India Australia Rapid Innovation and Startup Expansion RISE Accelerator

Purpose and Program Overview

The India Australia Rapid Innovation and Startup Expansion RISE Accelerator is a bilateral innovation program designed to help Australian startups and SMEs with mature technologies expand into the Indian market. Delivered by CSIRO in partnership with India’s Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), the program supports high-potential businesses in addressing shared challenges between the two countries, particularly in the environment and clean energy sectors.

This 9-month program provides structured support through online learning, in-market immersion, expert guidance, and performance-based grant funding of up to AUD 135,000. The current round (Round 3) focuses exclusively on renewable energy, offering participants the opportunity to validate and pilot their solutions internationally.

Key Details

• Funding available: Up to AUD 135,000 in non-equity grants
• Applications open: 26 May 2025
• Applications close: 30 June 2025 at 11:30 PM AEST
• Eligible business types: Australian startups and SMEs
• Co-contribution required: None
• Applicable regions: Nationwide (Australia)

Priority Sectors

• Renewable energy (Round 3)
• Previous rounds included circular economy, waste management, and agritech
• Future sectors may vary by round

Funding Scope

• Discovery Phase: Up to AUD 35,000 for market readiness and immersion activities
• Pilot Phase: Up to AUD 100,000 for technology demonstration and partnership execution
• Project duration: 4 months for the Discovery Phase; 5 months for the Pilot Phase
• Funding type: Non-dilutive, milestone-based funding

Eligibility Criteria

• Must be headquartered or domiciled in Australia
• Must be incorporated with ABN and ACN
• Must be registered for GST
• Annual revenue not exceeding $20 million in any of the past three financial years
• Must align with the Round 3 challenge focus (renewable energy)
• Must have technology at TRL 7 or higher (TRL 5–6 may be considered if a strong case is made)
• Not suitable for sole traders, individuals, or organisations already exporting to India

Eligible Activities and Expenses

• Market research and entry planning
• Participation in immersion weeks in India and Australia
• Engagement with mentors, advisors, or industry partners
• Development and execution of pilot projects
• Technology validation and localisation
• Limited travel and operational costs (must align with project goals)

Assessment Process

• Competitive process
• Applications are reviewed against eligibility and merit criteria
• The evaluation focuses on:
  • Alignment with sector priorities
  • Market readiness and scalability
  • Potential for bilateral collaboration
  • Team capability and track record
  • Value for funding requested

Recent Context

• Round 3 officially launched on 26 May 2025
• Focused on supporting clean energy innovations aligned with global net-zero goals
• Updated program timelines and increased outreach to regional businesses

Application Tips

• Ensure all eligibility criteria are met before applying
• Clearly articulate your technology’s relevance to the renewable energy challenge
• Use specific examples to demonstrate capability and market fit
• Align your proposal with program priorities, including India Australia collaboration
• Prepare key documents early (e.g. business case, TRL validation, project plan)

Need Support Preparing Your Application For India Australia RISE Accelerator?

Consider consulting with a professional grant specialist, such as Pattens Group. We assist Australian businesses in preparing high-quality, competitive applications for programs like the India Australia Rapid Innovation and Startup Expansion RISE Accelerator. Our team offers initial assessments to review your eligibility, identify your strengths and areas for improvement, and increase your chances of success. Please check business.gov.au and CSIRO’s program page for official resources and updates.