Grants up to $3 million supporting short-term, industry-led research collaborations in developing products, services or processes that solve industry problems, and boost productivity and competitiveness.
On this page you will find
What is the Cooperative Research Centres Projects (CRC-P) Grant Program
You can use the funding to cover costs directly related to your project and must include at least one of the following:
- new research
- proof of concept activities
- pre-commercialisation of research outcomes
The Cooperative Research Centres Projects (CRC-P) Grant supports short-term (up to 3 years), industry-led research collaborations. This program is a core element of the Cooperative Research Centres Program, which is designed to improve the competitiveness, productivity, and sustainability of Australian industries.
Want to check if you are CRC-P Grant Ready?
Skip the guesswork. Complete our quick CRC-P Grant Readiness Quiz to see if your business has a strong chance.
If you look like a good fit, you may be eligible for a free strategy session (valued at $300) to discuss your project’s alignment and next steps.
Cooperative Research Centres Projects (CRC-P) Grant level of support
Grants
- Minimum grant: $100,000
- Maximum grant: $3 million
- Funding ratio: Up to 50% of total eligible project expenditure.
Co-contribution
- Remaining 50% must come from project partners via cash, staff, or in-kind contributions.
Cooperative Research Centres Projects (CRC-P) Grant important dates
- Close date: 7 October 2025, 5:00pm AEDT
- Assessment period: 10 weeks
- Funding decisions: Early 2026
- Earliest project start date: March 2026 (after letter of offer)
Cooperative Research Centres Projects (CRC-P) Grant objectives and outcomes
CRC-P aims to:
- Improve the competitiveness, productivity and sustainability of Australian industries – especially where Australia has a competitive strength, and in line with government priorities (including the National Science and Research Priorities).
- Foster high quality research to solve industry-identified problems through industry-led, outcome-focused collaborative partnerships between industry and research organisations.
- Encourage and facilitate SME participation in collaborative research.
Expected outcomes include:
- Establishing strong and lasting industry–research collaborations.
- Generating research results that align with government priorities.
- Increasing SME participation in collaborative research.
- Building research skills in industry and strengthening industry capability in research.
- Delivering improved competitiveness and productivity for participating industries.
- Industry, research and other users valuing the program as a mechanism for innovation and collaboration.
Government priorities for Cooperative Research Centres Projects (CRC-P) Grant
Applicants are encouraged to align with:
National Reconstruction Fund (NRF) Priorities:
- Value-add in resources
- Value-add in agriculture, forestry and fisheries
- Transport
- Medical science
- Renewables and low emission technologies
- Defence capability
- Enabling capabilities
National Science and Research Priorities:
- Transitioning to net zero
- Supporting healthy communities
- Leveraging Indigenous knowledge systems
- Protecting and restoring environmental systems
- Building national resilience
Projects led by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations will receive priority consideration.
Projects eligible for Cooperative Research Centres Projects (CRC-P) Grant support
Projects must:
- Have at least $200,000 total eligible project value.
- Be industry-identified and industry-led collaborations.
- Deliver tangible benefits to SMEs and industry.
- Include eligible activities such as research, pre-commercialisation, training, and industry–research knowledge exchange.
See the guidelines for full details of eligible projects.
Expenditure eligible for Cooperative Research Centres Projects (CRC-P) Grant support
Eligible expenditure includes:
- Research and proof-of-concept activities
- Pre-commercialisation of research outcomes
- Education and training (internships, exchanges, scholarships, skills building)
- Specialist staff and contractors
- Capital items and technology/IP acquisition or licensing
- Conferences, workshops, and communication activities
- Travel costs (up to 10%)
- Overseas costs (up to 10%)
- Clinical trials of innovations new to Australia or the world
- Independent audit (up to 1%)
Ineligible expenditure includes:
- Routine operational costs (insurance, rent, utilities, communications, admin, stationery, legal/accounting fees)
- Costs already supported through other sources
- Financing costs and interest
- Standard ICT and office equipment not directly tied to the project
- Non-project-related training and staff costs
- Depreciation or maintenance costs beyond the project
- Land acquisition or construction not directly linked to project outcomes
- Expenditure incurred before formal grant approval
Cooperative Research Centres Projects (CRC-P) Grant important details that you will need to know
Organisations eligible for Cooperative Research Centres Projects (CRC-P) Grant support
Lead Applicant must:
- Be an SME (less than 200 employees in total group headcount).
- Hold an ABN.
- Be incorporated in Australia and a trading corporation (or an incorporated trustee applying on behalf of a trust).
Project Partners (minimum requirement):
- One SME lead applicant (industry entity)
- A second Australian industry entity (any size)
- One Australian research organisation
Ineligible lead applicants include: Individuals, sole traders, partnerships, unincorporated associations, research organisations, Commonwealth/state/territory/local government bodies (including enterprises), entities primarily reliant on government grants, and administrative service providers to CRC-Ps.
Cooperative Research Centres Projects (CRC-P) Grant assessment criteria
Applications are assessed against four weighted criteria:
1. Project alignment with program objectives (25 points)
- Addressing industry-identified problems and competitiveness
- Alignment with government priorities, including National Science & Research Priorities
- Industry–research collaboration and SME participation
2. Quality of the project (25 points)
- Research design, methodology, and partner roles
- Contribution to body of knowledge and adoption of new technologies
- Education and training to build capability and capacity
3. Capacity, capability, and resources (25 points)
- Governance, planning, and monitoring (including national security)
- Risk management (IP, security, international partners)
- Access to skills, infrastructure, technology, and funding
4. Impact of grant funding (25 points)
- Impact on scale, timing, and outcomes
- Leveraged investment and retention of benefits in Australia
- Regional and remote business/community benefits
- Commercial potential and spillover benefits
How do I get Cooperative Research Centres Projects (CRC-P) Grant?
You should read and understand the guidelines.
You need to ensure your organisation is eligible for the funding. Organisations that do not meet all of the eligibility criteria outlined above will not be considered.
Strong CRC-P applications clearly demonstrate:
- Direct SME benefits and commercialisation potential
- Strong alignment with NRF and Science & Research priorities
- Robust partner governance, IP, and risk management frameworks
- Significant spillover benefits for Australian industry and communities
Information to prepare for the Cooperative Research Centres Projects (CRC-P) Grant application
Applicants must provide:
- Partner declarations (mandatory for all partners)
- Trust deed (if applying as a trustee)
- Latest financial year figures (turnover, exports, R&D expenditure, staff headcount)
- CRC-P Financial Workbook (funds, contributions, and budget – strongly recommended)
- Project description, key outcomes, milestones, and budget details
Applying for Cooperative Research Centres Projects (CRC-P) Grant
Applications are submitted via business.gov.au CRC-P Portal.
Complete our quick CRC-P Grant Readiness Quiz to see if your business has a strong chance.
Cooperative Research Centres Projects (CRC-P) Grant resources
Is Your Business Eligible for This Government Grant?
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Want to check if you are CRC-P Grant Ready?
Skip the guesswork. Complete our quick CRC-P Grant Readiness Quiz to see if your business has a strong chance.
If you look like a good fit, you may be eligible for a free strategy session (valued at $300) to discuss your project’s alignment and next steps.
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