The scheme aims to provide targeted funds to scale already tested activities that address emerging challenges and opportunities in Vietnam’s innovation system.

Managed and implemented by CSIRO, and delivered in strategic partnership with Vietnam’s Ministry of Science and Technology, the Aus4Innovation program has previously supported three funding rounds, with a total of 12 projects funded, with all projects delivering successful results.

Grants of AUD250,000 to AUD700,000 will be awarded on a competitive basis to Australian and Vietnamese institutions who already have existing Partnerships. Grantees will have up to 24 months to implement their proposed activities.

Under the theme “High Tech Innovation to Address Challenges in Agriculture for Sustainable Development”, this round will welcome ideas that utilise technology to address challenges such as improving productivity in production and processing; enhancing the use of resources in agriculture; developing domestic and export markets for agricultural products; contributing to climate change adaptation/mitigation and resilience; or ensuring benefits for disadvantaged groups.

“With the recent extension of the Aus4Innovation program to 2028, Australia is committed to supporting Vietnam to develop a robust innovation system. The Innovation Partnership Grants initiative is an effective vehicle to bring together the innovation communities of our two countries and exchange ideas to catalyse and facilitate technology transfer,” said Andrew Goledzinowski, Australian Ambassador to Vietnam.

“In previous rounds, we have witnessed meaningful applications of technology in healthcare, agrifood, natural disasters and environmental management. With this grant round focused on hi-tech agriculture, an emerging topic in Vietnam, we look forward to seeing the continued co-creation of innovative solutions through our countries’ strong collaborations.”

Meanwhile, Deputy Minister of Science and Technology Bui The Duy voiced high hopes on the success of tech-based innovation projects under Aus4Innovation in Vietnam. 

“Deeper, stronger ties between our innovation systems is a key goal for our strategic partnership with Australia, and the Innovation Partnership Grants initiative provides excellent opportunities to nurture ideas and scale the on-going partnerships between Australian and Vietnamese organisations. I hope grants provided under the Aus4Innovation program will set an example of how innovation – particularly when it is jointly developed and implemented – can transform our society and deliver economic, social and environmental sustainability,” said Duy.

Eligible applicants are invited to download the grant guidelines and Frequently Asked Questions [here] and send in their Expression of Interest applications [here] no later than 25 September 2023.

Innovation Partnership Grants are a key element of the Aus4Innovation program, a 2018-2028 flagship initiative worth AUD 33.5 million aimed at strengthening Vietnam’s innovation system to support inclusive and sustainable socio-economic development. 

The program is funded by Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), co-funded and managed by CSIRO – Australia’s national science agency, and delivered in a strategic partnership with Vietnam’s Ministry of Science and Technology.

Source: VOV