Angusta Systems, Secura Shield and Smart Digital Optics (SDO) were awarded Innovation Grant funding in the latest innovation funding announced by Senator Kim Carr, Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research.

Angusta Systems is developing a logistics engine to efficiently manage cash distribution and procurement in the economy, and will use the grant to develop a web based analytics application designed to integrate the ATMs, bank branches, retailers and depot vault networks. Says CEO Winston Chen, “Suddenly our business is scalable and our potential market, global.” Please see article in this months newsletter.

SDO manufactures optical current transducers for measuring current in high voltage electricity transmission networks. The high speed turnaround in the funding process and the relatively small scale, has enabled SDO to continue product enhancement and to conduct field trials in Australia , Spain and Mexico both crucial at this stage of SDO's development.

Secura Shield is a specialist RFID e-Seal developer providing products designed for the rugged operating environment of global transport. The innovation grant has enabled the company to further commercialise the electronic bolt seal, the e-Seal with all the R&D being undertaken here in Australia. Jonathan Elcombe CEO Secura Shield adds " There is no doubt that the AusIndustry funding adds to our value proposition, fast tracks business growth and the ongoing development of the business."

AusIndustry is the Australian Government’s business program delivery division in the Department of Innovation, Industry, Science and Research.

AusIndustry delivers a range of more than 30 programs - including innovation grants, tax and duty concessions, small business skills development, industry support and venture capital - worth about $2 billion to more than 10,000 businesses, and 60,000 individuals every year.

The Commercialising Emerging Technologies (COMET) program has a strong focus on mentoring, business management, advice and support and offers grants ranging from $5000 up to $120,000.