7th Cooperative Research Centres (CRC) Projects Grants now open
Minister for Industry, Science and Technology, The Hon Karen Andrews MP, recently opened the 7th Cooperative Research Centres (CRC) Projects Grants selection round. This round includes $20 million in funding to support industry-led collaborations developing important new technologies, products and services that deliver tangible outcomes.
This selection round is specifically focused on projects related to critical minerals, such as lithium, cobalt and titanium. Critical minerals are those that could cause economic or strategic issues if affected by supply disruptions.
Australian businesses can receive short term (up to three years) matched funding of up to $3 million for eligible project costs through the CRC Projects Grants. Eligible project costs include everything from research and proof of concept activities, through to conferences, education and training, and pre-commercialisation of research outcomes.
According to Minister Andrews, “This Program is key in ensuring our industries continue to expand and create new jobs for Australians. The Program delivers tangible outcomes and commercial benefits thanks to industry-led research partnerships, and to date we’ve committed $202 million to 95 projects.”
“CRC-P funded research has supported the commercialisation of technologies, products and services that assist businesses across agriculture, clean technology, infrastructure, IT, artificial intelligence, mining, manufacturing, aerospace and health,” said Minister Andrews. “Prioritising applications for critical minerals is crucial, as they form a major part of commercial technologies like mobile phone chips and electric vehicles.”
Applications must be submitted via the Department of Industry, Innovation and Science online portal.
Applications close at 5:00pm (AEDT) on 28 March 2019.
THE SPECIFICS
Eligibility Criteria
Collaborations from all industry sectors, research disciplines and community sectors can apply for CRC Projects Grants. Each project must include, and maintain, the following partners:
- Two Australian industry entities including at least one SME, and
- One Australian research organisation.
You must meet several other specific eligibility criteria to apply, and score highly against all merit criteria. You should read the grant opportunity guidelines, sample grant agreement and factsheets before you apply.
How to Apply
To apply, you must submit your application through the Department of Industry, Innovation and Science online portal.
You will need to set up an account when you first log into the portal. The portal allows you to apply for and manage a grant or service in a secure online environment.
Key Dates
Key dates for the 7th Cooperative Research Centres (CRC) Projects Grants selection round include:
- Round Open: 13 February 2019
- Round Close: 28 March 5:00pm (AEDT)
- Outcomes Expected: June 2019
- Funding From: 1 July 2019
It is expected the 8th selection round will be held in the second half of 2019.
FURTHER INFORMATION
For further information, you can call the Department of Innovation, Industry Science on 13 28 46 or visit: https://www.business.gov.au