Vistech calls for more funding opportunities

Vistech, the Victoria–Israel Science and Technology R&D Fund, is providing $970,000 for three new projects and is calling for more applications.

Launched in 2006, Vistech is a three-year program with Israel and Victoria each providing US$3 million.

The fund provides matching grants of up to US$500,000 to help innovative Victorian companies commercialise their research and development and break into Australian, Israeli and world markets.

To date, the fund has awarded almost $2 million to Victorian companies, supporting eight projects worth around $7.8 million.

Innovation Minister Gavin Jennings announced that the three new projects to be funded through Vistech are:

• Sustainability Ventures in Victoria and Aqwise in Israel, collaborating on new technology to help farmers better utilise resources such as effluent water and saline bore water;
• Northcote-based company Floorbotics and Israeli company Kanitti Engineering, developing and manufacturing a new water-efficient industrial floor cleaning robot; and
• a collaboration between Melbourne-based Anadis and Israel’s Maya-Biotech, to co-develop a new medical product for the painful side effects of chemo- and radiotherapy.

“The three projects will lead to new health- and sustainability-related products that will improve Victoria’s quality of life and create more skilled jobs,” Jennings said.

“Vistech demonstrates the value of international partnerships in commercialising our research and highlights what Victoria can offer such partnerships on the world stage.”

Fifth round Vistech project applications are now open and will close on 5 September 2008.

“Vistech offers Victorian companies access to additional skills, capital, technology transfer and knowledge, and assists them to find Israeli technology partners,” Mr Jennings said.

“Companies working across the life sciences sector as well as advanced manufacturing, nano, water, environment, information communications and synchrotron technologies are encouraged to apply."

To apply for Vistech grants, visit:
www.business.vic.gov.au/vistech