What does NanoConnect offer?
NanoConnect offers companies access to University researchers and facilities for approved projects for no cost.
The program consists of 2 stages:-
Stage 1. Scoping Project
A two to three week scoping project is undertaken to assess the technical feasibility of the project.
This consists of a desktop review of the available literature and is provided at no cost.
Stage 1 - Will take up to 12 Weeks to complete from submission of a successful expression of interest (EOI)
Outcomes
• Written Report
• If the project is found to be technically feasible and the NanoConnect Management Team assesses it as eligible, the project will then proceed to stage 2.
Stage 2. "Proof of Concept" Project
A two month laboratory based “Proof of Concept” (PoC) project will then be undertaken. The PoC projects allow companies to make informed decisions on the commercial potential of the concept, at which point they are free to pursue the idea independently or in further collaboration with Flinders University.
To ensure collaboration and maximise benefits to the company and of the relevance of the research, companies are expected to be involved in regular project discussions during Stage 2 as part of their "In-kind" contribution to the project.
Stage 2 - Will take up to 6 months to complete after completion of Stage 1
Outcomes
• Written report, lab results, demonstration of PoC
• The laboratory PoC projects will allow companies to make informed decisions on the commercial potential of the concept, at which point they are free to pursue the idea independently or in further collaboration with Flinders University.
• Participants in NanoConnect may proceed further to access the SA Government’s $2.15m Cleantech Partnering Program, $4m Small and Medium Enterprise Investment Development Program and BioSA’s commercialisation grants, or other relevant Commonwealth programs, subject to meeting relevant eligibility requirements.
What does NanoConnect cost?
The Stage 1 Scoping Project is free of charge. Depending on the project requirements, up to $10,000 of in-kind project support will be requested from the company in order to successfully complete the Stage 2 PoC project.
In-kind support is not cash supported, but rather use of company facilities such as manufacturing equipment, specialist testing equipment etc. and/or involvement of company staff, whose skills and guidance are required for the project. Naturally the level and type of this in-kind support is project and company dependent.
