R&D Vouchers Program

Purpose and Program Overview

The R&D Vouchers program, administered by Trailblazer for Recycling and Clean Energy (TRaCE), aims to speed up innovation and research and development (R&D) activities for Australian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). It focuses particularly on the clean energy and recycling sectors. This program offers matched funding and expert support. It helps de-risk early-stage R&D projects. This allows participating businesses to quickly test ideas and scale innovations. It removes the burden of large upfront capital expenses. TRaCE is a collaboration between the University of New South Wales (UNSW) and the University of Newcastle (UoN).

The program uses a strategic partnership model. TRaCE collaborates with startups and SMEs by co-funding their R&D projects. It provides direct access to university infrastructure, research capabilities, and a dedicated program facilitator. Voucher funding ranges from $10,000 to $50,000 per project. This requires a dollar-for-dollar cash contribution from the applicant. This approach helps businesses use extra resources and expertise. It boosts Australia’s innovation capacity in clean energy and recycling technologies.

By supporting projects that align with TRaCE’s research themes, the R&D Vouchers program plays an important role. It helps develop sustainable technologies and circular economy solutions. This advances national goals on decarbonisation, waste reduction, and the clean energy transition. The program is part of the broader Australian Government’s Trailblazer Universities Program.

Key Grant Details

• Grant amount: Matched funding of $10,000 to $50,000. A cash contribution from applicants on a 1:1 basis is mandatory.
• Application open: Rolling intake. Applications are accepted continuously.
• Application closes: No fixed closing date. Applications are accepted until resources are fully allocated. Only a limited number of vouchers are available for 2025.
• Eligible industries/business types: Australian SMEs with annual turnover or operating expenditure under $100 million. They must be engaged in recycling, clean energy, or related innovative sectors.
• Co-contributions: Yes. A mandatory cash co-contribution matching the requested voucher amount is required. In-kind contributions are not permitted.
• Location/state/territory applicability: Australia-wide. However, the R&D project must take place at the University of Newcastle (UoN) or the University of New South Wales (UNSW) facilities.

Priority Sectors

The program explicitly supports projects within the recycling, clean energy, and electrification industries. These must be linked to TRaCE’s four focus areas:

• Solar Technology: Increasing the scale and integration of solar solutions.
• Clean Energy: Electrifying energy systems and improving storage.
• Green Fuels and Chemicals: Expanding low-carbon fuel and chemical production.
• Circular Economy: Recycling, reusing, and reforming waste materials.

While priority is on these specific areas, the program is open to other aligned sectors that promote sustainability and technological advancement.

Funding Scope

• Funding range per project: $10,000 to $50,000 matched funding. Applicants contribute cash on a 1:1 basis. Applicants can contribute additional funds beyond the matched amount.
• Categories or streams: Funding primarily supports early-stage R&D activities. This includes:
  • Feasibility studies and scoping.
  • Prototyping.
  • Technology validation and de-risking.
  • Research collaboration with academic or specialist partners at UNSW or UoN.
  • Access to advanced laboratories and specialised equipment within the universities.
• Project timeline: Projects must conclude within 12 months from the start date.

Grant Amount in Total

The total funding pool is not publicly specified. It is subject to available resources and voucher allocation each financial year. TRaCE reserves the right to limit the number of approved applications based on demand and resource availability.

Eligibility Criteria

• Australian SMEs with an Australian Business Number (ABN) or an Indigenous Corporation Number (ICN).
• Annual turnover or operating expenditure under AUD 100 million in each of the last two financial years.
• Must not have received a TRaCE R&D Voucher in the past two years.
• The project must demonstrate alignment with TRaCE’s four research themes (Solar Technology, Clean Energy, Green Fuels and Chemicals, Circular Economy).
• Capable of providing the mandatory cash matched funding (1:1 basis, no in-kind contributions).
• Commit to completing the project within 12 months.
• The R&D project must take place at the University of Newcastle (UoN) or the University of New South Wales (UNSW).

Eligible Activities and Expenses

The voucher funds specific R&D activities and expenses conducted in collaboration with UNSW or UoN.

• Feasibility and scoping studies for innovation projects.
• Collaborative R&D involving university researchers or research institutions (UNSW or UoN).
• Prototyping and testing of new recycling or clean energy solutions.
• Data collection and performance validation.
• Technical consultancy directly related to R&D activities.
• Use of university equipment and facilities for testing and development.
• Intellectual property (IP) arrangements are tailored and negotiated on a case-by-case basis.

Excluded expenses: Capital works and infrastructure costs.

Assessment Process

Applications are evaluated competitively on a rolling basis by TRaCE program facilitators. An Expression of Interest (EOI) is the first step.

Key criteria for assessment include:

• Alignment: Strong alignment with TRaCE research themes and strategic priorities.
• Innovation Potential: Demonstrated innovation and project feasibility.
• Funding Capability: Ability to provide the required 1:1 cash-matched funding.
• Delivery Capacity: The Capacity to complete the project within the 12-month timeframe.
• Impact: Potential for quantifiable data and evidence to support further commercialisation.

Applicants who progress past the EOI stage receive support. A dedicated TRaCE Program Facilitator helps co-design the whole application. This includes detailed project purpose, scope, timing, budget, and deliverables. EOI outcomes are typically provided within 10 business days.

Recent Program Updates

The R&D Vouchers program is currently open. Rolling applications are accepted. There is an ongoing expansion of partnerships and project types, especially in electrification and the circular economy. Current priorities include supporting emerging technologies like vanadium flow batteries and innovations for renewable grid stability. The program focuses on enabling SMEs to quickly establish projects and generate evidence for further investment. This helps them attract subsequent funding.

Application Tips

• Verify your project clearly aligns with TRaCE’s clean energy, recycling, or electrification themes.
• Be ready to provide the mandatory 1:1 cash-matched funding. Plan your finances accordingly. In-kind contributions are not accepted.
• Submit concise yet detailed Expressions of Interest (EOIs). Outline your project scope, objectives, and expected outcomes.
• Work closely with TRaCE facilitators. They can help refine your application and connect you with the right research expertise and resources.
• Ensure readiness to complete projects within 12 months of commencement.
• Remember that the R&D must take place at UNSW or UoN facilities.

Where to Get Help

Consider consulting with a professional grant specialist like Pattens Group. They offer expert assessments to review your business’s eligibility. They also help tailor your R&D proposal to the program objectives. For official application forms and detailed program information, visit TRaCE’s website and associated Australian government innovation portals.