$644,370 FEDERAL GOVERNMENT GRANT HELPS GET ZETIFI OFF THE GROUND

A $644,370 Federal Government grant has helped a local entrepreneur start up a new business which will help provide better connectivity for people in rural and remote areas.

Riverina MP and Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack officially opened the new Zetifi facility in Wagga Wagga today.

The technology start-up received the funding through the Accelerating Commercialisation Entrepreneurs' Programme. Zetifi also raised $680,000 in funding from investors.

Mr McCormack applauded the start-up's founder and Chief Executive Officer Dan Winson for developing the new technology.

"Congratulations to Dan and the Zetifi team for getting this ingenious idea to the commercialisation stage," Mr McCormack said.

"When Dan approached my office asking for support I could see the vast potential of this innovation to bridge the connectivity gap in rural and remote areas, particularly our farmers.

"The Federal Government knows our farmers are among the most innovative and adapt quickly to new technology.

"Better connectivity for our rural producers will not only boost productivity but will also improve quality of life and safety for farming families, which is more important than ever as we navigate our way through the COVID-19 pandemic."

Mr Winson said Zetifi has grown from a one-person operation to employing nine people over the past 18 months.

"We are aiming to double our team in the next year," Mr Winson said.

"Our 'Sleepy' Wi-Fi repeater will provide a scalable solution for providing high bandwidth connectivity into areas where it isn't feasible to provide mobile coverage due to low population density."

The Entrepreneurs' Programme is the Australian Government's flagship program supporting business growth, innovation and commercialisation.

The Government has invested more than $203 million in commercialising new products, processes and services over the past six years.

More than 415 Accelerating Commercialisation grants have been awarded to Australian businesses to get their products off the ground, including $516,715 to another Wagga Wagga innovation, Dr Mark's Hygenie – a device for cleaning, storing and protecting removable oral devices.