Minister for Industry and Science Ed Husic today announced that Round 24 of the Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) grants program had opened for application.

CRC grants provide funding for industry-led research centres that can transform Australian know-how into practical outcomes for Australian businesses. The grants can support industry-led collaborative research centres of up to 10 yearsโ€™ duration.

โ€œThe Governmentโ€™s CRC program supports research and development initiatives that result in significant benefits to industry and the community,โ€ Minister Husic said.

โ€œThis funding can provide an often-missing step between research and commercialisation.โ€

The latest evaluation of the CRC program, released today, shows it is working to strengthen the bond between industry and research organisations.

 

Top Australian Brokers

 

โ€œThis evaluation found CRCs will contribute about $32.5 billion towards economic productivity by 2025 through commercialisation of new technologies, products and services that solve real problems for industry,โ€ Minister Husic said.

โ€œThe evaluation also concluded CRCs will continue to help address Australiaโ€™s economic, environmental and social challenges by enhancing capability of the research workforce.โ€

Grant applications are open to all industry sectors and research disciplines, with applicants at least matching the funding sought through cash or inโ€‘kind contributions from partners.

Since the CRC program was launched in 1990 under the Hawke Labor Government, it has delivered more than $5.5ย billion to establish 236ย CRCs and 189ย CRC Projects, leveraging a further $16.8ย billion in cash and in-kind contributions from partners.

โ€œThis program generates tangible economic outcomes by supporting projects designed to bolster the productivity and sustainability of Australian industries,โ€ Minister Husic said.