You have likely heard about Cooperative Research Centres (CRC) grants for long-term industry led collaborations like i-move and the Future Freight partnerships, but there are other, shorter-term funding options available to HVIA members as well.
The Cooperative Research Centres Projects (CRC-P) grants are now open and close on October 7. All industry sectors are invited to apply, and there is a focus on supporting Australian Government priorities including the National Reconstruction Fund and the National Science and Research Priorities, which includes transitioning to a net-zero future. They government also welcomes applicants with a focus on robotics and automation.
The idea of CRC-P grants is to strengthen links between industry and research organisations, to develop new technologies, products, processes and services. They are intended for industry-led research collaborations.
Projects must develop a product, service or process that will solve problems for industry and deliver real outcomes; and benefit small to medium enterprises (SMEs).
Successful applicants can use the funding to cover costs directly related to a 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; and
> Information sharing and communications related to the research.
This is not a complete list and other costs may also be eligible.
Funding amounts are between $100,000 and $3million, for a period of up to three years.