New program to develop bushfire-resilient technology
29 July 2022
Published by: https://coastcommunitynews.com.au
AUSTRALIA – NSW will become a world leader in bushfire technology commercialisation and position itself for international export of innovative bushfire solutions under a new program.
Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast Adam Crouch said the Bushfire Commercialisation Fund would support local innovators in translating their research into practical solutions, improving bushfire detection, preparation and response.
“A total of $16 million over three years has been allocated, with the first round of funding offering grants of between $200,000 and $8 million to individuals, companies, research institutions and universities, to help them commercialise their research,” Crouch said.
“The devastating Black Summer of 2019-20 had a lasting impact on communities across NSW, and this funding will ensure our emergency services have the best technology to help keep our state safe.”
Minister for Science, Innovation and Technology, Alister Henskens, said they would help create jobs and develop products that secured a brighter future for NSW by investing in home-grown talent and innovative research.
“Whether it’s artificial intelligence, drones or predictive mapping, we need to commercialise disaster-resilient practical solutions, not just in NSW, but across Australia and around the world,” Henskens said.
Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience and Minister for Flood Recovery, Steph Cooke, said the program would help to develop products that complemented the work of emergency service organisations.
“By better understanding fires and enhancing the firefighting capability of frontline personnel, we can minimise their impact on the community and save lives,” Cooke said.
NSW Chief Scientist & Engineer Professor Hugh Durrant-Whyte said the program was the second initiative being rolled out under the Bushfire Response R&D Mission.
“The program has been modelled on the highly successful Medical Devices Fund and Physical Sciences Fund, both of which have helped to scale businesses, attract investment from private capital and build the capability of NSW’s small-to-medium enterprises in key industry sectors,” Professor Durrant-Whyte said.
More information about the program and how to apply can be found at chiefscientist.nsw.gov.au.
