The Commonwealth and NSW Governments support industry and university collaboration through a range of initiatives including the ARC Linkage Program, ARC Industrial Transformation Program, ARC Industry Fellowships, CRC and CRC-P, ARENA and other government funding schemes.
Please see relevant contacts below for the following schemes:
The ARC Linkage Program is a funding scheme that enables external partner organisations to undertake a collaborative research project with UNSW.
The Program works to benefit the broader Australian community by funding collaborative research projects with industry, government or community organisations who are looking to collaborate with UNSW researchers to answer questions or solve problems for their strategic benefit and/or competitive advantage. Grant funding is predominantly provided by the ARC, with partner organisations providing a mix of cash and in-kind support.
Contact:
Linkage.RSO@unsw.edu.au
The Australian Research Council (ARC) Industrial Transformation Research Program (ITRP) offers a suite of funding schemes attractive to both university-based researchers and industries.
This dynamic Program will:
- fund research hubs and research training centres;
- support Higher Degree by Research students and postdoctoral researchers in gaining real-world practical skills and experience through placement in industry.
To achieve this, the Program will fund the following schemes:
Contact:
Linkage.RSO@unsw.edu.au
The ARC Industry Fellowship scheme creates a pathway to support academic researchers in establishing careers in industry, and industry-based researchers to work in university settings, with the aim of increased two-way mobility and skill-building in research collaboration, translation and commercialisation. Fellowships are available at three levels: Early Career, Mid-Career and Industry Laureate.
Contact:
Linkage.RSO@unsw.edu.au
The Cooperative Research Centres (CRC) Program supports industry-led collaborations between industry, researchers and the community. It’s a proven model for linking researchers with industry to focus on research and development towards use and commercialisation.
It aims to:
- improve the competitiveness, productivity and sustainability of Australian industries, especially where Australia has a competitive strength and in line with government priorities
- foster high quality research to solve industry-identified problems through industry-led and outcome-focused collaborative research partnerships between industry entities and research organisations
- encourage and facilitate small and medium enterprise (SME) participation in collaborative research
The Cooperative Research Centres Program offers support to industry, research and the community through two elements:
- Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) grants - to support medium to long term industry-led collaborative research, up to 10 years.
- Cooperative Research Centres Projects (CRC-P) grants - to support short term, industry-led collaborative research, up to 3 years.
Contact:
Linkage.RSO@unsw.edu.au
The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) supports the global transition to net zero emissions by accelerating the pace of pre-commercial innovation, to the benefit of Australian consumers, businesses and workers.
ARENA’s purpose is to support improvements in the competitiveness of renewable energy and enabling technologies, increase the supply of renewable energy in Australia, and to facilitate the achievement of Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions targets by providing financial assistance and sharing knowledge to accelerate innovation that benefits all Australians.
Research & Development rounds focusing on specific activities are periodically announced, and our office is available for assistance.
Contact:
Linkage.RSO@unsw.edu.au
For advice on other government schemes such as Innovation Connections, TechVouchers, MVP Ventures NSW, SIEF STEM+ Business Fellowship and more, please contact UNSW Knowledge Exchange.
Support for UNSW researchers is available from the following areas:
RSO Support
The Research Strategy Office provides targeted strategic advice on:
- the scope, nature and suitability of any proposed project
- how to address the selection criteria including track record
- enhancing application success
- Partner Organisation contributions required (cash and in-kind)
- general grantsmanship advice
Researchers are encouraged to discuss their project with the RSO at the early stages of their application process as fundamental issues are difficult to resolve late in the process.
Please send any component of your proposal for strategic advice, as a Word file, to Linkage.RSO@unsw.edu.au
RGC Support
For all compliance and eligibility advice, including deadlines, please visit the RGC website.
Knowledge Exchange Support
Knowledge Exchange helps UNSW researchers collaborate with industry and commercialise their technologies. They also train and mentor researchers in industry engagement. For assistance with industry engagement, IP and commercialisation advice, please visit the Knowledge Exchange website.
