TSA Market Development Fund

Purpose and Program Overview

The TSA Market Development Fund is designed to support Australian businesses, researchers, and organisations in developing innovative projects that incorporate tyre-derived materials (TDM). Its primary objective is to advance Australia’s transition to a circular tyre economy by fostering commercially viable markets for TDM, addressing environmental, health, and safety concerns related to end-of-life tyres.

This fund plays a crucial role in encouraging innovation, sustainability, and circular economy initiatives within manufacturing, infrastructure, product development, and research sectors. Since its inception, it has supported over 70 projects with more than $11 million invested, accelerating the adoption of tyre-derived products in practical applications. The 2025 funding round continues this commitment, aiming to expand market opportunities for Australian-processed TDM.

Key Grant Details

• Grant amount: Typically ranges from AUD 50,000 to AUD 350,000 (excluding GST), with flexibility based on project impact
• Application open: Applications for 2025 are currently open
• Application close: 28 July 2025 (midnight)
• Eligible industries/businesses: Manufacturers, infrastructure providers, researchers, product developers, and government agencies using TDM
• Co-contributions: Matched funding required; cash contributions valued higher than in-kind
• Location applicability: Australia-wide; projects must use TDM sourced from Australian end-of-life tyres

Priority Sectors

The grant focuses on projects that develop and use tyre-derived materials across sectors like infrastructure, advanced manufacturing, research, and product innovation. There are no narrowly defined priority sectors; rather, it is open to a broad range of industries that leverage TDM and promote circular economy outcomes.

Funding Scope

• Funding range per entity: From AUD 50,000 to AUD 350,000, with potential for variation based on proposal merit
• Categories/streams:
  • Infrastructure & Development Stream: Supports commercially viable projects integrating TDM into manufacturing, construction, expanding production capacity, and product trials
  • Research Stream: Supports projects testing and validating new uses for TDM, addressing regulatory/specification challenges, and building market confidence
• Project duration: Typically aligned with the project’s lifecycle; usually 1 to 3 years or as specified in the proposal

Eligibility Criteria

• Australian-registered businesses, research organisations, and government agencies
• Must use TDM sourced from Australian-processed end-of-life tyres
• Matched funding requirements (cash contributions preferred)
• Compliance with TSA guidelines and project alignment with circular economy goals
• Valid Australian Business Number (ABN) and relevant registrations
• Suitable business structure with the capacity to manage funds and deliver outcomes

Eligible Activities and Expenses

• Development, trial, and commercialisation of products incorporating TDM
• Capital equipment is necessary for production or testing
• Hiring or training staff directly involved in the project
• Research and development, or technical validations
• Regulatory approvals, testing, and certification related to TDM applications
• Marketing and export development pertinent to the circular tyre economy

Assessment Process

• Competitive, peer-reviewed grant process
• Key evaluation criteria include:
  • Project merit and innovation involving TDM
  • Alignment with TSA’s circular economy and sustainability objectives
  • Value for money and economic impact potential
  • Commercial viability and market readiness

Recent Program Updates

• The 2025 round closed on 28 July 2025
• Continued focus on expanding and validating markets for Australian tyre-derived materials
• Previous rounds have collectively invested over AUD 11 million into 70+ projects

Application Tips

• Review eligibility and ensure projects use Australian-sourced TDM
• Prepare matched funding arrangements, prioritising cash contributions
• Align proposals with TSA’s sustainability and circular economy goals
• Provide strong evidence of project viability, innovation, and impact
• Submit all required documentation before the deadline (28 July 2025)

Where to Get Help

For the TSA Market Development Fund, 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.