The Australian Government has initiated the 16th round of the Cooperative Research Centres Projects (CRC-P) Grants aiming to bolster the development of innovative technologies, products, and services. Approximately $40 million is set to be awarded to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to nurture projects that align with the objectives of the National Reconstruction Fund.
The CRC-P scheme, established in 2016, has previously directed more than $500 million to over 200 businesses and organizations across Australia. Some standout projects funded in prior rounds include a medical device for tracking catheter locations in premature babies requiring intensive care, a pioneering process to recycle wind turbine blades, and innovations addressing challenges in ‘no and low alcohol’ winemaking.
This round, inaugurated by The Hon Ed Husic MP, Minister for Industry and Science, is open to all industry sectors however will have a focus on supporting projects in line with Government priorities, especially those in line with the National Reconstruction Fund (NRF)
CRC-P’s guiding program accentuates industry-led collaborations that bridge industry, research bodies, and the community. The scheme is recognised for connecting researchers to the industry, with an emphasis on research and development aimed at utilisation and commercialisation. Its primary objectives include:
Elevating the competitiveness, productivity, and sustainability of Australian industries.
Nurturing high-calibre research to address industry-specific challenges.
Boosting SME involvement in collaborative research.
Anticipated outcomes of this initiative consist of increased industry-research collaborations, enhanced SME involvement in shared research, improved industrial competitiveness, and higher research skills in the industry.
Applicants can expect matched funding between $100,000 and $3 million for projects lasting up to three years. This grant is crafted for industry-led research collaborations and intends to nurture the development of products, services, or processes that address industry challenges and yield real outcomes, benefiting SMEs in the process.
Potential grantees can employ the funds to cover costs associated with new research, proof of concept activities, pre-commercialisation of research findings, industry-specific education, and events related to the joint research.
Key Dates for CRC-P Round 16:
Opening: Now Open
Closing: Wednesday 5 June 2024 5:00pm AEST
About the CRC-P Program
The Cooperative Research Centres Program (the program) supports industry-led collaborations between industry, researchers and the community. The program is a proven model for linking researchers with industry to focus on research and development towards use and commercialisation.
The objectives of the program are to:
improve the competitiveness, productivity and sustainability of Australian industries, especially where Australia has a competitive strength, and in line with government priorities
foster high-quality research to solve industry-identified problems through industry-led and outcome-focused collaborative research partnerships between industry entities and research organisations
encourage and facilitate small and medium enterprise (SME) participation in collaborative research.
The intended outcomes of the program are:
establishing industry-research sector collaborations
SME participation in collaborative research
collaborative research results
research results relevant to government priorities
increased research skills in industry and increased industry capability in research
improved competitiveness and productivity for industry participating in CRCs and CRC-Ps
industry, research and other users valuing the program.
The program consists of two elements:
Cooperative Research Centres (CRC) grants to support medium to long term, industry-led collaborations; and
Cooperative Research Centres – Projects (CRC-P) grants to support short-term, industry-led collaborative research.
What do you get?
Matched funding of between $100,000 and $3 million. Grants are for up to 3 years.
Who is this for?
An industry-led research collaboration.
Overview
This grant supports short-term (up to 3 years), industry-led research collaborations.
Projects must:
develop a product, service or process that will solve problems for the industry and deliver real outcomes that benefit small to medium enterprises (SMEs)
include education and training activities.
You can use the funding to cover costs directly related to your project including:
new research
proof of concept activities
pre-commercialisation of research outcomes
industry-focused education and training activities
conferences, workshops, symposia related to the joint research
information sharing and communications related to the research.
This is not a complete list and other costs may also be eligible.
Eligible activities
To be eligible your project must:
have at least $200,000 in total eligible project value
be a short term, industry-identified and industry-led collaborative research project to develop a product, service or process that will solve problems for industry and deliver tangible outcomes
benefit SMEs and increase their capacity to grow and adapt in changing markets
include eligible activities (listed below).
Eligible activities must directly relate to the project and must include at least one of the following:
new research
proof of concept activities
pre-commercialisation of research outcomes
industry-focused education and training activities, such as internships and secondments between industry entities and research organisations
conferences, workshops, and/or symposia related to the joint research
information sharing and communication initiatives related to the joint research.
Haines Consulting Group is a management consultancy firm specialising in business strategy, growth, government grants and new venture developments. If you need any assistance with a grant submission please email info@hainesconsultinggroup.com.au for a confidential conversation.
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