Cooperative Research Centres (CRC) Grants

CRC Grants Round 27 — Stage 2

Supports Australian industry-led consortia by aligning multiple firms and researchers into funded collaborative development projects.

CRC Grants Round 27 — Stage 2 is the second and final selection stage of the Australian Government's Cooperative Research Centres (CRC) programme, administered by the Department of Industry, Science and Resources (DISR) through the Business Grants Hub. Only applicants that passed the Stage 1 competitive screen (closed April 29, 2026) are invited to Stage 2, which requires submission of a revised application and an in-person or virtual interview with the CRC Advisory Committee. Stage 2 is scheduled to open July 2026, close September 2026, and announce outcomes in early 2027, with successful CRCs commencing funded operations from July 2027. Round 26 (the most recent completed round) resulted in a $53 million award to the Critical Metals for Critical Industries CRC, announced March 2026.

CRC Grants fund medium-to-long-term industry-led research collaborations spanning three to ten years, covering up to 50 percent of eligible project costs, with the consortium matching the remainder through cash or in-kind contributions. Consortium composition is mandatory: at least three Australian industry organisations and at least two Australian research organisations must participate, and the CRC must be incorporated as a company limited by guarantee. The collaboration must include an industry-focused education and training programme that incorporates a doctoral (PhD) component. Eligible activities include new research, proof-of-concept work, pre-commercialisation activities, industry-focused education, and international collaboration with clear national benefit. Sectors are unrestricted, though structured fields indicate typical focus areas of AI and advanced computing, materials, energy, manufacturing, and agricultural technology.

For consortia that have already cleared Stage 1, Stage 2 preparation is the decisive competitive moment. The CRC Advisory Committee assesses four equally weighted criteria — project alignment, research quality, team capacity and resources, and funding impact — each scored out of 25 points. Successful CRCs must also demonstrate strategies to build SME R&D capacity and concrete plans for industry adoption of outputs. Looking ahead, Round 28 (expected to open 2027) will carry approximately $50 million with an AI-focused Accelerator designation, though it remains open to all sectors.