Cooperative Research Centres Projects (CRC-P) Grants

Purpose and Program Overview

The Cooperative Research Centres Projects (CRC-P) Grants program is an Australian Government initiative designed to support short-term, industry-led research collaborations. The program aims to develop innovative products, services, or processes that address pressing industry challenges and deliver tangible benefits, particularly for small and medium enterprises (SMEs). CRC-P projects focus on translating research and development into commercial outcomes, fostering industry competitiveness, productivity, and sustainability.

The CRC-P grants program has previously invested significant funding, averaging $30 to $40 million per round, with grants ranging from $100,000 to $3 million per project. Projects funded typically last up to three years. The program supports collaborations involving at least two Australian industry organisations (one of which must be an SME) and one Australian research organisation. This initiative plays a key role in driving innovation across a broad range of sectors aligned to government priorities, including the National Reconstruction Fund and National Science & Research Priorities.

Key Grant Details

• Grant amount or funding range: Matched funding between $100,000 and $3 million.
• Application open and close dates: The program has multiple rounds. Round 17 closed on 20 March 2025. Round 18: Opened 25 August 2025, closes 7 October 2025 at 5:00 pm AEDT
• Eligible industries or business types: Collaborative groups of at least two Australian industry entities and one Australian research organisation. The lead applicant must be an Australian SME.
• Required co-contributions: Applicants must match the grant funding. This can be through cash or in-kind contributions.
• Location/state/territory applicability: The grant is for projects across Australia.

Priority Sectors

The grant is open to all industry sectors. The program gives priority to projects that align with the National Reconstruction Fund priorities. These include value-added in resources, agriculture, transport, medical science, and renewables.

Funding Scope

Cooperative Research Centres Projects grant provides funding for short-term, industry-led projects. The maximum project period is three years. The funding is a single grant for the project.

Grant Amount in Total

The total program funding is $838 million over four years, from 2024-25 to 2027-28.

Eligibility Criteria

• Business structure or size: The lead applicant must be an SME with fewer than 200 employees. The collaboration must include at least two Australian industry entities and one Australian research organisation.
• Registered business location: All project partners must be Australian-based.
• Insurance or compliance obligations: All applicants must have an ABN and be incorporated in Australia.
• ABN/GST status: The lead applicant must be registered for GST.

Eligible Activities and Expenses

The grant supports various activities directly related to the project. Eligible expenses can include:

• New research and proof-of-concept activities.
• Pre-commercialisation of research outcomes.
• Industry-focused education and training activities.
• Conferences and workshops related to the research.

Assessment Process

Cooperative Research Centres Projects is a competitive grant. Applications are assessed against specific criteria. These include project alignment with program objectives, the quality of the project, and the capacity of the team to deliver the project. The potential for impact is also assessed.

Recent Program Updates

The total program funding has been increased. The maximum salary cap for cash-staff contributions has increased. The eligibility criteria now include GST registration. A cap has been applied to funding for any single priority area.

Application Tips

• CRC-P grants program is highly competitive.
• Your project must have a clear problem and solution.
• Show how your project will benefit SMEs.
• Clearly explain how the grant funding will help your project.

Where to Get Help

Consider consulting with a professional grant specialist like Pattens Group. We offer initial assessments to review your business’s eligibility and evaluate how well your project aligns with the grant’s objectives. You can also visit relevant government websites for application templates and further guidance.