Frequently Asked Questions
|
Information sessions
|
Next generation ICT
|
Stage 1 applications
|
Funding
|
Matched funding
|
Multiple applications
|
Lead organisations
|
Collaborating
|
Intellectual property
|
Project sustainability
|
Future funding rounds
|
|
|
Information sessions
|
I wasn’t able to attend a cIIF information session - where can I access the information from these sessions?
|
The presentation from the cIIF information sessions is available on the Multimedia Victoria website.
|
Return to top
|
Next generation ICT
|
What is meant by ‘next generation ICT’?
|
"Next generation" information and communication technology (ICT) refers to the move into a new era of networked ICT characterised by high capacity broadband, a mass scale of users, multiple digital devices, and the advent of the internet as a key platform for people to collaborate. This new era presents great opportunities for innovation through harnessing the power of collective capabilities and large-scale information. The cIIF blog has a posting on this topic and the program guidelines also discuss it.
|
From a technology perspective won't projects have to use existing technology because cIIF will not fund R&D?
|
Yes cIIF is about taking existing ICTs and applying them to solve problems or introduce new ways of working. cIIF supports the productive application or innovative use of technology, rather than the development of a new technology.
|
Can I use technology that wasn't developed in Victoria?
|
It is fine to use technology that has not been developed in Victoria in your project idea.
|
Where can I find examples of new technologies or innovation projects?
|
The cIIF team will be posting examples of innovative uses and applications of next generation technology on the cIIF blog. You are welcome to post on technologies or projects that you think may be of interest to others.
|
Return to top
|
Stage 1 applications
|
I haven't confirmed all my project partners or the technology I will use - should I submit a cIIF application anyway?
|
Yes, you should still submit an application. We are keen to hear all innovative ideas and understand that you may not yet have worked out all elements of your project in detail at the Expression of Interest stage. Stage 1 focuses on the project idea, and if you are shortlisted to progress to Stage 2 you will be expected to undertake detailed planning for the project.
|
Can I just include "ball-park" figures in my Stage 1 application and provide a more fleshed-out budget at the business plan stage?
|
Yes an estimate of funding and contributions is all that is required for the Stage 1 application. If the project is short-listed, the lead organisation will be asked to complete a more comprehensive business plan with more thorough financial estimates.
|
Return to top
|
Funding
|
How strict is the $100,000 to $500,000 funding allocation per project?
|
This is a range providing a guide to project size. It is expected that most projects approved for funding in Round 1 will receive funding per project in this range.
|
What is the earliest date a successful applicant could receive funding?
|
We expect that approved projects would have access to funding from September 2009 following negotiation and signing of a funding agreement.
|
Do I have to give any of the money back or will you take shares in the company?
|
If a project is approved for funding, the lead organisation will be asked to enter into a funding agreement with the Department of Innovation, Industry and Regional Development. The agreement will specify conditions including the process if funding milestones are not met and funds need to be recovered. The Department does not have any interest in taking ‘shares’ in the company or owning any IP that is created as a result of the projects created during the course of the cIIF program.
|
Can cIIF funding be used to fund a person?
|
Yes cIIF funding can be broadly applied to most elements of a project including staff, technology, change management, evaluation and advice.
|
Return to top
|
Matched funding
|
How should in-kind contributions to the project from participants be calculated?
|
There is no set methodology for calculating in-kind contributions to projects. Applicants should use a recognised method relevant to their project. Only high-level information about co-contributions is required on the EOI Stage 1 application form. If shortlisted to progress to Stage 2, applicants will be required to provide further details as part of the business planning process.
|
Is the cash component of the matched funding negotiable?
|
As a guide only project applications should aim for the matched funding levels specified in the cIIF guidelines.
|
If you have funding from other sources, can this be included as matched funding?
|
Yes other program funding or direct investments in a project can be included.
|
Return to top
|
Multiple applications
|
Can one organisation submit multiple project ideas?
|
Yes, an organisation can be involved in more than one cIIF Stage 1 application.
|
Return to top
|
Lead organisations
|
What is the role of the lead organisation?
|
The lead organisation is expected to act as the coordinator of the project. The lead organisation will be responsible for submitting all applications to the program, administering grants funding on behalf of partner organisations via a funding agreement with the Department, providing regular reporting on project progress and achievements, and engaging in project promotion activities as innovation champions.
|
Can a university be a lead organisation?
|
Universities are eligible lead organisations as they are not-for-profit organisations. However project ideas focused exclusively on research would not be eligible for funding under the program. Project ideas must involve user innovation - changing practices or processes or solving problems. For universities this may include, for example, changing teaching and learning practices or collaborating with students in new ways. Universities may also be involved as partners evaluating or studying projects led by other organisations.
We have had many questions on university eligibility and have issued a program update as a result.
|
Return to top
|
Collaborating
|
Can an organisation have different partners for different concepts?
|
Yes, an organisation can be involved in more than one cIIF Stage 1 application.
|
Would collaboration with international partners or partners outside of Victoria be acceptable?
|
Yes, partner organisations in the collaborative project may be based outside Victoria, as long as these organisations are providing resources and contributions to a project based in Victoria.
|
How involved in the partnership/project do all partners have to be?
|
The level of project involvement by each partner is at the discretion and mutual agreement of the project partners.
|
Do all partners in a project have to contribute money?
|
No, not every partner needs to contribute money to the project.
|
I have a good idea but how can I find out about appropriate technologies or potential IT partners?
|
The VicIT Database is a search facility of information on ICT companies in Victoria. This may be of assistance when looking for partners for technology expertise you require for your project idea. You can also check or post on the 'find someone' section of the cIIF blog.
|
Who can be involved in a partnership?
|
Projects can involve a mix of public and/or private sector organisations. The types and mix of organisations involved will vary depending on the nature and aims of each project. Applications are open to partnerships between organisations including industry associations and bodies, private companies (including ICT suppliers), private providers of services such as health and education, State Government departments , agencies or statutory bodies, local Government councils or bodies, other Government agencies active in Victoria, not-for-profit organisations, community organisations or charitable institutions.
|
Are you hosting 'meet and greet' services to help people meet potential project partners?
|
No, however a ‘find someone’ section has been created on the cIIF blog to allow those looking for partners to post their information for others to see.
|
Return to top
|
Intellectual property
|
Who owns the intellectual property (IP) at the end of the project?
|
Ownership of any IP developed as a result of the project is to be agreed upon between project partners. The Department does not have an interest in owning IP funded by the program.
|
If my application is unsuccessful, will you keep my ideas in confidence?
|
Yes, applications will be treated as commercial-in-confidence.
|
Return to top
|
Project sustainability
|
Does the project have to be financially self-sustaining at the end of funding?
|
It is expected that the project will be self sustaining beyond the funding term. Program funding is not recurrent and based around a project with a defined life-span. The Stage 1 application form asks applicants to provide information on plans for sustainability beyond program funding.
|
Return to top
|
Future funding rounds
|
When will Round 2 applications be sought as my project will not be ready in time to meet the Round 1 deadline?
|
Round 2 is expected to be announced in early 2010. Information on relevant dates will be posted on the Multimedia Victoria website.
|
Return to top
|
