Applications opened for grants between $200,000 and $2 million through Physical Sciences Fund

Applications are open for Round 5 of the NSW government’s Physical Sciences Fund, which offers grant funding of between $200,000 and $2 million to assist commercialisation of devices and systems.

Preliminary applications were opened on Tuesday for the program, which is administered by the Office of the NSW Chief Scientist & Engineer and has been running since 2019. 

The PSF targets startups in the state, and aims to progress technology operating “across the branches of the physical sciences and engineering, including physics, chemistry, astronomy and the earth sciences” and at Technology Readiness Levels 3 – 7.

Companies with revenues (excluding grant funding) above $2.5 million in FY2022/23 are not eligible.

“The Physical Sciences Fund is responsible for supporting some of the true NSW small business success stories of recent years, including Wollongong-based hydrogen production company Hysata and regional connectivity company Zetifi,” said NSW Chief Scientist & Engineer Professor Hugh Durrant-Whyte in a statement on Tuesday.

“These are just two examples of how the PSF supports NSW startup companies to develop and commercialise their innovations, in the process growing their business while solving some of NSW’s most pressing technological challenges.

Following preliminary applications, an Expert Panel will shortlist applicants to progress to Stage 2 (full applications).

First stage applications close April 29, with full applications opening September 9 and closing October 1, and successful applications announced in December.

More eligibility, timetable and other information is available at this link.

Picture: credit Hysata