Government invests in 23 collaborative research projects to support Australian innovation

Cooperative Research Australia (CRA) has expressed support for Industry and Science Minister Ed Husic’s announcement of 23 new Cooperative Research Center Projects (CRC-Ps).

These projects, funded through Round 16 of the Cooperative Research Centers Program, will receive more than $55 million in grants to stimulate innovation in critical sectors, including critical minerals and renewable energy.

The projects involve 109 partners, 81 Australian industry partners, 64 of which are small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and 28 Australian research organizations.

This funding round was specifically designed to encourage SME participation, with a focus on projects that provide real solutions to industry problems through innovative products, services or processes.

CRA CEO Jane O’Dwyer highlighted the importance of these projects to improve Australia’s competitiveness, productivity and resilience.

“CRC-P grants support partnerships that bring together science, research and business to improve the competitiveness, productivity and sustainability of Australian industry,” said CRA CEO Jane O’Dwyer.

She noted that the addition of 23 new CRC-Ps brings the total number of projects supported by the program to 276.

The selected projects cover a wide range of industries, including emergency medical care, AI technology for the meat industry, digitalization of mining, drug development for mental health and solutions for offshore wind turbines.

These initiatives are in line with the Government’s Future Made in Australia program, which aims to maximize the benefits of the transition to net zero and position Australia economically and strategically in the changing global landscape.

O’Dwyer praised the impact of the program, noting: “We congratulate all 23 successful participants and partners in the 16th round of CRC-P. This is a highly competitive program and all 23 of those that have been funded are projects that will make a real difference.”

The full list of grant recipients can be found here.