Innovation Connections

Key dates for Innovation Connections

Release of Funding Rules: Continuous (last update March 2016)
Proposals open: Continuous
Applications due to UQ Research and Innovation (UQR&I): Notify UQR&I as soon as an application is created
Applications close with Innovation Connections: Continuous
Project Contract Execution: within 30 days of notification of grant offer
Funding Agreement Execution: within 14 days of execution of the Project Contract
UQR&I information session: TBA

Overview

The Innovation Connections scheme provides small and medium sized businesses with the opportunity to collaborate with the research sector in developing new ideas with commercial potential. Support includes up to $50,000 in matched funding to work on collaborative projects for up to 12 months.

How to apply

Step 1: Request a facilitator

The business submits a request for an Innovation Connections facilitation report by selecting the 'I'm ready to apply' tab
A facilitator will work with the business to provide a report on opportunities for potential projects. If the business accepts the facilitator’s report, they can then apply for an Innovation Connections grant.
Familiarise yourself with the key documentation from Innovation Connections and UQ.

Step 2: Completing the application

The business creates an application through the ‘I’m ready to apply’ tab on the scheme website.
There are reduced overheads rates that apply to this program, please see the UQR&I Innovation Connections - UQ Information Sheet (PDF, 387KB) document for further details.
Due to the short timeframe for contract and agreement executions, the Innovation Connections Program requires the Project Contract (DOC, 56KB) be fully drafted prior to application submission (noting there is a 100% success rate of applications that pass facilitation).
The Round Coordinator and your Research Partnership Manager (RPM) will assist with contract drafting.

Step 3: UQR&I internal review and feedback

In advance of internal review, ensure all online components are complete and that grants-manager@research.uq.edu.au is added as an Application Collaborator on the application. This will allow UQR&I to review your application online.

To initiate internal review, e-mail your completed Funding Coversheet and UQ Costing and pricing tool industrygrants@research.uq.edu.au.

Step 4: Final submission

The application is submitted by an authorised representative of the business after UQR&I approval has been provided.

Readership and researcher support

Before applying, we recommend you:

Contact your faculty or institute liaison for advice on peer readership programs.
Join the UQ R&I Mailer to stay up to date with round developments.
Access the UQ R&I Grants Library, a helpful resource of past successful proposals.
Attend UQ R&I information sessions and access PowerPoint presentations from presentations and slides.
Contact your UQ liaison librarian for advice on bibliometrics, online identifiers and data management planning.

Key documents

Innovation connectons

UQ

Innovation Connections - UQ Information Sheet (PDF, 387KB)