The iMOVE Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) has launched a $2 million second round of funding through its Impact Extension Program (IEP) to accelerate transport innovation in Australia.
Freight and transport logistics and infrastructure are critical in the food and beverage industry, making the development and adoption of intelligent new systems key for many companies. The Australian Food & Grocery Council’s (AFGC) Supply Chain Survey Report, released in March, showed nearly 80 per cent of companies had experienced moderate to large-scale supply chain disruptions over the past few years, and enhancing supply chain resilience was rated the top priority for the AFGC to pursue.
The IEP2 initiative from iMOVE CRC aims to identify and support Australia’s most promising new technologies, products and services in the transport and mobility space, and will now be open to universities.
The new round follows the success of IEP1 in 2023, which attracted more than 75 applications and funded two standout innovations – microFleet’s OneDock and SAGE Automation’s See Me app – each awarded $500,000 to help bring their ideas to life.
While IEP1 awarded two $500,000 grants, IEP2 will take a portfolio approach – supporting 5-10 smaller or mid-sized projects, allowing more organisations to participate. Grants from $100,000 to $500,000 will be awarded to high-potential projects, all of which must be completed by September 2026.
Applicants must have an Australian Business Number (ABN) and can be from any sector – start-ups, corporates, local councils, universities, or not-for-profits with no requirement to be an existing iMOVE partner. Projects must align with iMOVE’s mission of advancing transport systems through collaborative, high-impact R&D.
iMOVE CRC managing director, Ian Christensen, said the transport challenges Australia faces today require bold thinking and practical support.
“Through the Impact Extension Program, we’re giving organisations the tools to turn breakthrough ideas into real-world solutions that improve how we move, live, and connect,” said Christensen.
“We know there’s no shortage of talent or ideas in this country. What’s often missing is the final piece of the puzzle – funding that gets innovations out of the lab and into people’s lives. That’s exactly what IEP2 is designed to deliver.”
Applicants must justify their funding requests and demonstrate strong value for money. iMOVE reserves the right to negotiate a lesser amount if a proposal shows promise but requests too much funding. They must also demonstrate a credible plan for implementing project outputs to achieve significant sectoral impact.
For further information and to download the application form, head to imoveaustralia.com. Applications via email to IEP@imoveaustralia.com open on 14 April and close on 26 May 2025.
