Grants up to $1 million to support Australian researchers collaborate on projects with Indian research partners to advance science and technology while strengthening strategic alliances.
Current status of program
CLOSED
To register your interest in future rounds or discuss alternative grant opportunities please contact us here.
On this page you will find
What is the Australia-India Strategic Research Fund?
The Australia-India Strategic Research Fund (AISRF) is pleased to announce its 16th round of funding, focusing on fostering collaboration between Australian and Indian researchers. This initiative is a testament to the commitment of both nations to advance science and technology while strengthening strategic alliances.
Australia-India Strategic Research Fund level of support
- Grant Amount: Up to $1 million per project.
- Coverage: Up to 100% of eligible expenditure.
Australia-India Strategic Research Fund important dates
- This program is currently closed
- Register your interest with GrantHelper
Australia-India Strategic Research Fund objectives
The Australia-India Strategic Research fund aims to:
- increase the uptake of leading science and technology by supporting collaboration between Australian and Indian researchers in strategically focused, leading-edge scientific research and technology projects
- strengthen strategic alliances between Australian and Indian researchers
- facilitate Australia and India’s access to the global science and technology system
- positively impact the participation of women in scientific research and technology projects.
The intended outcomes of the program are:
- greater profile and reputational gains for Australian and Indian science, research and innovation capabilities in each other’s country and globally
- stronger links between Australian and Indian research and business communities to grow long-term collaboration
- an opportunity for any postgraduate students involved in the project to spend time in the other country and work with collaborating researchers to help form lifelong networks and build on institutional links
- enhancement of Australia’s reputation as a destination of choice for Indian tertiary students
- strengthening and deepening of the bilateral diplomatic relationship and strategic partnership.
Australia-India Strategic Research Fund priorities
Your project must be in a priority area. The priority areas for Australia-India Strategic Research Fund Round 16 are:
Indo-Australian Science and Technology Fund (administered by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) in India)
- critical minerals processing technologies and methods
- quantum computing and communications
- remanufacturing and product end-of-use recovery including electronic waste recycling.
Indo-Australian Biotechnology Fund (administered by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) in India)
- biomanufacturing for industrial and consumer products, including biochemicals, biofuels and novel bio-based materials
- biotechnology for improved agricultural productivity and climate resilience (including food security or renewable feedstocks)
- RNA vaccines and biotherapeutics (immunotherapy).
The lead organisation can submit a maximum of two applications but only one application per priority area.
Activities and expenditure eligible for Australia-India Strategic Research Fund support
Eligible activities must directly relate to the project and may include:
- joint scientific research projects with Indian partner/s
- application and commercialisation of research outcomes
- exchanges and secondments of personnel between Australia and India
- conferences and workshops
- new research-related information sharing and communication initiatives
- joint traditional research outputs of books, chapters, journal articles and conference publications.
Other activities that are in-line with the objectives and outcomes of the program may also be approved.
Refer to section 5.2, and Appendices A and B of the grant opportunity guidelines for eligible (and ineligible) expenditure.
Other Australia-India Strategic Research Fund important details that you will need to know
Organisations eligible for Australia-India Strategic Research Fund support
You can apply if you have an Australian business number (ABN) and are one of the following entities:
- an incorporated not for profit organisation
- a publicly funded research organisation (PFRO) as defined in section 14 of the grant opportunity guidelines
- an incorporated trustee on behalf of a trust
- an Australian State/Territory Government agency or body
- an entity, incorporated in Australia.
You can’t apply if you are:
- an organisation, or your project partner is an organisation, included on the National Redress Scheme’s list of Institutions that have not joined or signified their intent to join the Scheme
- an employer of 100 or more employees that has not complied with the Workplace Gender Equality Act (2012)
- not one of the entities listed above.
Partner with other organisations
- You can partner with one or more other organisations that also meet the eligibility criteria. But you must decide who the lead organisation is.
- The lead organisation must fill out the application form.
See the guidelines for full details of organisational requirements.
Australia-India Strategic Research Fund assessment criteria
Your application will be assessed based on the following:
- Assessment criterion 1: How your project will advance research in priority areas (40 points)
- Assessment criterion 2: Your capacity, capability and resources to deliver the project (30 points)
- Assessment criterion 3: Benefits for both Australia and India (30 points)
The amount of detail and supporting evidence you provide should be relative to the project size, complexity and grant amount requested.
How do I get the Australia-India Strategic Research Fund?
Applicants must:
- Read and understand the guidelines.
- Ensure eligibility for the funding. Applicants that do not meet all the eligibility criteria will not be considered.
- Demonstrate a strong alignment with the fund’s objectives.
- Provide complete information requirements.
Information to prepare for the Australia-India Strategic Research Fund application
You must provide the following documents with your application:
- a letter of support from the lead organisation demonstrating and clearly articulating the organisation’s financial support (cash and/or in-kind) for the project, and a commitment to engage in the research collaboration (template provided on business.gov.au)
- a letter of support from each partner organisation (template provided on business.gov.au). Each letter of support should include:
-
- details of the project partner
- an overview of how the project partner will work with the lead organisation and any other project partners in the group to successfully complete the project
- an outline of the relevant experience and/or expertise the project partner will bring to the group
- the roles/responsibilities the project partner will undertake, and the resources (including cash and in-kind) it will contribute (if any)
- any affiliations with foreign governments, including through participation in foreign talent programs (other than India)
- details of a nominated management level contact officer
- curriculum vitae (CV) for both Australian and Indian project managers and other key personnel (template provided on business.gov.au). You will need to combine all CVs (up to 2 pages each) into one attachment
- a project plan including arrangements for governance, security and intellectual property rights and the identification of risks and mitigation strategies (up to 5 A4 pages) as set out in Assessment Criteria 6.2.b in the guidelines
- trust deed (where applicable).
You must attach supporting documentation to the application form in line with the instructions provided within the form.
You should only attach requested documents. The total of all attachments cannot exceed 20MB.
See the guidelines for full details of information requirements.
Applying for the Australia-India Strategic Research Fund
Applications are submitted via portal.business.gov.au.
Register your interest with GrantHelper to explore your alignment with this grant and how we can assist you to increase your chances of success.
Australia-India Strategic Research Fund resources
Is Your Business Eligible for This Government Grant?
GrantHelper can assist with your organisation’s grant application, no matter what stage of the funding journey you’re at.
Whenever You’re Ready, Here Are 5 Ways We Can Help You
- Grant Application Readiness
Assess your current position, identify gaps, and effectively prepare your organisation to meet the stringent requirements of grant applications. - Grant Strategy
Develop a tailored grant strategy to support your business’s growth and expansion by aligning your projects with the most suitable grant opportunities. - Grant Application Writing
Assist you to craft persuasive applications that not only highlight your strengths but also align seamlessly with funders’ objectives. - Grant Application Review
Ensure your application stands out by allowing GrantHelper’s experts to meticulously review and refine your submission, maximising your chances of securing funding. - Bespoke Services
Access custom services like project management, business planning, and financial modelling to ensure your project’s success and sustainability.
Ready to get started?
Not Ready to Enquire Yet?
We understand that winning grants takes time—something many business owners and directors don’t have. That’s why we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Our Insights showcase some of the grant-winning methods we employ at GrantHelper, and they will help you create a stronger grant application.
Explore our Insights page, or our Podcasts page, where you’ll find expert advice, actionable tips, and time-saving strategies to help you get grant-ready.
Alternatively, check out some of the Clients we’ve helped and what they had to say about us.
