Research Institutions Grants in Australia

7 government programs · 3 currently open · Updated February 2026

Government grants are available for Australian businesses in the research institutions sector. Programs span federal and state governments, offering funding for growth, innovation, infrastructure and workforce development.

What these grants can fund

  • Business expansion and capital investment
  • Equipment and infrastructure upgrades
  • Workforce training and skills development
  • Technology adoption and innovation
  • Export and market development

Common eligibility requirements

  • Registered Australian business with a valid ABN
  • Must be operating in the relevant sector
  • Matching co-contribution may be required
  • Some programs have employee or turnover thresholds

Eligibility varies by program. Always check the official source before applying.

Open programs

Showing 7 of 7
Open·ACT·Up to $17,000,000
Energy Innovation Fund

The Energy Innovation Fund provides up to $17 million over five years in flexible, early-stage grants for energy innovation projects across three streams: Technology Demonstration, Policy Challenge, and Innovation Ecosystem. It aims to support new and emerging technologies while developing the ACT as an export-oriented hub for energy transition innovation to achieve net zero emissions by 2045.

Open·Commonwealth·$100,000 - $3,000,000
Cooperative Research Centre Projects (CRC-P) Grants

The CRC-P grant supports collaborative research and development projects between industry and academia. ACE Infrastructure received a $3 million grant to develop a world-first prototype for wirelessly charging electric trucks and buses on regional Australian roads, addressing emissions from heavy-duty vehicles.

Open·Commonwealth·From $56,100,000
Cooperative Research Centres (CRC) Program

The CRC Program funds collaborative research between industry, government, and academic partners to develop technologies and solutions for real-world problems. CRC CARE specifically focuses on developing technologies to assess, clean up, and prevent soil, water, and air contamination, with support totaling $56.1 million in Australian Government funding since 2005.

Closed·Commonwealth·$100,000 - $500,000
Critical Technologies Challenge Program - Quantum secured communications for information networks in smart microgrids

Feasibility funding for a project led by Deakin University in partnership with Australian National University, Optimal Group Australia Pty Ltd, Quintessencelabs Pty Ltd, and University of South Australia. The project focuses on developing quantum secured communications for information networks in smart microgrids to optimize the performance, sustainability, and security of energy networks.

Closed·Commonwealth·$100,000 - $500,000
Critical Technologies Challenge Program

A Commonwealth grant program supporting feasibility studies and projects in critical technology areas including quantum computing, quantum sensing, and advanced communications. The program funds collaborative projects between universities, research institutions, and industry partners to develop innovative solutions across energy networks, medical imaging, autonomous systems, and resource exploration.

Closed·Commonwealth·$10,000 - $375,000
National Taxonomy Research Grants Program 2025-26

This grant program provides funding for taxonomy and systematics research, training, and recruitment of taxonomists in Australia. It supports projects focused on researching the taxonomy of Australian biota across three priority areas: biodiversity and conservation, public and environmental health, and building taxonomic capacity. Funding ranges from $10,000 to $375,000 depending on the grant category, with some categories requiring up to 50% co-funding.

Closed·QLD
Queensland–Bavaria Collaborative Research Program 2026

A collaborative research program supporting joint research projects between Queensland and Bavaria. The program funds research collaborations between institutions and researchers in Queensland and the German state of Bavaria.

Grant information is sourced from official government websites and updated regularly. Program details, eligibility and closing dates change — always verify with the official source before applying. Last data update: February 2026.