Bushfire warning possible under $28M program
An innovative bushfire emergency warning system with early detection and community alerts is one of the technology projects that could be developed under a $28 million Victorian Government initiative.
The emergency warning system is one of 18 projects selected under stage two of the Smart SMEs Market Validation Program (MVP) which is designed to help turn Victorian technology ideas into innovative new products and services.
The development of a system this powerful would not only benefit Victoria during the hazardous bushfire season but could also provide early warnings to communities in flood and cyclone prone areas such as Northern Queensland.
The Smart SMEs MVP provides incentive for small to medium-sized businesses and research institutions to accelerate the conversion of their ideas into tangible solutions. It matches government agencies and the challenges they face with SMEs capable of designing and delivering technological solutions to help address those challenges.
Other proposed projects selected include forensic drug detection technology, protective gloves for prison officers, a mobile soil analysis system, a biofeedback device for lower back pain, electronic monitoring of high risk offenders and water systems optimisation.
State Government entities will act as the client for the project, engage SMEs through R&D funding and provide a test bed environment for the project. Research institutes, including universities may collaborate with SMEs in responding and developing technology solutions for Government entities.
Applications are now open inviting SMEs to respond to Technology Requirement Specifications put forward from government. For more information visit www.business.vic.gov.au/mvp.
