Federal industry and science minister Ed Husic says Round 24 of the Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) grants program is open, creating more opportunities to close the gap between research and commercialisation.
CRC grants provide funding for industry-led research centres that are designed to transform “know-how” into practical outcomes for business.
The grants can support industry-led collaborative research centres of up to 10 years’ duration.
“The Government’s CRC program supports research and development initiatives that result in significant benefits to industry and the community. This funding can provide an often-missing step between research and commercialisation,” Husic said.
Since the CRC program was launched in 1990 under the Hawke Labor Government, it has delivered more than $5.5 billion to establish 236 CRCs and 189 CRC projects, leveraging a further $16.8 billion in cash and in-kind contributions from partners.
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.
“The latest evaluation of the CRC program found CRCs will contribute about $32.5 billion towards economic productivity by 2025 through commercialisation of new technologies, products and services that solve real problems for industry,” Husic said.
“This program generates tangible economic outcomes by supporting projects designed to bolster the productivity and sustainability of Australian industries,” he added.
Applications for CRC Round 24 close on 7 March 2023.
