The Australian Government's Innovation Report

Seafood Services Australia Ltd
An Innovation Access Programme industry grant is helping the Australian seafood industry move into the
future by taking advantage of new technology.
Seafood Services was awarded a grant of up to $253 000 to undertake the Seafood Supply Chain Innovation
project. The project will help the Australian seafood industry access information and suppliers of global
technologies relating to product traceability, shelf life stability, live product transport technologies and
biosecurity integrity systems.
Key outputs of the project include the production of 12 ‘how-to’ guides to address key issues in the four
technology areas, and the production of four decision-making tools, one for each of the technology areas.
Industry Cooperative Innovation Programme
The Industry Cooperative Innovation Programme (ICIP) is a $25 million merit-based grants programme to encourage
business-to-business cooperation on innovation projects that enhance productivity, growth and international
competitiveness in Australian industries. The programme has a particular focus of meeting strategic industry needs,
such as those identified through Action Agendas, and supports projects that deliver industry-wide benefits.
Grants can be provided under two streams:
• Stream A, which supports project scoping or innovation mapping activities with a maximum grant of
$150 000 for projects up to 18 months duration; and
• Stream B, which supports R&D, proof-of-concept, innovation demonstration and adaptation or innovation
implementation activities with a maximum grant of $3 million for projects up to three years duration.
Collaboration is a requirement for all ICIP projects. Applicants must propose a consortium comprising a
minimum of three eligible entities that will conduct the project.
During 2005-06, the programme’s first application round was completed with 15 projects being awarded grants
totalling $4.5 million. Projects included an innovative method to breed prawns in earthen ponds and the
development of materials to reduce infections caused by prostheses. The second application round closed on
15 June 2006. A key change was a broadening of the eligibility criteria to allow applications from industry
associations.
In June 2006, the Minister for Industry, Tourism and Resources announced that the ICIP programme guidelines
would be broadened to increase support for projects involving international collaboration. In August and
September, industry was consulted on possible changes to the guidelines. Any changes are expected to take
effect in round three of the programme, which is expected to occur in the first half of 2007.
More information about the ICIP can be found at: www.ausindustry.gov.au
68 Backing Australia’s Ability