The NSW Government announced today a $16 million funding program to support the development of “innovative” bushfire-resilient solutions.

Minister for Science, Innovation and Technology Alister Henskens says the Bushfire Commercialisation Fund will help translate cutting-edge research into practical solutions that will improve bushfire detection, preparation and response.

“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,” Mr Henskens said.

“By investing in our homegrown talent and their innovative research, we can help grow the economy, create jobs and develop products that secure a brighter future for NSW.”

The first round of funding under the three-year program will offer grants of between $200,000 and $8 million to individuals, companies, research institutions and universities, to help them commercialise their research.

Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience and Minister for Flood Recovery Steph Cooke says the program will help to develop products that complement the work of emergency service organisations.

“By better understanding fires and enhancing the firefighting capability of frontline personnel, we are able to minimise their impact on the community and save lives,” Ms Cooke said.

The $16 million program is the second initiative being rolled out under the Bushfire Response R&D Mission. The R&D Mission has four objectives: supporting an ecosystem of bushfire technology; creating a Bushfire Commercialisation Fund; supporting a technology delivery process; and supporting a Program of STEM Outreach and Engagement.

NSW Chief Scientist & Engineer Hugh Durrant-Whyte says the Bushfire Commercialisation Fund has been modelled on the Medical Devices Fund and Physical Sciences Fund.

The two funds 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, he said.

Click here for application details about the Bushfire Commercialisation Fund.