Seven applicants have been shortlisted to deliver research aimed at boosting critical sectors of the economy, under the Turnbull Government’s $653 million Cooperative Research Centres (CRC) Programme.
The CRC Programme is led by industry to develop important new technologies, products and services. The Programme works to help solve industry identified problems through outcome focussed collaborative research partnerships.
The shortlisted applicants have proposed research for finding solutions to critical issues in areas such as transport, agriculture, water security, cyber security and mental health.
The highly successful CRC Programme works to nurture partnerships between industry, research and the community to improve industry productivity and competitiveness.
The seven shortlisted CRC applicants are:
• CRC for High Performance Soils
• CRC for Honey Bee Products
• Cyber Security CRC
• Food Agility CRC
• Future Water CRC
• iMOVE CRC
• Innovation for Mental Wealth CRC.
In the next stage, the applicants will develop a business case and be interviewed by the CRC Advisory Committee, which will prepare funding recommendations to the Minister.
Applications are assessed against selection criteria including the ability to address key problems for industry. They must be industry-led and outcome-focussed, and demonstrate impacts for the CRC participants plus industry and the broader economy.
Successful applicants can receive funding for up to ten years, which can be used to support the costs of research salaries, student placements, commercialisation, and capital items such as equipment.
Applicants must at least match the amount of grant funding sought through cash and/or in-kind contributions.
A 2012 study by the Allen Consulting Group found that the programme will deliver a net economic benefit of $7.5 billion over its life to 2017. Through the development of new products, processes, technologies, and services the programme has been able to generate a return on investment of 3:1.
Final outcomes of the selection round are expected early next year with funding to commence by mid-2017.
For more information visit: www.business.gov.au/assistance/cooperative-research-centres-programme
(ENDS)