The Biosecurity Innovation Program invests in and funds innovative technologies and approaches to enhance the capacity of our national biosecurity system to manage current and emerging biosecurity challenges and risks.

The Program aims to benefit Australia’s agriculture sector, importers, exporters, state and territory governments, business innovators, international partners, and the Australian public. It will help Australia maintain our favourable pest and disease status, and our access to export markets.

Now in its fourth year, the Program supports collaboration between industry and government. It invests in the identification, development and implementation of innovative technologies and approaches to enhance the capacity of our national biosecurity system.

Innovation is a key component of our response to the biosecurity challenges of the future. By working smarter, together, we will be better placed to manage increasing biosecurity risks. 

Through the Biosecurity Innovation Program, we are bringing your ideas to life. We are investing in accelerating the identification, development and implementation of innovative technologies and approaches that enhance the capacity of the national biosecurity system to manage biosecurity risk. 

Together, we want to identify bold new ideas to support the long-term effectiveness and sustainability of Australia’s biosecurity system. We need to modernise our systems to keep pace with a changing world. 

Your ideas will deliver maximum impact when they are aligned to our priorities. The following five key focus areas have been identified as priorities for which ideas will be evaluated by subject matter experts: 

Automation

Data and Intelligence

Risk Analysis

Surveillance, Diagnostics & Screening

Communication and Collaboration

Now in its fourth year, the Program supports collaboration between industry and government. It invests in the identification, development and implementation of innovative technologies and approaches designed to enhance the capacity of our national biosecurity system.

Industry plays an essential role in safeguarding Australia’s biosecurity. We’re collaborating with innovators from the business sector, universities, and domestic and international research entities.

Here are some of the projects we have invested into date: Past Projects

World First 3D X-Ray algorithms can automatically detect wildlife	Rapid diagnostic tools can detect Begomoviruses in plant hosts	Eco-engineering research in how light influences marine life colonising underwater surfaces

The program employs a two-staged applications process.

Expression of Interest applications will open on Monday 11 October 2021 and close at 11:00pm AEDST on 3 December 2021. Late applications will not be accepted.

Following the assessment of Expression of Interest applications, a number of applicants will be invited to submit a Full Application and will be notified via email of the Full Application stage requirements.

No early indication of likely success of an application can be provided to Applicants. There is no implicit guarantee of approval at any stage in the process, and all Applicants will be notified via email of their assessment outcomes in due course.

Additional information about the Program and Application Process is available in the FAQs page. 

Your ideas are important, and we’d love to hear from you. 

Please contact our Program Management Office at biosecurity.innovation@awe.gov.au for more information. 

By working together, we will be better placed to build a smarter, stronger and more sustainable national biosecurity system.

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