and helps small and medium businesses establish a track record of providing products and services to Government,” a statement from Industry, Innovation and Science minister Greg Hunt said.

The grants, which can be applied for until November 30, are intended to help drive innovation within Australian small and medium businesses while addressing public sector challenges.

Recipients are expected to develop ideas and commercialise products that the government may then buy and use to improve its services. Businesses will retain the IP and the right to commercialise their ideas.

The government said that as well as creating jobs and commercialising ideas in local businesses, the Business Research and Innovation Initiative will change the nature of public procurement as the most innovative solutions possible are sourced.

The five challenges set so far are:

• On-the-spot technology for measuring pyrethroid surface residue
• Tracking the effect and value of information products
• Digitally enabled community engagement in policy and programme design
• Improve transparency and reliability of water market information
• Sharing information nationally to ensure child safety

To find out more, visit www.business.gov.au/BRII or call 13 28 46.