Research and Innovation Fund – Seed Start Program

The program supports innovative early-stage South Australian businesses to commercialise products or services that are distinctive or offer a sustainable competitive advantage in national and international markets.

The objectives of the program are to:

• Foster the establishment and growth of young high-growth potential businesses in
• South Australia that build capability, capacity and productivity.
• Create more jobs in South Australia, particularly in skilled roles.
• Help more South Australian businesses progress toward securing significant private investment for growth.
• Deliver economic and public benefits for South Australia.

The program offers two funding options:

• Seed Grant – between $50,000 and $100,000 with applicants required to provide a 1:2 contribution (i.e. contribute one-third of total costs).
• Start Grant – between $100,000 and $500,000 with applicants required to provide a matching 1:1 contribution.

To be eligible for funding, applicants must:

• Be based in South Australia or be willing to be based in South Australia prior to commencing the project.
• Be a non-tax-exempt business and be registered for GST.
• Have a combined annual turnover of less than $1 million for each of the three financial years prior to lodgement of the application.

Expressions of Interest are now open.