The Palaszczuk Government is investing up to $200,000 in innovative solutions to get inactive Queenslanders moving.
Innovation and Sport Minster Stirling Hinchliffe said the $4.34 million ActiveKIT fund would support start-ups, or small to medium-sized business to develop new innovative services and products that encourage Queenslanders to increase activity levels.
"We want to support sports-tech companies, businesses and local governments to help Queenslanders become physically healthy by being physically fit and active." Mr Hinchliffe said.
"The possibilities in the Active Industry are limited by only by ingenuity.
"It could include a physical activity program targeting specific groups, a smartphone product or service tailoring physical activity based on recent movement, an app delivering real-time access to local eco-tourism or infrastructure such as low maintenance lawn grass.
"Other ideas could involve innovative events for target groups that drive economic benefits for the Active Industry, or inventions to help clubs share resources.
"If you have the idea, the Palaszczuk Government's ActiveKIT fund could help with up to $200,000 to make it a reality or take it to the next level."
Health and Wellbeing Queensland Chief Executive Dr Robyn Littlewood said the ActiveKIT fund is an important way to improve the overall health of Queenslanders.
"We know that over 420,000 Queenslanders are not getting enough physical activity each week, and more than 48,000 Queensland children are getting less than one hour of physical activity each day," Dr Littlewood said.
"Low physical activity has a direct impact on our overall health and wellbeing, including increasing our risk of chronic conditions such as heart disease, stroke and diabetes.
"Physical activity also helps prevent hypertension, overweight and obesity, and can improve mental health, quality of life and wellbeing." Dr Littlewood said.
Mr Hinchliffe said by harnessing Knowledge, Innovation and Technology (KIT), the ActiveKIT fund could help deliver solutions that otherwise might not come to fruition.
"We're encouraging organisations with products or services that are beyond concept stage and can help the Active Industry by increasing membership, lowering costs, driving new revenue streams or reducing the burden on volunteers," Mr Hinchliffe said.
"Innovators might have a solution which can be used in the Active Industry by partnering with state sporting bodies, universities and local government.
"Importantly, we're after solutions that target specific groups who aren't sufficiently physically active because of age, health, ability, time or socio-economic factors."
Funding is available across two Tiers:
- Tier 1 is up to $100,000.
- Tier 2 is between $100,001 and $200,000.
Funding can be used in the delivery of innovative, unique and new products, salaries, services, equipment, travel and other costs related to meeting the challenge requirements.
Funding cash co-contributions are required from applicants – at least 20 per cent of the funding requested for Tier 1 and 50 per cent of the funding requested for Tier 2.
Online applications will be open from 22 March until 19 April 2021, with approved projects to start from 1 June 2021.
For more program information, including eligibility requirements, go to //www.dtis.qld.gov.au/activkit
