Minister for Industry and Science Ed Husic has announced that Round 24 of the Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) grants program had opened for application.
CRC grants provide funding for industry-led research centres that can transform Australian know-how into practical outcomes for Australian businesses. The grants can support industry-led collaborative research centres of up to ten years duration.
“The Government’s CRC program supports research and development initiatives that result in significant benefits to industry and the community,” Minister Husic said. “This funding can provide an often-missing step between research and commercialisation.”
The latest evaluation of the CRC program, released today, shows it is working to strengthen the bond between industry and research organisations.
“This evaluation found CRCs will contribute about $32.5bn towards economic productivity by 2025 through commercialisation of new technologies, products, and services that solve real problems for industry,” Minister Husic said. “The evaluation also concluded CRCs will continue to help address Australia’s economic, environmental and social challenges by enhancing capability of the research workforce.”
Grant applications are open to all industry sectors and research disciplines, with applicants at least matching the funding sought through cash or in‑kind contributions from partners.
Since the CRC program was launched in 1990 under the Hawke Labor Government, it has delivered more than $5.5bn to establish 236 CRCs and 189 CRC Projects, leveraging a further $16.8bn in cash and in-kind contributions from partners.
“This program generates tangible economic outcomes by supporting projects designed to bolster the productivity and sustainability of Australian industries,” Minister Husic said.
- Stage 1 opened 13 January 2023
- Stage 1 closing 7 March 2023
- Stage 2 opening late June 2023
- Stage 2 closing August 2023
- Interviews held late October 2023
- Outcomes announced December 2023
- Funding to start 1 July 2024
Grant applications close 5:00pm AEDT on 7 March 2023.