Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Cooperative Research Centre?
Cooperative Research Centre grants provide funding for medium to long-term collaborative research aimed at solving industry-identified problems and improving the competitiveness, productivity and sustainability of Australian industries. CRCs are funded for up to 10 years and awarded through a two-Stage competitive, merit-based application process. Funding rounds generally occur once per year and sometimes differ in focus, industry sector and priority area.
What do Industry Partners get?
Partners may get up to 50% of eligible research costs to undertake and deliver the research program with a group of partner organisations. There is no minimum or maximum grant amount, but the amount Partners request should be proportional to the scope and complexity of their research needs. Partners must at least match the amount of grant funding received through cash and/or in-kind contributions.
Who is this for?
Businesses who want to help solve the big problems facing Australian industries. Application for CRC grant will be submitted on behalf of a consortium of partners who agree to work together on the industry-identified issues. The grant application will have amongst its Partners at least three Australian industry entities and two Australian research organisations. For the full list of eligibility criteria, refer to the grant guidelines on https://business.gov.au/Grants-and-Programs/Cooperative-Research-Centres-CRC-Grants.
What do I need to do?
Identify your organisation’s research needs and investment requirement for that. Submit the paperwork required to be a Partner in the CRC by clearly articulating your organisation’s research needs, the industry problem and how the CRC funding will benefit your organisation as well as your plans for commercialising the research outputs. Complete the information on cash and in-kind contributions you intend to make. We can assist you in completing the forms.
Do I have to sign up for the life of the CRC?
No; however, the CRC can only provide matching funding for the duration for which you sign up. So, it is beneficial to sign up for the entire duration and you still have the option to withdraw (with 12 months’ notice) if you decide not to continue.
Do I have to sign a contract now?
No, you sign a Declaration during the bid phase. This is not legally binding; it is an intention to be involved. The contract (Partner Agreement) is to be signed once the CRC is awarded (announcement expected early 2027). If the CRC is successful, it will be your decision as to whether you proceed with signing the Partner Agreement. The Partner Agreement will provide an exit clause, meaning you can withdraw at any time with 12 months’ notice.
Can I withdraw after signing the Declaration?
Yes, the Declaration can be withdrawn at any time.
What is the expected timeline for the CRC bid?
CRC bids undergo a two-Stage application process and below is an indicative timeline for Round 26 of the CRC Program in which the SHIELD CRC bid will be submitted.
Do I have to pay all the contribution amount upfront?
No, the contributions will be due half yearly or quarterly. So, if signing up to contribute $200,000 per year, you will be issued with either four invoices of $50,000 every quarter or two invoices of $100,000 every six months.
When are the contributions due?
The CRC, if funded, will be operational from 1 July 2027, and the invoices for contributions will begin to be issued then.
How do I know I will get my project done?
The CRC will have several processes for Partners to propose Projects and will work with Partners to bring consortia together to undertake Projects. The extent of your Project involvement will depend on your contributions – the more the funding committed to the CRC the larger the Projects, and the greater the number of Projects that you can undertake.
The CRC will operate for 10 years, which will allow ample opportunity to undertake Projects of varying scales and duration (from three-month scoping / feasibility studies to three- to four- year technology development and commercialisation Projects). Projects can run in parallel or sequentially.
How can I have influence over the CRC decisions?
National Guardian and Strategic Anchor Partners will be able to nominate independent candidates for Board positions for the CRC and vote on selection, as well as become Members of the CRC not-for-profit company that will be established. National Guardian, Strategic Anchor or Resilience Partners can nominate representatives to the Research & Commercialisation Committee (RCC). The CRC is an open organisation and exists for the benefit of its Members and Partners and will welcome discussions at any time.