Today Petr Adamek CEO of the Canberra Innovation Network announced a new collaboration with ACT Government to deliver the Innovation Connect (ICON) Grants available to innovative entrepreneurs and startups, opening on Tuesday, 30 October 2018.

ICON Grants, which have previously been delivered directly from ACT Government will now be delivered in partnership with the Canberra Innovation Network. This move will help early stage entrepreneurs connect with the innovation ecosystem early, which will provide a sense of support and community for emerging startups.

 “The Innovation Connect Grants are an important addition and are fully complementary to our current growth and innovation programs. It will further connect the innovation community, creating a safe environment for entrepreneurs to learn, develop and grow” said Petr Adamek CEO, Canberra Innovation Network.

ICON is a matched-funding competitive grant program and the new format will see three funding rounds every year, with a total pool of $500,000 per financial year. These funds will be distributed to eligible early stage entrepreneurs and startups who have a proof of concept or prototype and seek grants between $10,000 – $30,000.

The program will also utilise and tap into Canberra’s experienced entrepreneurs, investors and innovators who will form the panel that will assess the grant applications.

The Canberra Innovation Network will be holding a free information session on the upcoming grant process and key dates.

Details:

12.00pm – 1.00pm
Tuesday, 6 November
Canberra Innovation Network
Level 5, 1 Moore Street Canberra City
Register here

Every entrepreneur and startup who is interested will need to book an intro meeting with a Business Growth Advisor from the Canberra Innovation Network discuss fit of their venture and idea with the grant purpose. Eligible entrepreneurs will be invited to submit an Expression of Interest with a 60 second video pitch.

An Intro Meeting can be booked here.