Funding opportunity to support and to expedite the translation of health and medical research outcomes to commercial products, processes, or services within a foreseeable timeframe.
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 NHMRC Development Grants Program?
The NHMRC Development Grants Program for 2025 provides targeted, competitive support to expedite the translation of health and medical research outcomes to commercial products, processes, or services within a foreseeable timeframe. These grants specifically assist projects at the proof-of-concept stage, with strong potential for intellectual property (IP) protection and future industry investment. Ultimately, this program aims to foster collaborations between researchers and industry partners, driving economic benefit and improving health outcomes for Australians.
NHMRC Development Grants Program level of support
Grants:
- Total Funding Pool: AUD 16.5 million (indicative) for the 2025 round.
- Minimum and Maximum Amount of Funding: There is no official minimum or maximum per-project amount. Applicants must request and justify a budget that aligns with the project objectives.
Co-contribution:
- There is no mandatory co-contribution requirement for the 2025 Development Grants. However, any industry or partner contributions (cash or in-kind) can strengthen your application by demonstrating additional support and commitment to the project’s success.
NHMRC Development Grants Program important dates
- This program is currently closed
- Register your interest with GrantHelper
NHMRC Development Grants Program objectives
The primary objectives of the grant are to:
- Accelerate Commercialisation: Fast-track health and medical research outcomes to viable market-ready solutions, within a reasonable timeframe.
- Validate Proof-of-Concept: Fund research that has a feasible commercialisation pathway and a strong likelihood of producing protected IP.
- Enable Future Investment: Position research outcomes to attract further private-sector or government funding.
- Encourage Collaboration: Promote partnerships between researchers, industry, and private-sector partners—locally and internationally—to enhance Australia’s capacity for innovation.
Projects and expenditure eligible for NHMRC Development Grants Program support
To qualify, a project should:
- Demonstrate a clear path to commercialisation (e.g., IP strategy, regulatory considerations, route to market).
- Be at or near the proof-of-concept stage (not too early and not already past feasibility).
- Show strong scientific merit with potential health and economic impact.
- Align with NHMRC requirements (e.g., no duplication with other funded grants).
Ineligible Expenditure:
- Basic (discovery) research or early-stage investigations that do not include proof-of-concept work.
- Large-scale clinical trials that should instead apply to the Clinical Trials and Cohort Studies Grant scheme.
- Projects beyond proof-of-concept (i.e., already at advanced commercial development).
- Major capital or infrastructure works (land purchase, facility construction).
- Any items or services funded elsewhere (double-dipping).
- Standard business overheads not directly tied to the project research.
Other NHMRC Development Grants Program important details that you will need to know
Organisations eligible for NHMRC Development Grants Program support
Eligible organisations to apply:
- NHMRC-Approved Administering Institutions (universities, medical research institutes, certain government and industry bodies) can apply for or administer Development Grants.
- Collaboration with external partners (domestic or international) is encouraged but not mandatory.
- The administering body must offer adequate infrastructure to manage funds and deliver the proposed research effectively.
See the guidelines for full details of organisational requirements.
NHMRC Development Grants Program assessment criteria
Peer reviewers will evaluate applications based on three weighted criteria:
1. Scientific Merit of the Proposal – 40%
- Quality of the study design, methodology, and research plan.
- Feasibility and likelihood of successfully achieving proof-of-concept.
- Experience and track record of the research team.
2. Record of Commercial Achievements (relative to opportunity) – 20%
- Previous commercial outcomes, e.g., patents, licensing, spin-outs, industry collaboration.
- Demonstrated capacity to engage and negotiate with industry or investors.
3. Commercial Potential – 40%
- Clarity of commercial pathway, IP management strategy, and regulatory considerations.
- Market analysis and unique value proposition.
- Potential for economic and health impact, as well as alignment with Australian priorities.
If the project specifically involves Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health, additional assessment for cultural relevance and community engagement (the Indigenous Research Excellence Criteria) may also be required (though not as a separate percentage).
How do I get the NHMRC Development Grants Program?
Check your eligibility: Ensure you’re an eligible organisation and that your project fits the program objectives and requirements.
Develop your project scope: Confirm costs, gather quotes, and identify any required approvals.
Compile your supporting documentation: Examples include a work plan and a detailed project budget.
Given the competitive nature of these grants, applicants should:
- Present a convincing commercialisation pathway with clear market need.
- Demonstrate strong feasibility of successfully delivering a commercial product, service, or process.
- Include a high-calibre team with expertise in both research and potential commercial translation.
- Provide an adequate budget justification, linking each requested item or salary to the research deliverables.
Information to prepare for the NHMRC Development Grants Program application
- Detailed Research Plan: Aims, methodology, risk management strategies.
- Commercialisation Work Plan: Timelines, milestones, IP strategy, regulatory pathway.
- Market Assessment: Target market, competitors, cost-benefit analysis.
- Budget: Clearly itemise salaries, consumables, equipment, and how each contributes to the commercial goal.
- Collaborator/Partner Support: If applicable, letters of support from industry or partner organisations.
See the guidelines for full details of information requirements.
Applying for the NHMRC Development Grants Program
To apply, register or update your profile in Sapphire: The NHMRC’s secure grants management system.
Register your interest with GrantHelper to explore your alignment with this grant and how we can assist you to increase your chances of success.
NHMRC Development Grants Program resources
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