The Federal Government has shortlisted six new Cooperative Research Centres (CRCs) as part of the 20th round of the CRC Program (CRC-P).
The CRC grants support medium to long term industry-led collaborations to solve industry problems and deliver tangible outcomes. The Australian Government has committed a total of $731 million over four years for the CRC Program from 2018-19 to 2021-22.
The shortlisted applicants are:
- Advanced Medical Biotechnologies CRC
- Blue Economy CRC
- Future Battery Industries CRC
- Future Cities CRC
- Future Food Systems CRC
- SmartSat CRC
The applicants will now proceed to the next stage of assessment, which includes developing a business case and attending an interview with the CRC Advisory Committee.
Minister for Industry, Science and Technology Karen Andrews said the CRC Program supports business-research engagement, fuelling Australian innovation and driving job creation.
“CRCs play a vital role in bringing together businesses and researchers from Australia and overseas to solve major industry challenges,” Minister Andrews said.
“CRCs demonstrate how industry partnerships with the research community can deliver high‑value outcomes that improve competitiveness and productivity.
“I congratulate the six shortlisted applicants, selected as part of the 20th CRC round to undertake research in key industry sectors like advanced manufacturing, resources, energy, health, food, agriculture, and the environment.”
The final outcome is expected to be announced early next year, with funding to commence by mid-2019. Successful applicants must contribute at least the same amount in cash or in-kind contributions as they receive in government funding.