Innovate grants support mid-stage research commercialisation through competitive grants of up to $5 million for a maximum period of 24 months.
These grants are available for researchers at Australian universities to collaborate with industry to advance projects that already have laboratory proof-of-concept.
Grant recipients are expected to be able to increase the technology and commercial readiness of their innovation to reach proof-of-scale. This includes developing and testing prototypes or pilots for new products, processes or software in an industry-relevant environment.
Grants are awarded through a competitive process that focusses on projects with research translation and commercial potential that is aligned with Australian Government identified priority areas of the economy, outlined in the National Reconstruction Fund Corporation (Priority Areas) Declaration 2023.
Within these priorities, the first round of grants will prioritise projects that align with one or more of the following focus areas:
- critical and strategic minerals processing
- sustainable fuels
- digital agriculture
- quantum
- artificial intelligence (AI)
- advanced manufacturing.
As outlined in the AEA Advisory Board’s Annual Investment Plan 2024-25, the focus areas directly contribute towards areas of national priority and will capitalise on important opportunities in areas of Australian economic advantage, such as refining and processing of critical minerals, renewable hydrogen, and green metals.
Innovate supports projects that commence at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 5, 6 or 7. There is no requirement for Innovate applications to have progress via the Ignite program. As long as proposed projects meet the TRL of 5, 6 or 7, applicants can apply directly for Innovate program funding.
These grants are for proof-of-scale. Proving proof-of-scale happens after completion of basic research and testing for proof-of-concept. It is where research has been proven in a testing environment that closely resembles the conditions that will be encountered with industry. It allows for validation of ideas, ensuring that they are viable and practical. It is about demonstrating that what has been developed during the research phase can now be implemented successfully in a real-world scenario on a commercial or industrial scale.
AEA Innovate round 1
Grants for the first round of AEA Innovate are now open. Up to $120 million in funding is available in this round. The first application stage is a compulsory Expression of Interest (EOI), which applicants are required to complete before submitting a full application. Key dates:
| EOI opens | 17 July 2024 |
|---|---|
| EOI closes | 28 August 2024 |
| Full applications open | 18 September 2024 |
| Full applications close | 30 October 2024 |
Industry engagement
It is mandatory for AEA Innovate grant applications to demonstrate the project has a level of industry engagement and a pathway to commercialisation. This includes contributions from an industry partner. Contributions by the nominated partner can be cash or in-kind support. Applications must have a minimum contribution of 50% of the total budget in cash and/or in-kind support from the combined participating organisations.
Technology readiness level and proof-of-scale
The TRL index is a globally accepted research commercialisation benchmarking tool. It tracks development through the early stages of innovation chain, from blue sky research (TRL 1) to actual readiness for commercial use (TRL 9). AEA uses the Department of Defence TRL scale. This is available to applicants to work out which stage the project is currently at and where it can go with AEA funding.