ARC Industrial Transformation Research Program Schemes 2026

Purpose and Program Overview

The Australian Research Council (ARC) Industrial Transformation Research Program (ITRP) Schemes for 2026, comprising Industrial Transformation Research Hubs (IH26) and Industrial Transformation Training Centres (IC26), support collaborative research between universities and industry partners to address critical industrial challenges. The program aims to foster innovation, develop new knowledge, and build industry-relevant skills to drive economic growth and enhance Australia’s competitiveness in priority sectors. It operates under the ARC’s Linkage Program, emphasising partnerships that deliver practical solutions and training opportunities for higher degree by research (HDR) students and postdoctoral researchers.

The total funding pool for 2026 is not specified. The program supports businesses by facilitating access to cutting-edge research, enabling innovation in key industries, and creating a skilled workforce to address national priorities. Projects align with Industrial Transformation Priorities, ensuring relevance to Australia’s economic and industrial needs.

Key Grant Details

• Grant amount or funding range:
  • IH26: $500,000 to $1,000,000 per year for 3–5 years.
  • IC26: $650,000 to $1,000,000 per year for the first 3 years, with varying amounts for up to 2 additional years.
• Application open and close dates: Open now; closes 26 November 2025, 5:00 pm (AEDT).
• Eligible industries or business types: Industry partners (businesses of any size) collaborating with eligible organisations, primarily universities.
• Required co-contributions: Yes; partner organisations must provide combined cash and in-kind contributions equal to or exceeding ARC funding, with cash contributions at least 75% of the requested funding for partners with over 100 employees.
• Location/state/territory applicability: Australia-wide.

Priority Sectors

The Industrial Transformation Research Program prioritises the following Industrial Transformation Priorities:

• Renewables and low-emissions technologies
• Medical science
• Transport
• Value-add in agriculture, forestry, and fisheries
• Value-add in resources
• Defence capability
• Enabling capabilities

Funding Scope

• Minimum and maximum amounts per stream:
  • IH26: $500,000 to $1,000,000 per year for 3–5 years.
  • IC26: $650,000 to $1,000,000 per year for the first 3 years, with varying amounts for up to 2 additional years.
• Categories or streams of funding:
  • Industrial Transformation Research Hubs (IH26): Collaborative R&D projects addressing industry-specific challenges.
  • Industrial Transformation Training Centres (IC26): Training and skill development for HDR students and postdoctoral researchers through industry placements.
• Project timeline or eligible funding duration:
  • IH26: 3–5 years, commencing 1 July 2026.
  • IC26: 4–5 years, commencing 1 July 2026.

Eligibility Criteria

• Business structure or size: Eligible administering organisations are primarily universities; partner organisations can be businesses of any size.
• Registered business location: Administering and partner organisations must be based in Australia.
• Minimum/maximum turnover: Not specified.
• Insurance or compliance obligations: Compliance with ARC policies, including the Medical Research Policy for relevant projects, is required.
• ABN/GST status: Not explicitly stated, but an ABN is typically required for partner organisations contributing to grants.

Eligible Activities and Expenses

• Collaborative research and development projects addressing industry challenges (IH26).
• Training programs and industry placements for HDR students and postdoctoral researchers (IC26).
• Development of innovative solutions aligned with Industrial Transformation Priorities.
• Activities enhancing workforce skills in priority sectors.

Assessment Process

• Competitive or entitlement-based: Industrial Transformation Research Program is competitive.
• Key evaluation criteria:
  • Project merit and potential to address industry challenges.
  • Alignment with Industrial Transformation Priorities.
  • Value for money, including quality of co-contributions.

Recent Program Updates

• Applications for IH26 (GO7910) and IC26 (GO7906) opened for 2026.
• Operates under the Linkage Program Grant Guidelines (2024 edition – Variation 1).
• Applicants must align with the updated 2026 Industrial Transformation Priorities (to be confirmed in guidelines).

Application Tips

• Verify eligibility through the administering organisation’s research office.
• Ensure proposals align with the 2026 Industrial Transformation Priorities.
• Prepare detailed project plans and evidence of partner contributions to demonstrate feasibility.
• Submit applications via the ARC’s Research Management System (RMS) and check GrantConnect for documentation.

Where to Get Help

Consider consulting with a professional grant specialist like Pattens Group for an initial assessment of your business’s eligibility and project alignment with the grant’s objectives. For application templates and further guidance, visit the official website of the Australian Research Council (ARC).