Deadline: 29-Apr-2026
The CRC Grants – Round 27 provide funding for medium to long-term, industry-led research collaborations in Australia aimed at boosting competitiveness, sustainability, and innovation. Grants support collaborative projects between industry and research institutions, including education and training initiatives such as PhD programs, and encourage adoption of research outcomes across sectors.
Program Overview
The CRC Grants support collaborative research initiatives lasting three to ten years that address industry-identified challenges. Projects aim to strengthen Australian industry competitiveness, productivity, and sustainability while fostering innovation through structured partnerships between research institutions, industry, and the community.
The CRC Program operates under two funding streams:
- CRC Grants – longer-term, medium to large-scale projects (3–10 years)
- CRC Projects (CRC-P) – shorter-term initiatives up to three years
The program is part of the Australian Government’s $847 million allocation for 2025–26 to 2028–29, which funds both CRC and CRC-P projects based on application quality and strategic impact.
Funding Focus Areas
Funded projects can include activities such as:
- New or applied research and development
- Proof-of-concept or pre-commercialisation work
- Industry-focused education and training, including PhD programs
- Conferences, workshops, and communication initiatives
- Collaboration with international organisations where there is a clear benefit to Australia
- Strategies to strengthen R&D capacity in SMEs
Who Can Apply?
Applicants must form a collaborative group that includes:
- At least three Australian industry organisations
- At least two Australian research organisations
Collaborations must demonstrate the ability to match grant funding and, if awarded, establish the CRC as an incorporated company limited by guarantee.
Eligibility Criteria
- Projects must address industry-identified challenges
- Include a strong education and training component, particularly PhD programs
- Enhance technology development, skills, and research capacity within industry
- Ensure effective deployment and adoption of research outcomes
- Build R&D capability in small to medium enterprises
Why This Grant Matters
The CRC Grants strengthen Australia’s industrial research ecosystem by:
- Driving industry-relevant innovation
- Encouraging collaboration between academia and industry
- Supporting the next generation of researchers and skilled professionals
- Promoting adoption of research outcomes for national economic and environmental benefit
How to Apply / How It Works
- Form a collaborative group including at least three industry partners and two research institutions
- Define the industry challenge your project will address
- Include education and training components, such as PhD placements or skills programs
- Plan for technology transfer and research adoption in industry
- Demonstrate capacity to match funding and establish a CRC company if awarded
- Prepare a detailed proposal highlighting project objectives, outcomes, timelines, and budget
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Forming insufficient collaborations (fewer than three industry or two research partners)
- Submitting proposals without clear industry relevance or adoption strategy
- Ignoring the education and training component, especially PhD programs
- Failing to demonstrate SME engagement or R&D capacity-building
- Not providing evidence of matching funding or governance structures
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the CRC Grants program?
It funds medium to long-term, industry-led research collaborations to improve Australia’s competitiveness and sustainability. - How long can projects last?
CRC Grants support projects ranging from three to ten years. - Who can apply?
Collaborative groups must include at least three Australian industry organisations and two research institutions. - What activities are eligible for funding?
Eligible activities include research, proof-of-concept work, pre-commercialisation, education and training, workshops, and industry adoption strategies. - Is there a funding cap?
There is no fixed funding cap per project, but allocations depend on application quality and available funding. - Are PhD programs required?
Yes, projects must include a strong education and training component, ideally a PhD program that enhances industry skills and research capacity. - Can international collaborations be included?
Yes, if they provide clear benefits to Australia.
Final Takeaway
The CRC Grants – Round 27 are a key opportunity for Australian industries and research institutions to collaborate on long-term, impactful research projects. The program strengthens industry competitiveness, sustainability, and innovation, while fostering education and skills development through PhD programs and training initiatives.
For more information, visit Australian Government.