Grant funding up to $5 million for collaborative research projects focussed on national priority sectors.
Australia’s Economic Accelerator (AEA) grants offer grant funding up to $5 million to support University researchers and their industry partners to conduct research projects starting at TRL 3 through to TRL 7.
Offered across two funding streams, these competitive grants focus on the following focus areas aligned with national priorities:
Critical and strategic minerals processing
Sustainable fuels
Digital agriculture
Quantum
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Advanced Manufacturing
The two grant programs include:
AEA Ignite (Proof of Concept): Competitive grants up to $500,000, on a co-contribution basis, to support early-stage research commercialisation projects that commence at TRL 3, 4 or 5. Aimed at researchers at Australian universities to complete basic research, laboratory testing and establish concept in an industry-relevant environment. Applicants will be required to contribute a minimum of 10% of the total budge in cash and/or in-kind support. Applications close on 28 August 2024. More information and links to the online application form can be found here.
AEA Innovate (Proof of Scale): Competitive grants up to $5 million, on a 50:50 co-contribution basis, over a maximum of period of 24 months to support advanced projects that already have laboratory proof-of-concept, and which can be progressed to reach proof-of-scale. This may include developing and testing prototypes or pilots of new products, processes or software in an industry related environment. Applicants will be required to commit at least 50% of teh total budget in cash and/or in-kind support. This program comprises a two stage application process including an Expression of Interest, with successful EOI applicants invited to submit a full application. Expressions of Interest must be submitted by 28 August 2024. More information and links to the online application form can be found here.