The Albanese Government has committed $51 million to support collaboration between industry and researchers on breakthrough projects with potential to transform industries and create jobs.

Minister for Industry and Science Ed Husic announced the funding under Round 15 of the Cooperative Research Centres Projects (CRC-P).  

The 21 grants support exceptional industry-led projects with promising commercial potential that solve a wide range of community and economic challenges, from diagnosing life-threatening infections more quickly to innovative environmental recycling processes. 

Successful projects include:

• EQ Plastics Pty Ltd has received $3 million to develop its innovative upcycling system to convert plastic and tyre waste into high-value graphene a material with extensive applications in electronics and renewable energy sectors.
• Optiscan Imaging Ltd has received $3 million to continue the development of a miniature digital probe that will allow clinicians to conduct real-time endomicroscopy examinations and initiate immediate medical intervention if abnormalities are detected.
• NEXSEN BioTech has received $3 million to further develop its biosensor device for the rapid and accurate diagnosis of Group B Streptococcus bacteria, protecting newborns and expecting mothers from serious complications.

The 21 projects involve 91 project partners across Australia, including 60 Australian industry partners of which 49 are small or medium enterprises, as well as 26 Australian research organisations.

Since the CRC Program commenced over 30 years ago, the Australian Government has committed more than $5.8 billion to establish 238 CRCs and 253 CRC Projects, leveraging a further $17.4 billion in cash and in-kind contributions from collaborating partners from industry, research, government and community organisations.

The full list of Round 15 recipients is available at https://business.gov.au/grants-and-programs/cooperative-research-centres-projects-crcp-grants 

Quotes attributable to the Hon Ed Husic, Minister for Industry and Science:

“Great ideas create great products, which create great jobs.

“That’s why we’re supporting science and industry collaboration with this $51m, backing great ideas as well as solving some of our biggest challenges, from cleaning up the environment to making childbirth safer.

“These are practical benefits that help our whole community, creating new business opportunities and secure, well-paid jobs in the process.”