Deadline: 20-Jul-2026
The Australia–Vietnam Science, Technology and Innovation Cooperation Initiative Grants support collaborative research projects between Australian and Vietnamese organisations in priority science and innovation areas. The programme aims to strengthen bilateral cooperation through joint research in new and renewable technologies, sustainable blue economy development, and recycling and waste management.
The initiative provides up to A$1.3 million in total funding for eligible Australian organisations. Individual grants ranging from A$100,000 to A$300,000 are available for projects lasting 24 to 36 months, with each project requiring a matched Vietnamese partner proposal.
Grant Overview
The Australia–Vietnam Science, Technology and Innovation Cooperation Initiative Grants support joint research partnerships between organisations in Australia and Vietnam.
The programme is designed to strengthen science, technology and innovation cooperation between the two countries.
It supports collaborative projects that address shared priorities and deliver mutual benefits for both Australian and Vietnamese partners.
Main Objective
The main objective of the AVSTICI Grants program is to support collaborative research initiatives that advance science, technology and innovation cooperation between Australia and Vietnam.
The programme aims to:
- Strengthen bilateral research partnerships
- Support joint science and innovation projects
- Promote collaboration between Australian and Vietnamese organisations
- Advance shared innovation priorities
- Support mutual benefits for both countries
- Encourage applied research in priority sectors
- Build long-term cooperation between research and innovation partners
Key Focus Areas
The grants focus on priority areas that support sustainable development, innovation and bilateral cooperation.
Key focus areas include:
- New and renewable technologies
- Sustainable blue economy development
- Recycling and waste management
- Science and technology collaboration
- Innovation partnerships
- Joint research projects
- Bilateral cooperation between Australia and Vietnam
- Shared research priorities
- Sustainable innovation
Priority Areas
Funded projects must focus on one or more of the three priority areas.
New and Renewable Technologies
Projects may focus on technologies that support clean energy, renewable systems, low-emission solutions and future-focused innovation.
This priority area encourages research that can contribute to sustainable technology development.
Sustainable Blue Economy
Projects may support the sustainable use of marine and coastal resources.
This may include research linked to ocean sustainability, marine innovation, coastal development, fisheries, aquaculture, marine ecosystems or other blue economy opportunities.
Recycling and Waste Management
Projects may focus on improving recycling systems, reducing waste, strengthening circular economy practices and developing innovative waste management solutions.
This priority area supports research that contributes to environmental sustainability and resource efficiency.
Funding Available
The initiative provides up to A$1.3 million in total funding to eligible Australian organisations.
Individual grants range from:
- Minimum grant: A$100,000
- Maximum grant: A$300,000
Funding is available to support eligible project costs over the approved project period.
Project Duration
Projects may run for 24 to 36 months.
Applicants should design realistic work plans that can be delivered within this timeframe.
Who Can Apply?
Funding is available to eligible Australian organisations.
Each Australian project must include a connected proposal from an eligible Vietnamese partner.
The Vietnamese partner must submit its proposal during the coordinated call period.
Both sides must meet the eligibility requirements of their respective administering bodies.
Bilateral Partnership Requirement
The programme requires genuine collaboration between Australian and Vietnamese partners.
Each project must include:
- An eligible Australian applicant
- An eligible Vietnamese partner
- A connected Vietnamese proposal
- A matched bilateral submission
- An identical project title in both applications
- Collaboration in project design and implementation
The project should demonstrate clear roles, shared objectives and mutual benefits for both partners.
Matched Proposal Requirement
Australian and Vietnamese applications must be treated as matched bilateral submissions.
To meet this requirement:
- The Vietnamese partner must submit a connected proposal
- The proposal must be submitted during the coordinated call period
- Both applications must use an identical project title
- Both applications must be assessed as eligible by their respective administering bodies
This requirement ensures that the project is formally recognised as a joint Australia–Vietnam collaboration.
What the Grants Support
The grants support collaborative research projects in priority science and innovation areas.
Supported activities may include:
- Joint research activities
- Technology development
- Applied innovation projects
- Research collaboration between institutions
- Knowledge exchange
- Bilateral project coordination
- Research travel or engagement where relevant
- Project implementation costs
- Activities that strengthen Australia–Vietnam science partnerships
Projects should be clearly aligned with one or more of the three priority areas.
Expected Results
Funded projects are expected to generate benefits for both Australia and Vietnam.
Expected results may include:
- Stronger science and innovation partnerships
- New research knowledge
- Practical solutions in priority sectors
- Improved collaboration between organisations
- Shared technical expertise
- Stronger bilateral cooperation
- Progress in renewable technologies, blue economy or waste management
- Long-term research and innovation relationships
Why This Grant Matters
Australia and Vietnam share opportunities for cooperation in science, technology and innovation.
Collaborative research can help both countries address common challenges, strengthen technical capacity and develop solutions in areas that support sustainability and economic growth.
The AVSTICI Grants program matters because it provides targeted funding for partnerships that bring together Australian and Vietnamese expertise.
By supporting joint research in renewable technologies, blue economy development and waste management, the programme helps advance shared priorities and long-term cooperation.
How to Apply or Prepare a Strong Proposal
Applicants should prepare a clear, well-coordinated and partnership-driven proposal.
Step 1: Confirm Eligibility
Australian organisations should first confirm that they are eligible to apply.
They should also ensure that the Vietnamese partner is eligible under the relevant Vietnamese administering body.
Step 2: Identify the Priority Area
Applicants should select one or more priority areas that match the proposed project.
The proposal should clearly align with:
- New and renewable technologies
- Sustainable blue economy
- Recycling and waste management
Step 3: Establish a Vietnamese Partnership
Each project must include a Vietnamese partner.
The partnership should be genuine and based on shared research interests, complementary expertise and mutual benefit.
Step 4: Coordinate the Matched Submission
Australian and Vietnamese partners must coordinate their applications carefully.
Both applications must use the same project title and be submitted during the coordinated call period.
Step 5: Define Roles and Responsibilities
The proposal should clearly explain what each partner will do.
Applicants should describe:
- Australian partner responsibilities
- Vietnamese partner responsibilities
- Joint research activities
- Coordination arrangements
- Expected outputs
- Shared benefits
Step 6: Prepare a Realistic Budget
Applicants may request between A$100,000 and A$300,000.
The budget should be realistic, justified and linked to project activities.
Step 7: Plan for 24 to 36 Months
The project work plan should fit within the required duration of 24 to 36 months.
Applicants should include clear timelines, milestones and deliverables.
Step 8: Demonstrate Mutual Benefit
A strong proposal should show how the project benefits both countries.
Benefits may include research outputs, innovation outcomes, capacity building, technology development, policy relevance or long-term institutional cooperation.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applicants should avoid the following mistakes:
- Submitting without an eligible Vietnamese partner
- Failing to coordinate the matched bilateral proposal
- Using different project titles in Australian and Vietnamese applications
- Proposing a project outside the three priority areas
- Providing weak evidence of genuine collaboration
- Failing to explain mutual benefits
- Requesting funding outside the A$100,000 to A$300,000 range
- Proposing a timeline outside the 24 to 36 month duration
- Submitting a vague work plan
- Not aligning the budget with project activities
- Missing the coordinated call requirements
Tips for a Strong Application
A strong application should:
- Clearly align with one or more priority areas
- Demonstrate genuine Australia–Vietnam collaboration
- Use an identical project title across both applications
- Show clear partner roles and responsibilities
- Explain the research problem and expected innovation value
- Demonstrate mutual benefits for both countries
- Include a realistic budget
- Present a clear 24 to 36 month work plan
- Show long-term partnership potential
- Provide strong evidence of implementation capacity
FAQ
1. What are the Australia–Vietnam Science, Technology and Innovation Cooperation Initiative Grants?
The grants support collaborative research projects between Australian and Vietnamese organisations in priority science and innovation areas.
2. How much funding is available?
The initiative provides up to A$1.3 million in total funding, with individual grants ranging from A$100,000 to A$300,000.
3. How long can projects run?
Projects may run for 24 to 36 months.
4. What priority areas are supported?
Projects must focus on one or more of three priority areas: new and renewable technologies, sustainable blue economy, and recycling and waste management.
5. Who can apply?
Eligible Australian organisations can apply, but each project must include a connected proposal from an eligible Vietnamese partner.
6. What is the matched proposal requirement?
Australian and Vietnamese partners must submit connected proposals during the coordinated call period. Both applications must use an identical project title and be assessed as eligible by their respective administering bodies.
7. What makes a strong proposal?
A strong proposal demonstrates genuine collaboration, clear partner roles, strong alignment with priority areas, mutual benefits, realistic budgeting and a feasible 24 to 36 month implementation plan.
Conclusion
The Australia–Vietnam Science, Technology and Innovation Cooperation Initiative Grants support collaborative research partnerships that strengthen bilateral science and innovation cooperation.
With individual grants of A$100,000 to A$300,000 and project durations of 24 to 36 months, the programme helps Australian and Vietnamese partners work together on shared priorities in renewable technologies, sustainable blue economy and recycling and waste management.
Applicants should prepare coordinated, well-aligned proposals that demonstrate genuine collaboration, identical project titles, mutual benefits and strong potential to advance science, technology and innovation cooperation between Australia and Vietnam.
For more information, visit Australian Academy of Science.
