NHMRC Development Grants

Purpose and Program Overview

The NHMRC Development Grants program supports the rapid translation of health and medical research within Australia into commercial outcomes. Its key objective is to fund proof-of-concept research with a clearly defined commercialisation pathway, aiming to increase the rate at which research is transformed into products, processes, or services that benefit the health sector.

By investing in projects that demonstrate substantial scientific merit and commercial potential, the program helps to bridge the gap between innovative research and market entry. This supports collaboration between researchers and industry partners and is intended to stimulate economic benefit, attract future investment, and enhance Australia’s innovation capacity.

For the 2025 round, the total funding pool is AUD16.5 million (indicative), with grants aimed at advancing health and medical technology.

NHMRC Development Grants: Key Details

• Grant amount: No official minimum or maximum per project; applicants must justify requested budgets.
• Application open: 16 April 2025.
• Application close: 11 June 2025 at 17:00 AEST.
• Eligible industries: Health and medical research, particularly those at proof-of-concept and commercialisation stages.
• Co-contribution required: Not mandatory, but partner contributions (cash or in-kind) can strengthen applications.
• Location applicability: Australia-wide (through NHMRC Administering Institutions); international partners allowed if benefiting Australian health outcomes.

Priority Sectors

The Development Grants program is open to a broad range of sectors within health and medical research. No specific priority sectors are listed, but projects must have commercial and health impact potential relevant to Australia.

Funding Scope

• Minimum/maximum amount: No formal limits; most previously funded grants ranged from AUD400,000 to AUD1.1 million.
• Funding duration: 1 to 3 years, depending on project proposal.
• Streams/categories: Single stream focused on supporting proof-of-concept commercialisation; excludes basic research and large-scale clinical trials.
• Eligible funding period: Aligned with the length of the proposed project (1–3 years).

Eligibility Criteria

• Applications must be submitted through NHMRC-administering institutions (e.g., universities, research institutes, specific government/industry bodies).
• The administering institution must have the capacity to manage funds and deliver research.
• Both public and private sector collaboration is encouraged, but not mandatory.
• There are no strict business size or turnover thresholds specified.
• Australian registered organisations; international collaborators permitted if there is a clear health benefit to Australians.
• Valid ABN required.
• Applicants must meet NHMRC’s standard funding eligibility obligations, including compliance and reporting requirements.

Eligible Activities and Expenses

• Salaries for project staff.
• Consumables and materials for research.
• Purchase or leasing of equipment essential to the project.
• Costs associated with regulatory approval, market analysis, and IP protection.
• Certain consultancy and technical services are tied directly to the project.
• Project management is directly related to the grant’s objectives.

Ineligible: Basic research, large-scale capital works, activities funded by other sources, and business overheads not directly tied to the project.

Assessment Process

• Type: Highly competitive, peer-reviewed grant.
• Key criteria:
  • Scientific merit (40%)
  • Record of commercial achievement (20%)
  • Commercial potential and alignment with national priorities (40%)
  • If applicable, cultural/community engagement for Indigenous health projects.
• Applications are assessed against set guidelines, with value for money a key consideration. Peer reviewers are independent, transparent, and experienced in both research and commercialisation.

Recent Updates of NHMRC Development Grants

• The funding pool for the 2025 round is AUD16.5 million, with updated guidelines and key dates for application windows.
• No change to the eligibility regarding co-contributions—these remain optional but are encouraged.

Application Tips

• Carefully review all eligibility criteria and ensure your project is at the proof-of-concept stage.
• Register and prepare your Sapphire account and application well ahead of deadlines.
• Gather all required documentation, including budget justifications and commercialisation plans, before commencing the application.
• Align your proposal with NHMRC objectives, focusing on both commercial and health impact.
• Demonstrate capability and previous experience, where possible, in project management and commercialisation.

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.