UP TO $200,000 FOR ACTIVE INNOVATIONS

A new fund will invest up to $200,000 for innovative solutions and projects that support more Queenslanders be physically active and sports, recreation and fitness sector create more opportunities for activity.

Member for Nicklin, Robert Skelton MP said $4.34 million will be available via the ActiveKIT fund to support Sunshine Coast start-ups or small to medium enterprises to trial and implement new and innovative products or services.

“We want to see sports tech companies, start-ups, small to medium businesses and local governments trialling and implementing new and innovative projects that which drive physical health benefits for Sunshine Coast families,” said Mr Skelton.

“It could be online physical activity programs for target groups, a product or service which tailors physical activity programs based on a person’s movement, or an application that gives Queenslanders real-time access to local eco-tourism active opportunities.

“Other ideas could include projects which enable volunteers to share resources across organisations, infrastructure solutions, or innovative new events that drive economic benefits for the Active Industry.

“The common thread here is that the solutions should increase physical activity participation for target groups or offer a better way of doing things for the Active Industry.

The Palaszczuk Government is working in partnership with Health and Wellbeing Queensland on the ActiveKIT fund to support innovative solutions which support and encourage physical activity.

Health and Wellbeing Queensland Chief Executive Dr Robyn Littlewood said the ActiveKIT fund is an important way to improve the overall health of Queenslanders.

“We know that over 420,000 Queenslanders are not getting enough physical activity each week, and more than 48,000 Queensland children are getting less than one hour of physical activity each day,” said Dr Littlewood.

“Low physical activity has a direct impact on our overall health and wellbeing, including increasing our risk of chronic conditions such as heart disease, stroke and diabetes.

Minister for Sport Stirling Hinchliffe said that by harnessing Knowledge, Innovation and Technology (KIT), the ActiveKIT fund will draw out innovative solutions that otherwise may not have come to fruition.

“I encourage organisations to put forward products or services that are beyond concept stage which can help the Active Industry by increasing membership, lowering costs, driving new revenue streams or reducing the burden on volunteers,” he said.

“The innovators may have a current solution which can be translated for use in the Active Industry by partnering with state sporting bodies, universities and local government.

“Importantly, we want to see solutions that target those specific groups who are insufficiently physically active, whether that be because of age, health, ability, time or socio-economic factors.”

Mr Hinchliffe said that funding will be available across two Tiers -Tier 1 is up to $100,000 while Tier 2 is between $100,001 and $200,000.

Funding can be used in the delivery of innovative, unique and new products, as well as for salaries, services, equipment, travel and other costs related to meeting the challenge requirements.

Funding cash co-contributions are required from applicants – at least 20% of the funding requested for Tier 1 and 50% of the funding requested for Tier 2.

Online applications will be open from 22 March until 19 April 2021, with approved projects to start from 1 June 2021 once funding agreements are in place with the department.

For more program information, including eligibility requirements, go to www.dtis.qld.gov.au/activekit