Technology Voucher Program Guidelines

Technology Voucher Program Guidelines DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS AND INNOVATION September 2012 Technology Voucher Program Guidelines Table of content...
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Technology Voucher Program Guidelines

DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS AND INNOVATION

September 2012

Technology Voucher Program Guidelines

Table of contents 1. Background

3

2. Objectives

3

3.

Voucher program model

3

4.

Technology Voucher types

4

5. Eligibility

4

5.1. The applicant

4

5.2. The service providers (suppliers)

5

5.3. The applicant company – supplier relationship

6

5.4. The voucher project

6

6. Funding

7

6.1. Level of funding

7

6.2. Company co-contribution

7

6.3. Eligible project expenditure

8

6.4. Links with other Victorian Government programs

8

6.5. Duration of funding

9

7. Assessment criteria

9

8.

Program partners

11

9. Application process

11

9.1. How to apply

12

10. Assessment process

12

11. Voucher issue

12

12. Voucher monitoring

12

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Technology Voucher Program Guidelines

1. Background The Technology Voucher Program is an initiative under Victoria’s Technology Plan for the Future, the Victorian Government’s three-part technology strategy supporting the development and economy-wide use of information and communication technology (ICT), biotechnology and small technologies. The adoption of cutting-edge technologies is critical for improving business productivity and ensuring a competitive edge for companies by transforming business products, processes and services. The Technology Voucher Program is based on (and replaces) the Victorian Government’s highly successful Small Technologies Industry Uptake Program (STIUP).

2. Objectives The Technology Voucher Program is primarily designed to support Victorian companies to use technologies – specifically ICT1, industrial biotechnology2 and small technologies3– in order to develop more competitive products, processes and services. As a secondary objective, the Program will also support non-Victorian companies to access Victorian technology know-how and services where there are significant and measurable benefits likely to flow to the State4. By supporting the adoption and integration of ICT, biotechnology and small technologies into business products and processes, the Program aims to facilitate improved performance (particularly with respect to productivity) and growth of businesses which are, or have the potential to become, high performing and internationally competitive. The Program is primarily targeted at fast-growing small and medium sized enterprises (up to 200 employees). Large companies are also able to apply for vouchers for projects where there is substantial opportunity to capture benefits for the State.

3. Voucher program model Vouchers are a form of government assistance which can be exchanged for access to facilities, goods, services, advice or expertise provided by service providers. Vouchers are issued in the name of the company (the voucher recipient), have no cash value, and are non-transferable. Government funds are provided directly to the service providers following provision of facilities, goods, services, advice or expertise and upon completion of work.

1 Information and communication technology comprises a constant evolution of hardware, software, networks and platforms which provide businesses with new opportunities to transform operations, products and services. 2 Industrial Biotechnology is defined as the development, adaption and/or integration of a bio-based product or process for industrial applications (manufacturing, waste or water remediation, production of energy) that will deliver greater efficiency and/or improve firm competitiveness. 3 Nano- and micro-scale technologies. 4 For example, economic benefits from attracting a new multinational or foreign-owned company to do business in Victoria, where a voucher project is likely to stimulate further investment, lead to the establishment of manufacturing operations or impact supply chains.

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Technology Voucher Program Guidelines

4. Technology Voucher types Voucher types

Purpose

Examples of activities supported by voucher

$50,000 Technology Development (incorporating the STIUP Technical voucher)

This voucher can be used to undertake technology development and/or absorption activities.

>> Development of materials, documents or prototypes for commercial feasibility >> Specialised services required to obtain pre-commercial financing for technology based products or services >> Consulting services to evaluate processes and product design >> Access to technology capability (people, equipment or facilities) >> Product testing, validating, prototyping, laboratory verification, certifying and demonstration to get product and/or service to market faster >> Access to emerging technologies from other commercial entities that can be transferred into the company to improve products, processes or services.

$250,000 Technology Implementation (incorporating the STIUP Trial voucher)

This voucher can be used to undertake substantial testing or applied development activities in order to adapt existing technology based innovations into new practice or within new markets.

>> Development of prototype(s) to demonstrate commercial feasibility, open up markets and/or improve current products or processes >> Test different applications of the technology within new markets >> Pilot scale trials to demonstrate the benefits from incorporating technology into products or production processes >> Applied development and testing of technologies that can improve productivity and/or profitability.

$10,000 Technology Student Accelerator

This voucher can be used to undertake an ICT development project with a Victorian university using one or more students during the vacation period.

In conjunction with a university the voucher can be used for: >> evaluation of processes or product design >> solution architecture >> product testing, validating, prototyping, certifying and demonstration to facilitate faster product and/or service to market.

5. Eligibility 5.1 The applicant Applicants must meet the following criteria to be eligible for assistance under the Technology Voucher Program: >> Meet the co-contribution requirement with eligible project expenditure5 >> Not currently involved in litigation with the State Government of Victoria.

5 See definition in section 6.2 4 of 6

Technology Voucher Program Guidelines

Applicant type

Limit on vouchers received (over life of program)

Victorian small to medium businesses (1-199 employees)6

One Technology Student Accelerator Voucher and

Large Victorian companies (200+ employees)7

One Technology Development Voucher or One Technology Implementation Voucher

Non-Victorian companies (including foreign owned) wanting to undertake work in Victoria8

One Technology Development Voucher or One Technology Implementation Voucher

One Technology Development Voucher and One Technology Implementation Voucher

Businesses may apply individually or jointly with other businesses. Consideration will be given to pooling of vouchers by separate companies9. Provided they meet the criteria specified above, recipients of Small Technologies Industry Uptake Program (STIUP) vouchers may apply for Technology vouchers according to the following: >> companies receiving STIUP Feasibility vouchers may apply for all Technology voucher types; >> companies receiving STIUP Technical vouchers may only apply for Technology Student Accelerator or Implementation vouchers; >> companies receiving STIUP Trial vouchers are only eligible to apply for Technology Student Accelerator vouchers.

5.2 The service providers (suppliers) Service Providers may be publicly funded, not-for-profit enterprises or privately owned and should meet the following criteria to supply services to a voucher project: >> Supply eligible services (that is, demonstrate the ability to facilitate technology adoption in ICT, industrial biotechnology or small technologies). >> Victorian based or offering a service not-available in Victoria10. Potential service providers will be listed on the Program website at www.business.vic.gov.au/tvp. Service providers need not be listed on the potential supplier directory in order to be nominated as a supplier in a voucher application, however they will need to submit an application to be listed at the time of application. Details on supplier specifications and how to become listed on the potential supplier list can be found at www.business.vic.gov.au/tvp.

6 Defined as those companies registered in Victoria or carrying out more than 50 per cent of their business activity in Victoria. 7 Where there is substantial and demonstrable opportunity to capture benefits for the State. 8 Must be undertaken with a Victorian service provider and a case will need to be made by the voucher applicant to demonstrate significant and measurable benefits are likely to be flow to the State from undertaking the project. 9 Please contact the Program Manager to discuss. 10 A case will need to be made by the voucher applicant as to requirement to access services from a non-Victorian supplier.

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Technology Voucher Program Guidelines

Service providers seeking to be listed on the potential supplier list and/or nominated by a voucher applicant to provide services will be required to sign a declaration to the effect that they are: >> of reputable standing >> committed to providing services at market rates >> not currently involved in litigation with the State Government of Victoria. Unless otherwise notified, all suppliers on the current STIUP approved supplier list will be automatically included in the Technology Voucher Program potential supplier list.

5.3 The applicant company – supplier relationship Applicants and suppliers must be entirely separate entities, with no financial or other ties. That is, companies and suppliers cannot be owned by the same parent company, share governance or have common directors. Voucher applicants are required to declare any existing governance relationships between themselves and the nominated supplier for the project, including whether any of the project suppliers: >> are subsidiaries or related bodies corporate within the meaning of the Corporations Act 2001; >> share common directors, officers or senior managers. Vouchers are intended to catalyse new relationships between companies and service providers (publicly funded, not-for-profit enterprises or privately owned), or to move tentative collaborations into a productive relationship, Vouchers are intended to support high productivity impact projects which may build on existing relationships. Accordingly, vouchers are only available to support voucher projects where: >> there is a new relationship, i.e. the company has never worked (formally or informally) with the nominated supplier; >> there has been no financial transaction between the company and the supplier in the last five years; or >> there is an existing relationship but where the project would not have gone ahead within the next 12 months and there are demonstrable benefits from undertaking the work 11.

5.4 The voucher project The adoption, integration or development of technology related to products, processes or services should be central to proposed voucher projects. Specifically, preference will be given to projects that demonstrate the absorption of technologies into existing products and processes, rather than the commercialisation of new products or services. In the case of industrial biotechnology applications, the program will support: >> the use of enzymes or microorganisms to make products in sectors such as chemicals, plastics, food and feed, detergents, paper and pulp, textiles and energy; >> the development of manufacturing processes and/or associated services using enzymes or microorganisms; or >> the use of sustainable bio-based feed-stocks in industrial applications.

11 DBI notes that companies have occasionally developed relationships with potential suppliers but have been unable to source funding to progress to a formal service relationship.

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Technology Voucher Program Guidelines

The Program is not intended to support projects which primarily involve: >> basic research >> routine replacement or upgrade of plant and equipment using simple technologies >> activities that would be undertaken in the normal course of business, such as capacity expansion, website development, or the development and/or integration of standard software for core purposes (e.g. accounting, financial management) >> straight-forward biotechnology product development activities not involving the industrial application of enzymes or microorganisms (e.g. drug design, development or clinical trial). Funding will not be provided for retrospective activities (i.e. where project expenditure is incurred prior to voucher issue). Applicants are required to demonstrate the extent of the project’s dependence on the voucher, including the likelihood of the project proceeding if the application is unsuccessful. Applicants must have a plan to take the project forward after using the voucher (this may include next steps following a ‘fast fail’).

6. Funding 6.1 Level of funding Technology Development Voucher – maximum value of $50,000 The Technology Development Voucher can be used for substantial technology development and/ or absorption activities. This includes assistance for pilot scale product prototyping, laboratory verification, field testing and fabrication of demonstrators. Technology Development Voucher applications can be submitted at any time and will be processed as they are received. Technology Implementation Voucher – maximum value of $250,000 The Technology Implementation Voucher can be used to put into practice existing technology based innovations which can improve the competitiveness of a firm or improve services which are provided for the benefit of Victorians. Technology Implementation Voucher applications will be conducted through competitive funding rounds. Technology Student Accelerator Vouchers – maximum value of $10,000 The Technology Student Accelerator Voucher can be used for short-term (up to three months) ICT projects with Victorian universities. Technology Student Accelerator Voucher applications will be conducted through competitive funding rounds.

6.2 Company co-contribution For Victorian small to medium sized companies, vouchers require a minimum cash co-contribution from the business of 25% of the voucher amount requested (i.e. $12,500 co-contribution for a $50,000 voucher or $62,500 for a $250,000 voucher). For large and non-Victorian companies, vouchers require a matching cash co-contribution from the business (i.e. $1 for every $1 granted through the voucher). If applying jointly with another business, both businesses may contribute to project expenditure to meet the co-contribution requirement. Funds from other Local, State and Commonwealth Government programs cannot form part of the co-contribution.

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Technology Voucher Program Guidelines

6.3 Eligible project expenditure Eligible project expenditure includes project-related non-capitalised expenditure but does not include capital expenditure, internal costs, salaries or resources of the applicant company. Eligible project expenditure can include salaries and project-related costs of the supplier company or organisation. All project expenditure is to be incurred after voucher issue. Applicants will need to meet the cost of any ineligible expenditure associated with their project. It is not the intention of the Program to cover ‘business as usual’ expenses. As such, vouchers funds may not be used to cover the following expenses (unless approved in writing by the Victorian Government through its Department of Business and Innovation): >> business plans >> legal/Intellectual Property (IP) costs (excluding Freedom to Operate searches) >> software purchases >> design and production of advertising material >> sales and promotion activities >> costs associated with applying for government grants and programs >> basic professional services such as ongoing, routine accounting, tax and legal business requirements, and financing fees >> routine maintenance >> travel costs and entertainment costs >> any expenditure of time by in-house personnel of the applicant >> any amount paid on account of goods and services tax >> any administrative fee or surcharge for administering such expenditures >> anything else as determined by the Victorian Government discretion not to meet program conditions.

6.4 Links with other Victorian Government programs The Technology Voucher Program has been designed to complement other programs offered by the Victorian Government. Applicants should consider which program is most relevant to their business needs. Companies may not receive support for the same project under both the Technology Voucher Program and the Investing in Manufacturing Technology program (which primarily supports the purchase of capital equipment), and must declare if they have any live applications to the Investing in Manufacturing Technology program at the time of voucher application. Information on the Investing in Manufacturing Technology program can be found at www.business.vic.gov.au/imt.

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6.5 Duration of funding Technology Development Voucher projects are to be commenced within 3 months and completed within 12 months of the date of voucher issue. Technology Implementation Voucher projects are to be commenced within 6 months and completed within 24 months of the date of voucher issue. Technology Student Accelerator Voucher projects are to be commenced within 3 months and completed within 6 months of the date of voucher issue. The Department reserves the right to withdraw the voucher/offer of funding if projects are not commenced within these timeframes.

7. Assessment Criteria Applications for Technology Development and Technology Implementation Vouchers will be assessed against the criteria listed below. More detailed information will be expected to support Technology Implementation Voucher applications. Voucher applications will be checked against the following eligibility criteria before being assessed formally as per the criteria below: >> Does the project involve the development, adaption or adoption of technology (i.e. ICT, industrial biotechnology and/or small technologies) >> Does the project require access to technology facilities or know-how to technically demonstrate the technology (e.g. Melbourne Centre for Nanofabrication, Synchrotron, CSIRO)? Technology Student Accelerator Voucher assessment criteria will be published with the call for applications. 1. Impact of the project on business productivity and/or competitiveness 1.1 How and to what extent will the project deliver significant, ongoing increases in productivity to the business? 1.2 What is the likelihood of successful demonstration of the technology? 1.3 Is the project focused on technology absorption or commercialisation? (Weighting will be given to technology absorption activities.) 1.4 What is the time required for technology development or adoption? (Weighting will be given to technologies taking less than 12 months.) 1.5 What is the stage of technology development? (Weighting will be given to technologies that are existing and/or well defined and that have a high likelihood of being successfully demonstrated.) 1.6 When are the productivity gains likely to be realised?

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2. Capability of the business to successfully integrate the technology into its operations 2.1 How will the technology be incorporated into goods and services of the business? (how will the benefits of the technology be realised?) 2.2 What evidence is there that the business has the capability and capacity to incorporate the technology in this way? 2.3 Is there a strategy for developing this capability if it does not already exist? 2.4 Is there a clear strategy for funding the next stage(s) of technology development or adoption beyond the voucher funded activity? 3. Benefits of the project to other Victorian businesses 3.1 What benefits will the project generate for other Victorian businesses? 3.2 How will the business support diffusion of information about the technology, for example through participation in networks? 3.3 What consideration has been given to sourcing local suppliers, where appropriate, to implement the project and/or the ongoing activities related to the project? 4. Involvement of technology convergence 4.1 Does the project involve the use of more than one technology (i.e. ICT, biotechnology, small technologies)? Weighting will be given to projects involving more than one technology.) 4.2 Is the project (i.e. case study) and/or proponent likely to demonstrate the benefits of technology convergence to a wider audience? 4.3 Are other opportunities for products and/or processes involving technology convergence likely to flow from the project? 5. The project’s likelihood of proceeding without the voucher (additionality) 5.1 Would the proposed project proceed without the voucher? 5.2 Why is the requested voucher amount required, rather than a lesser amount? 5.3 How would the voucher impact favourably on the scale or timing of the project? 5.4 What other funding options have been pursued? 6. Impact on business to business and business to research collaboration rates 6.1 Has the company ever worked with the service provider before? 6.2 Does the proposed service provider seem like the right match? 6.3 Is the project building on an existing relationship? 6.4 Is the project likely to result in an ongoing relationship? 6.5 Is the experience likely to result in increased propensity to collaborate with external service providers in product development?

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Technology Voucher Program Guidelines

8. Program partners Brokers are a key partner for delivery of the Technology Voucher Program. In particular, brokers have the relevant content and sector knowledge and connections to provide brokering assistance or third-party “match-making”. The Small Technologies Cluster (STC) has been appointed by the Department to deliver these services in relation to industrial biotechnology and small technologies. NICTA VRL will deliver similar services in relation to ICT, including the Technology Student Accelerator voucher. The two brokers will work together to provide a ‘seamless’ interface with companies. Potential applicants are encouraged to discuss their proposed project with designated staff within STC and NICTA VRL before applying, particularly if they have not yet identified an appropriate service provider. Broker contact details: Small Technologies Cluster Dr Buzz Palmer Head of Business Development and TVP manager Ph. +61(0)3 9763 4777 email: [email protected] NICTA Victorian Research Laboratory Luan Ismahil External Relations Manager Ph. +61(0)3 8344 8405 email: [email protected]

9. Application Process Potential applicants are encouraged to discuss their proposed project with the program brokers (STC or NICTA VRL in the case of ICT specific projects), or with their local Victorian Government Business Development Manager. Applications are subject to assessment against the eligibility and assessment criteria. Where a project involves multiple businesses, the lead business should submit the application. Potential applicants are encouraged to carefully consider their ability to meet the program requirements and perform well against the assessment criteria before committing resources to the application process.

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Technology Voucher Program Guidelines

9.1 How to apply Technology Development Vouchers will be continually open from the time of program launch and applications may be submitted at any time. Technology Implementation Vouchers will be delivered in competitive funding rounds. There will be at least one funding round per year, with opening and closing dates for the coming year publicised on website at www.business.vic.gov.au/tvp. Applications will only be accepted when a funding round is open for applications. Technology Student Accelerator Vouchers will be managed through funding rounds, with the first to be opened in October 2012. The application period will be publicised on the website at www.business.vic.gov.au/tvp and by NICTA VRL. Applications will only be accepted during this application period. For all vouchers, an electronic application form is available on the Business Victoria website at www.business.vic.gov.au/tvp. Applications can only be made using this electronic form and must be submitted online. All sections of the application form must be completed in full and all requested attachments provided. The application form must be authored by a person with delegated authority to apply (i.e. with the appropriate financial delegation to approve external service agreements and payments). Note that if you are successful, you will be required to submit a written service agreement 12, signed by both parties, within 3 months of voucher award.

10. Assessment Process The Program Team will complete an initial review of all applications against the eligibility criteria to ensure documentation is complete. Further information may be sought from applicants if documentation is incomplete or unclear. An Expert Assessment Panel will assess voucher applications and provide recommendations for funding to either the Department (in the case of Technology Development Vouchers) or the Minister for Technology (in the case of Technology Implementation Vouchers).

11. Voucher issue Voucher recipients must enter into a written agreement that clearly specifies the work to be undertaken by the service provider and the cost of providing these services with the service provider (note for this purpose that a Quotation and Acceptance of Quotation signed by an appropriate financial delegate of the business is acceptable). Voucher recipients must not make any public announcement or issue any press release regarding the receipt of a voucher, except in consultation and with the approval of the Department of Business and Innovation.

12. Voucher Monitoring All voucher recipients must agree to comply with the Department’s performance monitoring and evaluation regime.

12 A Quotation and Acceptance of Quotation signed by an appropriate financial delegate of the business is acceptable.

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Technology Voucher Program Guidelines

Technology Voucher Program Process Map BEFORE YOU APPLY

Confirm eligibility for Program See (5.1)

Id Identify appropriateness of tthe h project (See 5.4) Co Consider assessment criteria ((See S 7)

Consult C o with the Program Broker(s) (See 8) Identitfy supplier for project See (5.2)

HOW TO APPLY

IF YOU ARE SUCCESSFUL

C Consider potential supplier list ((See S 5.2)

Prepare online application business.vic.gov.au/tvp (See 9.1)

Successful applicants receive notification Provide a copy of the signed acceptance of quotation between you and your nominated supplier (See 11)

Voucher issued in the name of your company Start work with supplier

REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

Prepare and submit post-voucher survey Participate in evaluation process, as required (See 12)

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