Hi, My name’s Malcolm Lambert. I’m the founder of a startup called Intresto which aims to use computer science to improve our ability to use the world’s largest resource of low-embodied energy building material, rock rubble.

I’ve just sent in my pre-application application for Climate Ready funding. Over the next few weeks and months I’ll be posting about the grant process hopefully to let other startups in this space know what to expect if they go down the same route. Below is my first post. I hope you enjoy the journey as much as I do…

THE PROGRAM

On 28 July the new Commonwealth Government’s Climate Ready grants scheme was open for applications.

With $75 million over 4 years it’s designed to support projects which address the effects of climate change and it goes a small part of the way to replacing the Commercial Ready program which was scrapped in May.

Grants are for R&D, proof-of-concept and early stage commercialisation and are on a dollar-for-dollar basis in the $50,000 to $5 million range. For example, opportunity exists for local tech startups to apply for funding for projects to develop “information systems for businesses or consumers to compare the carbon footprints of different activities”.

The scheme is administered by AusIndustry but the success or otherwise of applicants is judged by an independent panel. They will be looking for management capability, commercial potential, national benefit, technical strength and need for funding.

The government does not want equity in the company in return for funding but successful applicants will need to demonstrate that the government is getting value for money. Sounds fair enough.

Come on, apply those smart geek minds and join me in solving one of the world’s most pressing problems. The closing dates for the first four rounds of funding are 4th September, 4th December, 12th March and 25th June.