Minister for Industry and Science Ed Husic today announced that Round 24 of the Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) grants program had opened for application.

CRC grants provide funding for industry-led research centres that can transform Australian know-how into practical outcomes for Australian businesses. The grants can support industry-led collaborative research centres of up to 10 years’ duration.

“The Government’s CRC program supports research and development initiatives that result in significant benefits to industry and the community,” Minister Husic said.

“This funding can provide an often-missing step between research and commercialisation.”

The latest evaluation of the CRC program, released today, shows it is working to strengthen the bond between industry and research organisations.

“This evaluation found CRCs will contribute about $32.5 billion towards economic productivity by 2025 through commercialisation of new technologies, products and services that solve real problems for industry,” Minister Husic said.

“The evaluation also concluded CRCs will continue to help address Australia’s economic, environmental and social challenges by enhancing capability of the research workforce.”

Grant applications are open to all industry sectors and research disciplines, with applicants at least matching the funding sought through cash or in‑kind contributions from partners.

Since the CRC program was launched in 1990 under the Hawke Labor Government, it has delivered more than $5.5 billion to establish 236 CRCs and 189 CRC Projects, leveraging a further $16.8 billion in cash and in-kind contributions from partners.

“This program generates tangible economic outcomes by supporting projects designed to bolster the productivity and sustainability of Australian industries,” Minister Husic said.

Applications for CRC Round 24 close on 7 March 2023. www.business.gov.au/crc.

Minister Husic said a schedule for future rounds would soon be published allowing applicants to be better prepared to build collaborations and develop grant submissions.

Round 25 is expected to open in December 2023.

The CRC Program Impact evaluation is available at this link.