Fifteen diverse industry-led projects are receiving a AU$33 million investment from the Australian Government, under the fourth round of the Cooperative Research Centres – Projects (CRC-P) Program. There will be an additional AU$98 million in cash and in-kind contributions from 97 project partners.
Eight of the fifteen projects would be supported by an additional AU$20 million allocated to the CRC-P Program from the $100 million Advanced Manufacturing Fund for larger scale advanced manufacturing research projects, as announced in the 2017 Budget.
“This additional funding for the CRC-P program is part of the Government’s commitment to boosting innovation, skills and employment in advanced manufacturing to continue the transition to a new economy,” the Assistant Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science, Craig Laundy said.
CRC-P grants support short term industry-led collaborations to develop important new technologies, products and services that deliver tangible outcomes. Up to $3 million over three years is available for each CRC-P.
To date, the Australian Government’s CRC-P program has awarded AU$133 million in 63 high-quality research projects where businesses, industry and research institutions are working together to solve industry-specific issues and develop new products, technologies or services.
Funded projects in this round include a portable, non-invasive brain scanner for early stroke detection and monitoring; a high performance alternative to the lithium battery for the energy storage market; Integrated Smart Home Energy Management, Control system; a novel manufacturing system that transforms recycled waste plastics into durable, low-cost spectacle frames and potentially other high performance products; and a next-generation hydrogen energy system that will offer a reliable, cost-effective renewable energy solution for regional and remote communities.
Applications for round five will be open from February 2018, with funding outcomes expected to be announced in June 2018.
“These projects are delivering tangible outcomes for Australia’s industry sectors like energy, mining and resources, manufacturing, healthcare, agriculture and transport. These projects are helping Australian manufacturers evolve to high value manufacturing based on smart means of production and higher value adding products,” Mr. Laundy said.
“By facilitating business involvement in collaborative research, the CRC Projects strongly align with the Australian Government’s commitment to improve the competitiveness, productivity and sustainability of Australian industries as a source of new growth and new jobs,” he added.