Grants of up to $50,000 to support Australian SMEs collaborating with CSIRO on graphite research, advancing battery anode technologies, recycling, and sustainable critical-mineral supply chains.
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What is the Graphite Research and Development Grant (GRDG)?
The Graphite Research & Development Grant (GRDG) is a CSIRO initiative that helps Australian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) partner with CSIRO on innovative research and development projects that advance graphite materials for battery applications.
Projects may explore new feedstocks, recycling and purification methods, characterisation of natural graphite, or the scale-up of anode materials for lithium-ion batteries. Funding supports a broad range of R&D expenses, including CSIRO researcher time, project materials, administration, travel, and use of specialist facilities or contractors.
The grant is delivered through a two-stage process—an initial Expression of Interest (EOI) followed by an invited Project Proposal—with projects to begin before 30 June 2026 and run for up to six months.
Graphite Research and Development Grant level of support
Grants:
- Minimum Funding: $10,000
- Maximum Funding: $50,000
- Total Funding Pool: $400,000
Co-contribution:
- The grant provides up to 50% of eligible project costs.
- A co-contribution is required, meaning applicants must contribute at least 50% of total project costs in cash.
- Applicants cannot use other government grants to fund their co-contribution.
Graphite Research and Development Grant important dates
- Closes: 6:00 pm AEDT, 30 March 2026, or earlier if funding is exhausted
- Project start: must commence before 30 June 2026
- Project duration: up to 6 months.
- Register your interest with GrantHelper
Graphite Research and Development Grant objectives
The Graphite Research & Development Grant aims to accelerate Australia’s capability in graphite processing and strengthen national supply chains for battery manufacturing and advanced materials.
Specifically, the program seeks to:
- Foster collaboration between Australian SMEs and CSIRO to drive innovation in graphite research and downstream processing.
- Enhance local expertise in synthetic and natural graphite technologies, recycling, and advanced material characterisation.
- Support commercialisation pathways that enable Australian businesses to enter or expand within global lithium-ion battery and critical minerals markets.
- Promote sustainability through research that reduces environmental impact, improves resource efficiency, and supports circular economy outcomes.
- Position Australia as a competitive and reliable supplier of graphite-based materials for emerging industries.
Projects and expenditure eligible for Graphite Research and Development Grant support
Projects must involve collaborative R&D with CSIRO focused on graphite materials and processes that enable efficient, effective downstream processing.
Projects must have a minimum total cost of $20,000 and can include work undertaken by or in collaboration with CSIRO researchers.
Examples of eligible R&D activities include:
- Investigating alternative feedstocks for synthetic graphite
- Recycling graphite from spent batteries
- Characterising natural graphite ore bodies
- Developing spheronisation and purification techniques
- Exploring coating methods for spheronised materials
- Scaling up battery-anode production processes
- Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) of graphite materials
- Any other graphite-related R&D that enhances downstream processing and supports Australian manufacturing capability
Eligible Expenditure
- Salaries and on-costs of CSIRO researchers
- Consumables and materials directly related to the R&D
- Project management and administration within CSIRO
- Travel and accommodation (if required)
- Use of specialist facilities, equipment, or external contractors directly tied to the project
Ineligible Expenditure
- Capital works or major infrastructure
- Overseas travel or expenditure
Other Graphite Research and Development Grant important details that you will need to know
Organisations eligible for Graphite Research and Development Grant support
To be eligible, applicants must:
- Be a small or medium-sized enterprise (SME) incorporated in Australia
- Hold an Australian Business Number (ABN) and Australian Company Number (ACN)
- Be registered for GST
- Have fewer than 200 employees
The following are not eligible:
- Individuals or unincorporated entities
- Government agencies or government business enterprises
- Overseas-based organisations
Graphite Research and Development Grant assessment criteria
Applications will be assessed against two main criteria:
1. Industry Impact and Relevance (70%)
- How the proposed project contributes to building Australia’s graphite processing capability
- Potential to strengthen domestic and export supply chains (particularly in battery manufacturing and the U.S. market)
- The degree to which the R&D will generate tangible industry or commercial outcomes
2. Pathway and Capacity (30%)
- The applicant’s capacity and commitment to use, commercialise or further develop the project outcomes
- The clarity and feasibility of proposed next steps (e.g., follow-on funding, market entry, partnerships, or scaling pathways)
Assessments also consider the value for money and alignment with CSIRO’s research capabilities.
How do I get the Graphite Research and Development Grant?
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.
- Deliver the project/s as outlined in the application.
- Provide complete information requirements.
To successfully receive funding, applicants should demonstrate:
- A clear R&D challenge aligned with graphite downstream processing or material improvement
- Strong collaboration potential with CSIRO researchers
- The capacity to co-fund 50% of project costs
- A defined commercialisation or utilisation pathway
- The ability to commence before 30 June 2026 and complete within six months
- A sound understanding of supply-chain and sustainability impacts
Information to prepare for the Graphite Research and Development Grant application
Applicants should have the following information ready for their EOI:
- ABN, ACN, and GST status
- Employee count (confirming SME eligibility)
- Details of any previous collaboration with CSIRO
- Selection of relevant research area(s)
- A concise description of R&D needs and the project’s Technology Readiness Level (TRL)
- Explanation of how the project will contribute to downstream processing and supply chain diversification
- Overview of commercialisation plans or future use of results
See the guidelines for full details of information requirements.
Applying for the Graphite Research and Development Grant
The application process is two-staged:
Stage 1 – Expression of Interest (EOI)
- Applicants must first complete an online EOI form outlining their business, the proposed research area, and how the project aligns with the program objectives.
The EOI assesses eligibility, research relevance, and project feasibility.
Stage 2 – Project Proposal (By Invitation)
- Successful EOI applicants are invited to co-develop a detailed project proposal with CSIRO. This includes a defined scope, milestones, cost breakdown, and expected outcomes. Projects are then assessed against the formal criteria for impact, capability, and value for money before grant agreements are finalised.
Register your interest with GrantHelper to explore your alignment with this grant and how we can assist you to increase your chances of success.
Graphite Research and Development Grant resources
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