Research and Development Voucher Scheme (R&D) SA

Purpose and Program Overview

The Research & Development Voucher Scheme forms a core part of the UniSA Future Industries Accelerator (FIA) program, designed to foster collaboration between South Australian businesses and UniSA researchers. This scheme provides matched funding of up to $100,000 per project to support industry-driven research projects aimed at solving critical business challenges or testing new product ideas. By facilitating access to the university’s research expertise and infrastructure, the program accelerates innovation and business growth in the region.

Funding rounds occur every six weeks, allowing businesses to rapidly engage in R&D partnerships with UniSA while maintaining a swift timeline from application through to project commencement. The scheme encourages companies, especially small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs) with turnovers under $5 million, to co-invest in projects, with in-kind contributions accepted as part of the co-investment. Research & Development Voucher Scheme not only benefits businesses by reducing the risk and cost of R&D but also enriches UniSA research activities through exposure to real-world industry problems and collaborative innovation.

Key Grant Details

• Grant amount or funding range: Up to $100,000 per project.
• Application open and close dates: Funding rounds are held every six weeks.
• Eligible industries or business types: Companies with a business problem to solve or an idea to test.
• Required co-contributions: Yes, a co-investment model is needed. For every one dollar a business contributes, it can receive up to two dollars in FIA funding.
• Location/state/territory applicability: South Australia.

Priority Sectors

The grant is open to a broad range of sectors. The priority is to fund projects that address an industry problem.

Funding Scope

The maximum funding is $100,000 for a single project. The project can last up to 12 months. The funding covers access to UniSA’s research capabilities and infrastructure. There are no other funding streams listed.

Grant Amount in Total

The total funding pool is not specified.

Eligibility Criteria

• Business structure or size: The primary applicant must be a company. Small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs) with an annual turnover under $5 million can use in-kind co-investment.
• Registered business location: Not specified, but the grant focuses on South Australian businesses.
• Minimum/maximum turnover: SMEs with an annual turnover under $5 million have different co-investment rules.
• Insurance or compliance obligations: Not specified.
• ABN/GST status: Not specified.

Eligible Activities and Expenses

The grant supports activities related to industry research and development. These include:

• Collaborating with UniSA researchers.
• Solving specific industry problems.
• Testing new product ideas.
• Accessing research infrastructure.
• Engaging in R&D with a low risk.

Assessment Process

The Research & Development Voucher Scheme is competitive. Before applying, potential applicants must discuss their project idea with the FIA Program Manager. Projects must be clearly written. They must explain the problem, the solution, and the expected outcomes.

Recent Program Updates

Funding rounds are held every six weeks. This ensures a fast turnaround time from application submission to project start.

Application Tips

Double-check all eligibility criteria. Prepare key documents in advance. Align the proposal with government priorities. Show capability, outcomes, and benefits.

Where to Get Help

Consider consulting with a professional grant specialist like Pattens Group for an initial eligibility assessment and project alignment review. Visit the University of South Australia for guidelines and support.