Help us solve government challenges

The Minister for Industry, Science and Technology approved the following 5 challenges for the Priority Sectors Round:

• Revolutionising agricultural spray applications  Challenge agency: Cotton Research and Development Corporation (CRDC)
• Turning farm crops into a renewable hydrogen source Challenge agency: Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC)
• Turning office trash into energy treasure Challenge agency: Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA)
• Counting fish using advanced technologies Challenge agency: Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS)
• Automating the detection of whales at sea Challenge agency: National Offshore Petroleum Safety and Environmental Management Authority (NOPSEMA)

We ask for applications from eligible entities to undertake a feasibility study that responds to one of the current key government challenges.

The maximum grant for each feasibility study is $100,000 with a maximum period of 3 months. Each round has $2 million available for all feasibility studies.

If your study shows that your idea is feasible, you can apply to develop a proof of concept. Only applicants who successfully complete feasibility studies can apply for proof of concept funding.

The maximum grant amount is $1 million with a maximum period of 18 months. For each round there is $10 million available for all proof of concepts.

Once you submit your application, we'll confirm your eligibility. If eligible we'll then give your submission to the agency whose challenge you addressed. The agency will assess applications and rank them against assessment criteria.

Innovation and Science Australia will then assess the applications, taking into account the assessment of the agencies, and recommend which projects to fund.

The Program Delegate will take the recommendations into account and decide which applications to fund, and we'll notify successful applicants.

Successful applicants then conduct their feasibility studies or develop their proof of concepts.

To be competitive you must score highly against all of the assessment criteria.

1: Extent that your proposed solution meets the challenge (30 points).

You should demonstrate this by identifying:

• how the proposed solution will meet the challenge
• how the proposed solution is different to what is already in the market.

2: Market opportunity of your proposed solution (30 points).

You should demonstrate this by identifying:

• the market need for the proposed solution within government
• the future commercial potential of the solution in domestic and/or international markets.

3: Capacity, capability and resources to deliver the project (40 points).

You should demonstrate this by identifying:

1. your track record managing similar projects and access to personnel with the right skills and experience
2. your access, or future access, to any infrastructure, capital equipment, technology and intellectual property
3. sound project plan to manage and monitor the project and risks
4. your project budget

If your application is successful, you’ll receive a written offer. If you’re unsuccessful, we’ll notify you in writing and give you the chance to discuss the outcome.

Successful applicants must enter into a grant agreement with the Commonwealth. The grant agreement will specify the reporting requirements, payment schedule and milestones necessary to receive payments.

If you apply and are successful for a proof of concept grant, we’ll make payments according to an agreed schedule set out in the grant agreement. Payments will be subject to satisfactory progress on the project.