Apply Now: International Space Investment India Projects – Round 2 (Australia)

The International Space Investment India Projects grant supports Australian organisations to collaborate with Indian partners on joint space projects. The program strengthens international space collaboration, builds Australia’s space capabilities, and enables commercialisation of space technologies and services.

Program Overview

This initiative aims to:

• Foster collaboration between Australian and Indian space organisations, including the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).

• Advance Australian space capabilities and technology readiness.

• Support projects with a commercialisation pathway, enabling Australian space technologies to access international markets.

• Promote development of products, services, and engineering solutions in the space sector.

Key Features

• Total Funding Available: $2.69 million

• Maximum Grant per Project: $2.69 million

• Focus Areas:

  • Space-related R&D with commercial potential

  • Development of products, services, and integrated equipment/software

  • Skills and capability development linked to project outcomes

  • Collaboration and partnership development with Indian space sector

Eligible Activities

The grant supports:

• Research and development for space technologies

• Engineering, integration, and commissioning of space systems or software

• Development of products and services with a commercial focus

• Skills training linked to project deliverables

• Building collaborative partnerships with Indian space organisations

Ineligible Activities

• Activities already funded through another Commonwealth grant

• Costs incurred before a grant agreement is executed

• Financing or debt-related costs

• General operating expenses unrelated to the project

• Land acquisition or unrelated infrastructure development

Who is Eligible?

• Australian incorporated entities with ABN and GST registration

• Publicly funded research organisations

• Joint applications are allowed if one eligible lead organisation is named

Ineligible Applicants:

• Individuals, partnerships, or trusts without an incorporated trustee

• Government bodies

• Organisations not compliant with workplace gender equality requirements

How to Apply

1. Confirm that your organisation meets eligibility criteria.

2. Identify suitable Indian space partners and define the project focus areas.

3. Prepare a proposal outlining:

   • Project objectives and expected outcomes

   • Collaboration structure with Indian partners

   • Commercialisation pathway and capability building impacts

   • Budget and timelines aligned with funding rules

4. Submit the application through the official grant portal before the deadline.

5. Await assessment and feedback; funding agreements are executed for approved projects.

Tips for Applicants

• Clearly demonstrate mutual benefits for Australian and Indian partners.

• Show a clear commercialisation or technology adoption plan.

• Highlight skills development and capability-building outcomes.

• Avoid requesting funding for ineligible activities to prevent disqualification.

FAQs

1. Can individuals apply for this grant?
No, only incorporated entities and publicly funded research organisations are eligible.

2. Are joint applications allowed?
Yes, provided there is one eligible lead organisation.

3. Can the grant be used for general operating costs?
No, only costs directly linked to the approved project are eligible.

4. Is pre-existing Commonwealth funding eligible for co-funding?
No, activities already funded through other Commonwealth grants are ineligible.

5. Are Australian universities eligible?
Yes, if they are publicly funded research organisations with ABN and GST registration.

6. Can land or infrastructure development be funded?
No, funding does not cover land acquisition or unrelated infrastructure costs.

7. How much funding can a single project receive?
Up to $2.69 million per project, aligned with the total program funding.

Conclusion

The International Space Investment India Projects grant provides a unique opportunity for Australian organisations to engage in strategic collaboration with Indian partners, advance space technologies, and strengthen commercial and research capabilities. Successful projects will deliver measurable benefits for Australia’s space sector while fostering international cooperation and innovation.