Grants to support medium to long-term, industry-led research collaborations across industries to solve industry-identified challenges and improve competitiveness, productivity, and sustainability outcomes for Australian industries.
On this page you will find
What is the Cooperative Research Centres (CRC) Grants Program
The Cooperative Research Centres (CRC) Grants Program is an Australian Government initiative administered by the Department of Industry, Science and Resources.
The program supports large-scale, industry-led collaborative research partnerships between industry and research organisations to address major industry challenges and develop innovative technologies, products and services that deliver economic, environmental and social benefits for Australia.
CRC projects bring together industry, universities, and research organisations to undertake long-term research programs focused on delivering outcomes that can be commercialised and adopted by industry.
Projects funded under the CRC program can run for up to 10 years, supporting sustained collaboration and large-scale research initiatives that drive industry transformation and competitiveness.
The CRC Grants Program uses a two-stage competitive application process.
- Stage 1 – Expression of Interest
- Stage 2 – Full Application
Cooperative Research Centres Grants level of support
Grant
- There is no fixed minimum or maximum grant amount available under the CRC Grants Program.
- However, CRC grants typically involve substantial Commonwealth investment, often supporting large-scale collaborative research programs.
- Projects can receive funding for a period of up to 10 years.
Co-contribution
- CRC projects must demonstrate significant partner commitment.
- Participants must provide at least a 1:1 matching contribution relative to the Commonwealth grant funding. Contributions may include cash contributions and in-kind contributions such as personnel, facilities, or equipment.
Cooperative Research Centres Grants important dates
- Closing date: Wednesday 29 April 2026 5:00pm AEST
- Register your interest with GrantHelper
Cooperative Research Centres Program objectives and outcomes
1. Solve Industry Challenges:
- Support large-scale, end-user-focused research projects that address genuine industry problems in innovative, practical ways.
2. Enhance Competitiveness & Productivity:
- Develop and commercialise new solutions that strengthen Australian industries, drive job creation, and spur economic growth.
3. Build Skills and Capability:
- Run industry-focused education and training programs, including a compulsory PhD component, so that Australia’s current and future workforce gains relevant skills.
4. Boost SME Participation:
- Increase the research and development (R&D) capacity of small to medium enterprises (SMEs), enhancing their ability to innovate and grow.
5. Encourage Research Adoption:
- Ensure strong pathways for research outputs—like new technologies or processes—to be taken up by end-users, delivering broad economic and societal benefits.
Activities and expenditure eligible for Cooperative Research Centres Grants support
Eligible Activities
CRC grants support activities that involve collaborative research with clear industry outcomes.
Eligible activities may include:
- Industry-driven research programs addressing major sector challenges
- Development of new technologies, products, or services
- Commercialisation and industry adoption of research outcomes
- Collaborative innovation initiatives
- Education and training programs that support industry capability
- Industry-focused PhD and postgraduate training programs
- Technology transfer and knowledge exchange initiatives.
Projects must demonstrate strong pathways to industry adoption and commercial impact.
Ineligible Expenditure
CRC funding cannot be used for activities that fall outside the approved research program.
Examples of ineligible expenditure may include:
- Activities not directly related to the CRC research program
- Costs already funded through another Commonwealth program
- Purchase of land
- Major capital works not essential to the research program
- Routine operational expenses unrelated to research
- Interest payments or financing costs.
See the guidelines for full details of eligible projects.
Other Cooperative Research Centres important details that you will need to know
Organisations eligible for Cooperative Research Centres Grants support
CRC proposals must demonstrate strong industry leadership and collaboration.
A CRC consortium must include:
- At least three Australian industry entities, and
- At least two Australian research organisations.
Participants may include:
- Small and medium enterprises (SMEs)
- Large Australian companies
- Universities
- Cooperative Research Organisations
- Government research agencies
- State or territory government entities
- International partners where appropriate.
Compliance Requirements
Applicants and partners must comply with:
- Workplace Gender Equality Act requirements
- National Redress Scheme requirements
Non-compliant organisations may be ineligible to receive funding.
Cooperative Research Centres Grants assessment criteria
Applications are assessed against four key criteria.
1. Alignment with Program Objectives
Applicants must demonstrate strong alignment with the CRC program objectives, including delivering outcomes that benefit Australian industry and the broader economy.
2. Quality of the Research Program
The proposed research program must demonstrate:
- Scientific and technical excellence
- Strong research methodology
- Clear pathways for commercialisation and industry adoption.
3. Capacity, Capability and Resources
Applicants must demonstrate that the consortium has the capability to deliver the project, including:
- Experienced leadership and governance
- Strong industry participation
- Access to facilities, expertise, and infrastructure.
4. Impact of the Grant Funding
Applications must demonstrate:
- Significant industry impact
- Strong value for money
- Potential economic, environmental, or societal benefits for Australia.
How do I get Cooperative Research Centres Grants?
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.
Successful applicants will demonstrate:
- an industry identified problem of significant scale that requires a medium to long term collaboration
- collaborative research and knowledge sharing systems, including education and training activities, that are mutually beneficial to industry and research
- strong governance and management structures, including risk identification, that support the CRC’s activities and collaborations
- an optimal mix of partners whose contributions reflect a strong commitment to the project
- sufficient resources to address the identified problem and achieve CRC objectives, deliver benefit to Australia and conform to all CRC requirements
- the impact of grant funding on the scale and timing of the project, including market and commercialisation opportunities
Information to prepare for the Cooperative Research Centres Grants application
CRC applications require extensive planning and collaboration between multiple partners.
Applicants should be prepared to provide:
- Consortium partner details
- Evidence of industry demand
- Research program design
- Commercialisation pathways
- Governance arrangements
- Financial contributions from partners
- Project budget and financial modelling
- Expected economic and industry outcomes.
Applicants invited to Stage 2 must provide a detailed full proposal and supporting documentation.
Applying for Cooperative Research Centres Grants
Applications are submitted via business.gov.au.
Register your interest with GrantHelper to explore your alignment with this program and how we can assist you to increase your chances of success.
Cooperative Research Centres Grants 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 4 Ways We Can Help You
- Grant Application Readiness
Assess your current position, identify gaps, and prepare your organisation to meet the stringent requirements of competitive grant programs. - Grant Application Strategy
Pinpoint the right grants, align your projects with funding priorities, and establish a roadmap that significantly boosts your chances of success. - Grant Application Writing
Our expert writers craft persuasive applications that showcase your strengths and align seamlessly with the funder’s goals and criteria. - Grant Application Management
End-to-end oversight of your grant journey — from planning and writing to submission and reporting — so you can stay focused on running your business.
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.
