Google sponsors research into NBN applications, via IBES

Stuart Corner
Thursday, 12 May 2011 13:03

IT Industry - Development

Google has become a platinum sponsor of the University of Melbourne's Institute for a Broadband Enabled  Society (IBES) and will provide funding for new research grants to drive the development of new broadband applications and services.

IBES said: "a call for applications has gone out to IBES' research community for new ideas for broadband  applications in health, education, egovernment and ebusiness that take advantage of the benefits of high speed broadband. Grants will be made available for the amount of $30,000 to $70,000. Google will have an active involvement in the allocation of funds to research projects resulting in new projects  that will have active industry involvement from the beginning. "

However IBES declined to give any indication of the total funding available or the timeframe over which it would be spent. A spokesman told iTWire: "At this stage we are not making any announcements in relation to funding as we are remaining flexible through the seed funding process. Once we have received and assessed the applications we will be making further announcements. "

Google is sponsoring IBES under IBES' Industry Partner Program set up to foster collaboration and innovation at IBES and supplement funding received from the State Government of  Victoria and the University of Melbourne.    

Microsoft is also a platinum sponsor and is providing $400,000, also for new research projects focusing on broadband applications that will be of benefit to health, education and community sectors.

Other recently announced sponsors include CommsForce, an Australian based provider of test equipment for the telecommunications industry, which has provided test gear. Telecom Test Solutions and Anue Systems have also provide test equipment under the program.