Business Research and Innovation Initiative

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Grant opportunity of up to $1 million are available to support develop a proof of concept from a successful renewables and low emissions feasibility project.

Current status of program

CLOSED

To register your interest in future rounds or discuss alternative grant opportunities please contact us here.

What is the Business Research and Innovation Initiative (BRII) Renewables and Low Emissions Round – Proof of Concept?

The Business Research and Innovation Initiative (BRII) – Proof of Concept Grant offers small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) a unique opportunity to develop innovative, prototype solutions for specific government-identified challenges. This round focuses exclusively on renewables and low emissions technologies, contributing to the Australian Government’s Net Zero agenda and aligned with the National Reconstruction Fund’s priority areas.

Eligible applicants are those who have successfully completed a feasibility project in the earlier round and are invited to apply for this closed, competitive opportunity. The grant provides support to transform a feasible concept into a working prototype, with a focus on market readiness and commercial potential.

BRII Renewables and Low Emissions Round – Proof of Concept Grant level of support

Total funding available: $6 million

  • Minimum grant amount: $250,000
  • Maximum grant amount: $1,000,000

Co-contribution required: Yes – applicants are responsible for funding the remaining eligible and ineligible costs beyond the awarded grant.

BRII Renewables and Low Emissions Round – Proof of Concept Grant important dates

BRII Renewables and Low Emissions Round – Proof of Concept Grant objectives

The Proof of Concept stage aims to:

  • Support the development of an innovative solution to one of three government-issued challenges.
  • Increase the potential for commercialisation of that solution in both domestic and international markets.

Projects eligible for BRII Renewables and Low Emissions Round – Proof of Concept Grant support

Eligible projects must:

  1. Directly build on a completed feasibility project.
  2. Involve producing a working prototype or demonstration that addresses one of the selected challenges:
    • Increasing energy efficiency of commercial fishing operations
    • Powering safe drinking water for Australian First Nations remote communities
    • Alternative packaging for premium Australian wine

Eligible activities include:

  • Determining solution capabilities and functions.
  • Demonstrating product/service differentiation.
  • Testing in relevant operational environments.
  • Preparing for commercialisation (including planning and positioning for market entry).

Ineligible expenditure includes (but is not limited to):

  • Research not directly linked to eligible activities.
  • Pre-approval costs and in-kind contributions.
  • Costs for general administration, office equipment, rent, and insurance.
  • Production inputs, recruitment, routine operating expenses, and overheads not defined as labour on-costs.
  • Travel costs exceeding 10% of total project costs (unless approved).
  • Expenses related to preparing the grant application, reports, or variations.

Other BRII Renewables and Low Emissions Round – Proof of Concept Grant important details that you will need to know

To apply, you must:

  • Be a small to medium-sized enterprise (SME).
  • Have successfully completed a BRII Feasibility project under this round.
  • Be formally invited to apply for Proof of Concept funding.
  • Provide all mandatory attachments including reports and plans.

 

Joint applications are permitted, but one organisation must act as the lead and submit the application. Letters of support are required from project partners.

Applications will be assessed against three weighted criteria. You must score at least 50% in each to be considered.

  1. Extent to which your proposed solution meets the challenge (30%)

    • Alignment with the challenge brief

    • Differentiation from existing solutions

    • Social, environmental, and economic value

    • Support from feasibility report findings

 

  1. Market opportunity of your proposed solution (30%)

    • Demonstrated commercial potential beyond government use

    • A detailed commercialisation plan, including:

      • Objectives and route to market

      • Target market and customer type

      • IP, manufacturing, and financial strategies

      • Capacity to deliver on the plan

 

  1. Capacity, capability and resources to deliver the project (40%)

    • Track record and relevant personnel expertise

    • Access to infrastructure, IP, capital equipment

    • Risk management approach (including cyber and national security)

 

You must be invited by the Department of Industry, Science and Resources following successful completion of your feasibility project. Applications must be submitted via the online portal, meeting all eligibility and assessment requirements.

Mandatory attachments include:

  • Feasibility project report
  • Commercialisation plan
  • Project plan
  • Detailed project budget (use provided template)
  • Risk strategy (national and cyber security included)
  • Letters of support from project partners (if applicable)

 

Be sure to prepare detailed responses to each assessment criterion and supply sufficient supporting documentation.

Visit business.gov.au for more information and to access the online portal. Remember, only those who completed the feasibility stage and received an invitation are eligible to apply.

Register your interest with GrantHelper to explore your alignment with this grant and how we can assist you to increase your chances of success.

BRII Renewables and Low Emissions Round – Proof of Concept Grant resources

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