How Australia’s BRII moved public-sector problems into prototype funding

The public problem comes first

Under BRII an agency nominates an unmet policy or delivery need. Businesses then put forward solutions for that challenge. The department says the first grant stage can provide up to A$100,000 for three months of technical and commercial testing. The ceiling is a programme rule, while each award is determined by the grant decision. Source 1

Feasibility and prototype funding are separate decisions

Successful feasibility recipients can be invited to apply for up to A$1 million to develop a proof of concept. The Industry Innovation and Science Australia committee assesses both challenge nominations and grant applications. A prototype grant establishes development support, with any later government purchase requiring a separate process. Source 1

Different rounds were at different stages

The 2024 to 2025 report records 15 SMEs undertaking feasibility in renewables and low emissions. It also records five businesses supported in regulatory technology prototyping, two proof-of-concept awards for workplace relations, and a finalised prototype for sharing occupational mobility information across jurisdictions. Source 2

The cumulative funding total has a wider scope

The annual report says BRII had provided over A$42 million to 99 businesses since 2016, with 28 challenges from 21 public service agencies. The figures span multiple rounds and include more than one grant stage. They describe programme reach without measuring later procurement or commercial revenue. Source 2 Source 1

Sources

• Industry department BRII stages and grant ceilings
• Industry Innovation and Science Australia annual report, page 18