mRNA Victoria Pipeline Program — Round 1

Purpose and Program Overview

The mRNA Victoria Pipeline Program (mVP) is a Victorian Government grant initiative designed to accelerate the development of mRNA-based vaccines and therapeutics towards readiness for clinical trials. The program is administered by mRNA Victoria and the Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions (DJSIR), and forms part of the broader mRNA Victoria and BioNTech ecosystem investment, which includes a GMP Clinical Manufacturing Facility under construction at La Trobe University’s Bundoora campus.

Round 1 of the mVP grant program makes available a total funding pool of $2 million. The program is intended to support pre-clinical mRNA candidates in progressing towards GMP manufacturing for Phase I clinical trials, building the pipeline of candidates suitable for production at the new facility and strengthening Victoria’s position as a hub for mRNA innovation in the Asia-Pacific region.

Beyond direct funding, the program plays a broader role in building sovereign manufacturing capability, supporting local biotechnology and life sciences innovation, and connecting Victorian researchers and businesses with BioNTech’s expertise in mRNA product development, regulatory strategy and Target Product Profile planning.

Key Grant Details

• Grant amount: Up to $1 million (excluding GST) per eligible applicant
• Total funding pool: $2 million across Round 1
• Applications close: 7 September 2026 at 5:00pm
• Eligible entities: Victorian companies, incorporated associations, and statutory corporations such as universities, hospitals and TAFEs
• Co-contribution required: Yes — applicants must demonstrate sufficient funds to cover any project costs beyond the grant amount
• Location applicability: Open to entities operating from, headquartered in, or with a subsidiary based in Victoria

Priority Sectors

The program is targeted specifically at the mRNA vaccines and therapeutics sector. Eligible projects must relate to:

• mRNA vaccines for infectious diseases, microbial threats and other emerging health threats
• mRNA therapeutics, including treatments for cancers, genetic disorders, rare diseases and autoimmune conditions

This is a sector-specific program rather than one open to a broad range of industries, and applicants should ensure their project aligns closely with these two categories.

Funding Scope

• Maximum grant amount: Up to $1 million (excluding GST) per applicant
• Total round pool: $2 million
• Funding structure: A single funding stream (no separate feasibility, capital works or technology streams)
• Project duration: Projects must be completed within three years of Grant Agreement execution
• Technology Readiness Level (TRL): Candidates must generally be assessed at TRL 3–5; TRL 2 candidates may be considered in exceptional cases with a credible plan to reach TRL 4 within two years

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet all of the following requirements:

• Hold an Australian Business Number (ABN)
• Be one of the following eligible entity types:
  • A company registered under the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth)
  • An incorporated association registered under the Associations Incorporation Reform Act 2012 (Vic)
  • A statutory corporation, such as a university, hospital or TAFE
• Operate from a Victorian location, be headquartered in Victoria, or have a Victorian-based subsidiary
• Hold the intellectual property, or the rights to commercialise the underlying technology, in Australia and major international markets
• Hold or secure transferable rights to any required background IP, with confirmed freedom to operate

Ineligible applicants include Commonwealth, state or local government agencies, overseas-incorporated companies, unincorporated associations, trusts, partnerships, sole traders and individuals.

For grants of $500,000 or more (excluding GST), applicants must also hold a Fair Jobs Code Pre-Assessment Certificate. Applications for $50,001 or more generally require audited or accountant-prepared financial accounts demonstrating financial viability.

Eligible Activities and Expenses

Grant funding can be used for activities directly supporting mRNA candidate development, including:

• Accessing facilities, capabilities or services to test, verify, validate or scale up a product
• Purchasing capital equipment supporting end-to-end product development
• Preclinical and validation studies, including proof-of-concept, safety, efficacy and stability assessments
• Manufacture of pre-clinical mRNA at the BioNTech R&D Production Laboratory
• Production of prototype or pilot batches and preparation for GMP manufacturing
• Application of enabling technologies to improve manufacturability or cost-efficiency
• Regulatory readiness activities, including pathway planning and certification
• Commercialisation planning, including market testing and feasibility studies
• Target Product Profile strategy and IND-enabling studies
• Patent and IP registration costs (capped at 20% of grant funding)
• Access to specialist equipment, infrastructure or external expertise
• Workshops or training for commercialisation up-skilling

Ineligible costs include routine operational expenditure, existing staff salaries, basic legal and accounting fees, GST, grant application preparation costs, and expenses incurred before the Grant Agreement is executed.

Assessment Process

This is a competitive, merit-based grant program. Eligible applications are scored by an external assessment panel against weighted criteria, reviewed by the mRNA Victoria Scientific Advisory Board, and subject to final departmental review before funding recommendations are made to the Minister for Economic Growth and Jobs.

Assessment criteria and weightings:

• Project alignment and impact (25%): Alignment with program objectives, potential to progress to GMP-scale manufacturing, evidence of public health or clinical need, and benefits to Victoria
• Commercial potential (30%): Pathway to market, market opportunity, IP position, and partnership or licensing plans
• Project readiness and capability to deliver (30%): TRL justification, budget and milestone planning, and team capability
• Need for government support (10%): Evidence that the project would not proceed, or would achieve less impact, without funding
• Promotion of gender equality (5%): Applications with project teams comprising at least 50% women, or led by a woman as Chief Investigator, receive additional weighting

Recent Program Updates

This is the first funding round under the newly established mRNA Victoria Pipeline Program, launched alongside the ongoing construction of the GMP Clinical Manufacturing Facility at La Trobe University. The program reflects the Victorian Government’s continued investment in its partnership with BioNTech, following the November 2025 launch of the BioNTech R&D Production Laboratory, which is now producing research-grade RNA materials for Australian researchers.

Application Tips

• Confirm eligibility against all criteria before applying, including entity type, Victorian presence and IP ownership or commercialisation rights
• Obtain a Letter of Support from BioNTech early, as this is a mandatory supporting document confirming manufacturing suitability at the GMP Clinical Manufacturing Facility
• Prepare a detailed project plan, budget and financial evidence well ahead of the closing date, as the application window is only five weeks
• Apply for a Fair Jobs Code Pre-Assessment Certificate in advance if seeking $500,000 or more, as this process can take time
• Clearly demonstrate how the project addresses each weighted assessment criterion, particularly commercial potential and delivery capability, which together account for 60% of the score
• Align the application with the program’s objective of advancing candidates towards GMP manufacturing and Phase I trials, and articulate the project’s benefit to Victoria

Where to Get Help

Consider consulting a grant specialist like Pattens Group for a personalised eligibility assessment and expert assistance in preparing a strong, compliant and competitive application. Contact us today and get connected with Australia’s best grant specialist, boasting over 35 years of experience in the industry and a 100% success rate. For official guidelines, application details, templates, and further information, visit the official website of the mRNA Victoria Pipeline Program and other associated Australian government websites.