The big thinkers of Central Australia now have somewhere to go for help.
Amy Simson is the newly-appointed Project Officer for Business Innovation.
Her role means that innovators in Alice Springs and surrounding communities have someone to ask for advice and practical assistance.
Amy, who works for the Northern Territory (NT) Government’s Department of Trade, Business and Innovation, describes herself as the 'first point of contact' for people with bright, potentially money-making or socially-useful ideas.
“They no longer have to speak to someone in Darwin over the phone,” she says. “They can come into my office and have a face-to-face appointment, which is very important.
“People like to meet you when they are talking about their confidential projects.”
Amy’s new role is part of the Business Innovation Strategy, a drive to turn the Territory into a creative, innovative hub.
She supports innovators in many ways, including:
- providing help with applying for innovation specific grants
- access to the Innovator in Residence program
- upskilling workshops
- the Mastering Innovation NT network, which engages members of the NT innovation ecosystem to share ideas and information as well as attend events relevant to the industry.
The Business Innovation Support Initiatives program helps businesses undertake research and development that could lead to new products, processes or services.
Territory businesses can access support for projects including conducting scientific, technical and intellectual property knowledge searches; developing experimental plans with researchers; research and development activities and trials; feasibility studies; building prototypes; obtaining patents; and accessing specialist research facilities.
Under the program, an innovation voucher provides up to 60% support for eligible projects; each voucher is worth up to $25,000 exclusive of GST.
Another grant provides up to $60,000, which must be matched by an equal contribution from the innovator.
“It can be challenging to find the money to get an innovation off the ground,” says Amy.
The Innovator in Residence program provides expert advice and mentoring.
Amy, who worked for the Department of Housing and Community Development before taking on her new role, has helped several innovators, including Alice Springs-based Uber Air, an aerial imagery and drone provider.
The company carries out aerial surveys and asset inspections by using the latest remote piloted aircraft systems, commonly known as drones.
Amy is also creating a program to help support business innovation in the remote areas.
For further information on Business Innovation NT or to make an appointment with Amy, contact 08 8951 8502 or email innovation@nt.gov.au