Australia: Critical Technologies Challenge Program (Round 1)

Solutions may also involve the use of other advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and robotics.

Challenges

The challenges are:

• Challenge 1: Optimise the performance, sustainability, and security of energy networks.
• Challenge 2: Improve medical imaging and medical sensors to support diagnosis, treatment of disease and monitoring activities inside the human body.
• Challenge 3: Enhance communication with autonomous systems in varying environments.
• Challenge 4: Optimise and reduce the impact of resource exploration, extraction, and mineral processing.

Opportunities

There will be two grant opportunities as part of this program.

• Stage 1 – Feasibility grant opportunity
  • The purpose of the Stage 1 Feasibility grant is to test and demonstrate the technical viability of your proposed solution or component(s) of a solution.
• Stage 2 – Demonstrator grant opportunity
  • The purpose of the Stage 2 Demonstrator grant is to support you to build on your Stage 1 Feasibility project and produce working prototypes or demonstrations.
  • Only applicants that complete a Stage 1 Feasibility project will be invited to submit an application for Stage 2 Demonstrator funding.

What do you get?

• Grants from $100,000 to $500,000 for a Stage 1 Feasibility project.
• If your Stage 1 Feasibility project is successful, you may receive up to $5 million for a Stage 2 Demonstrator project.

Eligible Projects

• The maximum Stage 1 Feasibility project period is 6 months.
• Your Stage 1 Feasibility project must:
  • be aimed at testing the feasibility of using quantum technology to solve one of the challenges (or component(s) that contributes to solving a challenge)
  • have at least $100,000 in eligible expenditure
  • include eligible activities.

Who is this for?

• Consortia that include at least one Australian industry-based partner and one Australian research organisation.

Eligibility Criteria

• An eligible lead applicant must apply on behalf of an eligible joint (consortia) collaboration. The lead applicant should be the main driver of the project.
  • You can apply as a lead applicant for a Stage 1 Feasibility grant if you:
    • have an Australian business number (ABN)
    • are registered for the Goods and Services Tax (GST)
    • are an entity incorporated in Australia
    • are applying on behalf of an eligible joint (consortia) collaboration.
• Eligible joint (consortia) collaborations
  • To be eligible, consortia must:
  • include a minimum of two project participants, inclusive of the lead applicant, during the Stage 1 Feasibility project
  • include a minimum of three project participants, inclusive of the lead applicant, during the Stage 2 Demonstrator project
  • include and maintain for the duration of the Stage 1 Feasibility project and Stage 2 Demonstrator project at least:
    • one Australian industry-based partner; and
    • one Australian research organisation.

For more information, visit Australian Government.