21 December 2021
The Morrison Government is investing $12 million to strengthen partnerships between the technology sector and regional Australians to solve uniquely Australian challenges.
The new Catalysing the Artificial Intelligence Opportunity in Our Regions program will provide competitive grant funding over three rounds to regional organizations for artificial intelligence (AI) projects that benefit regional industries, businesses, and communities.
The program is part of the Government’s $124.1 million investment under the AI Action Plan, which sets out a vision for Australia to become a global leader in developing and adopting trusted, secure and responsible artificial intelligence.
Under round one, grants of between $250,000 and $500,000 are available.
Minister for Science and Technology Melissa Price said the program would showcase the opportunities for AI to boost regional capabilities, grow trust in this technology and create a pathway for high-skilled jobs in regional Australia.
“The Morrison Government is continuing its commitment to regional Australia by making local projects a reality to drive economic development and create stronger partnerships across our regional communities,” Minister Price said.
“We want to see the Australian technology sector get behind the opportunities for technology to improve the lives of regional Australians.
“This funding will showcase the ingenuity of our regional industries and communities and demonstrate the potential for artificial intelligence to solve uniquely Australian challenges.
“It will mean more innovative uses of AI, such as AI-assisted tools to increase crop yield by detecting disease and pests or predicting the spread of bushfires.
“The potential of AI is enormous and will be vital to our future. This investment will create local jobs and help ensure regional Australia is at the forefront of this rapidly evolving industry.”
The program aims to support projects that demonstrate real-world artificial intelligence applications that address challenges faced in regional areas.
Eligible activities include developing, implementing, and demonstrating novel or innovative AI solutions, providing opportunities for regional businesses to test and experiment with AI, and increasing awareness and trust in AI in regional Australia.
Applicants must submit a joint application, where at least one partner organization is located in a regional area.
Source: Press Release