Small Business Innovation Research

In reply to Mr VAN HOLST PELLEKAAN (Stuart) (23 July 2014). (Estimates Committee B)

The Hon. S.E. CLOSE (Port Adelaide—Minister for Manufacturing and Innovation, Minister for Automotive Transformation, Minister for the Public Sector): I am advised:

The first challenge under the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) pilot program was run with SA Water during 2013-14. This challenge sought to recover and re-use phosphorous from wastewater at the Bolivar Wastewater Treatment Plant. Two companies, Arris Water and Aquatic Maxcon, were contracted to undertake feasibility assessments of possible solutions under phase 1 of the program.

The state government's contribution to phase 1 of the SA Water SBIR program was $200,000.

There is a total allocated budget of $3,123,000 over 3 years to 2015-16 for the program. $1 million is allocated for the program in 2014-15.