8 Innovative Canberra Businesses Awarded $237,000 through the Innovation Connect Grant Program
$237,000 awarded to 8 local innovation businesses in the second round of the 2025 ICON Grant.
Three of the funded projects are led by local female founders.
Since 2008, over $3.5 million in grant funding has been awarded to more than 300 companies.
About the Innovation Connect grant program:
Delivered in partnership with the ACT Government, the Canberra Innovation Network’s Innovation Connect Grant Program (ICON) offers matched funding of $10,000-$30,000 to support early-stage businesses in market testing, prototyping, patenting, and assessing the commercial viability of their concepts.
In the first round of 2025, ten innovative Canberra companies received grants of up to $30,000, turning ideas into reality across various industries. These projects hold the potential for meaningful real-world impact and greater efficiencies.
The next round of the Innovation Connect Grants is open for expressions of interest from 20 January 2026 to 24 April 2026.
The funded projects:
auXync: Patented augmented reality synchronisation technology that transforms any museum exhibit or invisible live performance into an interactive experience by perfectly aligning streaming video with ambient audio through smartphones, revolutionising how millions engage with culture globally.
Capital Shield: Capital Shield is a Canberra-based AI startup transforming how Australia’s leaders prepare for crisis. We use AI-driven simulation to recreate complex, fast-moving environments, helping organisations rehearse strategy, coordination, and response.
Cox Coach: Cox Coach is the world’s first online training platform for coxswains adopting a B2B model through working directly with rowing programs to solve one of their biggest problems.
Clipper Aeronautics: Flight testing a subscale model to finalise the design for a <500kg Autonomous Aerial Firefighting Vehicle and subsequently, attract investors based on progress achieved. (Female Founder)
Economics for Kids / EconTech: EconTech (Economics for Kids – The Games) is a research-based, tech-led platform built on Amazon Best Selling children’s books on money and saving by Dr Helen Hoang, an experienced economist and author, turning proven lessons into interactive games and dashboards for families and schools. (Female Founder)
High-E Photonics: High-E Photonics is developing highly efficient laser driver systems that will enable reliable, cost-effective fusion energy and unlock pathways to clean power at industrial scale.
Neylo: Neylo is a platform purpose built for sport, allowing athletes to showcase their skilfulness and scouts to use AI powered tools to find and recruit talent in minutes – revolutionising sport recruitment across Australia.
Soret Technologies Pty Ltd: Redefining water treatment: a new resource recovery method for fresh water and valuable materials. (Female Co-Founder)
