The Australian government has launched the 24th round of the Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) grants program to support industry-led research centres that seek to transform Australian know-how into practical business outcomes.
The funding from the program can support collaborative research centres of up to 10 years.
Minister for Industry and Science Ed Husic, who launched the latest round on Friday, said the latest evaluation of the CRC program, shows that the program is effectively strengthening the bond between industry and research organisations.
“This evaluation 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.
“The evaluation also concluded CRCs will continue to help address Australia’s economic, environmental and social challenges by enhancing capability of the research workforce.”
Launched in 1990, the CRC program 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.
“This program generates tangible economic outcomes by supporting projects designed to bolster the productivity and sustainability of Australian industries,” Husic added.
Applications for the grant program’s latest round are now open to all industry sectors and research disciplines, with applicants at least matching the funding sought through cash or in-kind contributions from partners.
Round 24 is slated to close on 7 March.
A schedule for future rounds would soon be published, allowing applicants to be better prepared to build collaborations and develop grant submissions, Husic said in his announcement.
Round 25 is expected to open in December.
