Graphite Research and Development Grant

Purpose and Program Overview

The Graphite Research and Development Grant is a national initiative that supports Australian small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to undertake collaborative R&D projects with CSIRO focused on natural and synthetic graphite for advanced battery applications. The program aims to improve graphite production, processing and recycling technologies, strengthen Australia’s graphite supply chain, and position local businesses to participate in growing global battery and critical minerals markets. It forms part of the Australian Government’s Batteries Research and Development Program, funded by the Department of Industry, Science and Resources and delivered by CSIRO.

The grant provides matched funding to help SMEs access CSIRO experts, facilities and technical capability to solve defined graphite-related R&D challenges. Through support for projects such as material optimisation, alternative feedstocks, purification and recycling methods, and anode material scale‑up, the program helps businesses de‑risk innovation, accelerate commercialisation pathways and build local technical capability in battery‑grade graphite. This supports broader national objectives around battery manufacturing, critical minerals value‑adding and sustainable processing, while enabling SMEs to expand into domestic and export markets.

Key Grant Details

• Grant amount: between $10,000 and $50,000 (ex GST) per project, generally covering up to 50% of eligible project costs.
• Application period: open now, with applications closing on 30 March 2026 or earlier if the $400,000 total funding pool is fully allocated.
• Eligible business type: Australian SMEs that meet size and registration requirements and can collaborate with CSIRO on an R&D project.
• Co-contribution: cash contribution of at least 50% of total eligible project costs; applicant contribution must be at least equal to, or greater than, the grant amount, and other government grants generally cannot be used to fund this co‑contribution.
• Location: available to SMEs incorporated in Australia with an Australian presence; projects are delivered in collaboration with CSIRO in Australia.

Priority Sectors

The program specifically targets SMEs working on graphite and related battery materials, including natural and synthetic graphite for lithium‑ion battery anodes and associated downstream processing. Eligible projects typically sit within the critical minerals, advanced materials, batteries and clean energy technology sectors that contribute to graphite value‑adding and battery supply chains.

Funding Scope

Grants are available from a minimum of $10,000 to a maximum of $50,000 in funding support per individual project. The grant normally covers up to 50% of eligible project expenditure, with the SME providing at least 50% of costs in cash. Applicants may be able to combine this support with CSIRO’s Kick‑Start Program to unlock up to an additional $50,000 in separate funding for a collaborative research project, subject to each program’s rules.

The Graphite R&D projects must have a minimum total cost of at least $20,000 and are generally expected to commence before 30 June 2026 and run for up to around six months. Funding is focused on collaborative R&D activity with CSIRO rather than long‑term capital investments, and support is provided under a formal grant and project agreement setting out milestones, deliverables and reporting requirements.

Eligibility Criteria

• Be a small or medium‑sized enterprise (SME) incorporated in Australia, typically with fewer than 200 employees.
• Hold an Australian Business Number (ABN) and an Australian Company Number (ACN).
• Be registered for GST and operating as a business rather than an individual or unincorporated entity.
• Have the capacity to provide a cash co‑contribution of at least 50% of total eligible project costs from non‑government sources (unless otherwise allowed).
• Be able to collaborate with CSIRO under a binding research services agreement and meet any insurance and compliance obligations set out in the grant guidelines and sample agreements.
• Be able to start the project within the program timeframes and complete it within the maximum eligible duration, generally up to six months.

Entities such as individuals, unincorporated associations, government agencies, government business enterprises and overseas‑based organisations are not eligible to apply in their own right.

Eligible Activities and Expenses

The grant supports collaborative research and development projects with CSIRO that focus on graphite materials, processing technologies and downstream applications. Supported activities commonly include:

• R&D work by CSIRO researchers on alternative feedstocks for synthetic graphite, purification, upgrading and characterisation of natural graphite, and development or optimisation of battery anode materials.
• Trials, experiments and prototyping related to graphite processing, recycling and circular economy solutions for graphite‑containing materials.
• Project materials, specialist consumables and laboratory work are necessary to deliver the agreed R&D activities.
• Access to CSIRO facilities, specialist equipment and technical services, and, where applicable, external testing or contract services directly related to the project.
• Reasonable project administration and travel costs that are directly attributable to the R&D collaboration, consistent with the grant guidelines.

Assessment Process

The Graphite Research and Development Grant is a competitive grant program assessed against published eligibility and merit criteria rather than an automatic entitlement. Applicants typically submit an initial Expression of Interest (EOI), and shortlisted proponents may then be invited to develop a full project proposal with CSIRO.

Assessment focuses on criteria such as industry impact and relevance, including how the project will build Australian graphite processing capability and strengthen battery and critical minerals supply chains. Other key considerations include the quality and feasibility of the R&D plan, alignment with program and industry needs, value for money, co‑funding capacity, commercialisation or utilisation potential, and the applicants’ capability to deliver the project within the required timeframes.

Recent Program Updates

The Graphite Research and Development Grant has been launched as a $400,000 initiative under the Batteries Research and Development Program to support multiple SME projects with grants of up to $50,000 each. Applications are currently open and scheduled to close on 30 March 2026, or earlier if the funding pool is exhausted, which indicates a time‑limited round with a defined end date.

Program communications emphasise the opportunity for SMEs to combine this support with CSIRO Kick‑Start in some circumstances, potentially increasing total accessible CSIRO‑linked R&D funding where eligibility requirements are met. Applicants should always refer to the latest Graphite R&D Grant Guidelines, sample agreements and CSIRO website updates to confirm current settings, as conditions, dates or available funding may change.

Application Tips

• Confirm that the business meets all core eligibility requirements, including SME status, Australian incorporation, registration details and the ability to provide at least 50% cash co‑contribution.
• Clearly define the graphite‑related R&D challenge and ensure the proposed work directly aligns with program objectives and the broader graphite and battery value chain.
• Engage early with potential CSIRO collaborators to scope a realistic, outcomes‑focused project with clear milestones, deliverables and commercialisation or utilisation pathways.
• Prepare key documents in advance, including company information, technical background, a draft project plan, budget, risk considerations and evidence of the ability to fund the co‑contribution.
• Use the EOI and any full application to demonstrate project merit, industry impact, innovation, value for money and the capability of both the business and CSIRO team to deliver within the nominated timeframes.

Where to Get Help for Graphite Research and Development Grant

Consider consulting with a professional grant specialist, such as 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.