Funding for medium to long-term, industry-led research collaborations

The following schedule outlines the anticipated timeline for Round 27. Updates to timing will be published throughout the year.

• Guidelines released – 6 March 2026.
• Stage 1 open – 6 March 2026.
• Stage 1 close – 29 April 2026.
• Stage 1 outcomes – July 2026.
• Stage 2 open – July 2026.
• Stage 2 close – September 2026.
• Stage 2 outcomes announced – early 2027.
• Funding to start July 2027.

Future rounds of the CRC Grants Program are determined by the Minister. CRC Grant rounds have been held annually over recent years.

Eligible activities must relate directly to the project and may include:

• new research
• proof of concept activities
• pre-commercialisation of research outcomes
• industry-focused education and training
• conferences, workshops and communications
• related information sharing and communication initiatives
• collaboration with international organisations providing national benefits to Australia.

You can only spend grant funds on expenses outlined in your grant agreement. You can find more information on eligibility in the CRC Program Grant Opportunity Guidelines.

We can't consider your application if you don't satisfy all eligibility criteria. Only eligible applications will proceed to the assessment stage.

We can only accept applications where you can provide a declaration from required number of partners on the template provided and where you can demonstrate the ability to at least match (in cash or in-kind) the grant funds requested.

We assess your application against the eligibility criteria and then against the assessment criteria. Only eligible applications will proceed to the assessment stage.

The CRC Advisory Committee will assess all eligible Stage 1 applications and make recommendations to the Minister on which applications are suitable for progression to Stage 2. The Minister will invite the most meritorious Stage 1 applicants to submit a Stage 2 application and attend an interview with the CRC Advisory Committee.

The Minister decides which applications to approve, considering the:

• recommendations of the CRC Advisory Committee
• availability of grant funds.

• Assessment criterion 1 - Project alignment with the program objectives (total 25 points)
• Assessment criterion 2 - The quality of your research project (total 25 points)
• Assessment criterion 3 - Capacity, capability, and resources to deliver your project (total 25 points):
• Assessment criterion 4 - Impact of the grant funding on your project (total 25 points)

For more information on the assessment criteria please refer to the grant opportunity guidelines.

If your Stage 1 application is successful, we'll invite you to submit a Stage 2 application addressing CRC Advisory Committee feedback on your Stage 1 application. We'll also ask you to attend an interview with the CRC Advisory Committee.

In Stage 2, we'll invite you to submit a Stage 2 application addressing CRC Advisory Committee feedback on your Stage 1 application. We'll also ask you to attend an interview with the CRC Advisory Committee.

If you're unsuccessful at either stage, we’ll notify you in writing including feedback.

All funded CRCs must be established and governed as an incorporated company, limited by guarantee (the CRC Entity).

Successful applicants must enter into a grant agreement with the Commonwealth. The grant agreement will specify the reporting requirements, payment schedule and milestones necessary to receive payments.

We'll make payments according to an agreed schedule set out in the grant agreement. Payments are subject to satisfactory progress on the project. We'll make an initial payment on execution of the grant agreement if we're satisfied you have made significant progress in finalising the partners’ agreement.

The CRA strengthens and promotes the transformative potential of collaborative, industry-led research through knowledge exchange, professional development, and advocacy. Find out more on the CRA website.