The NSW Nationals in the federal government are investing $12 million to strengthen partnerships between the technology sector and regional Australians to solve uniquely Australian challenges.
The new Catalysing the Artificial Intelligence Opportunity in Our Regions program will provide competitive grant funding over three rounds to regional organisations for artificial intelligence (AI) projects that deliver benefits to regional industries, businesses, and communities.
The program is part of the government’s $124.1 million investment under the AI Action Plan, which sets out a vision for Australia to become a global leader in developing and adopting trusted, secure, and responsible artificial intelligence.
Under round one, grants of between $250,000 and $500,000 are available.
The program is designed to showcase the opportunities for AI to boost regional capabilities, grow trust in the technology, and create a pathway for high-skilled jobs in regional Australia.
The funding will showcase the ingenuity of our regional industries and communities and demonstrate the potential for artificial intelligence to solve uniquely Australian challenges.
It will mean more innovative uses of AI, such as AI-assisted tools to increase crop yield by detecting disease and pests or predicting the spread of bushfires.
The potential of AI is enormous and will be vital to our future. This investment will create local jobs and help ensure regional Australia is at the forefront of this rapidly evolving industry.
The program aims to support projects that demonstrate real-world applications of artificial intelligence that address challenges faced in regional areas.
Eligible activities include developing, implementing and demonstrating novel or innovative AI solutions, providing opportunities for regional businesses to test and experiment with AI, and increasing awareness and trust in AI in regional Australia.
Applicants must submit a joint application, where at least one partner organisation is located in a regional area.
Details on how to apply for round one of the program are available at business.gov. au/aicr.
More information about Australia’s AI Action plan, including measures under the plan, can be found at industry.gov.au.
