Critical Technologies Challenge Program – Round 2

Stage 1 Feasibility project: Grants from $100,000 to $500,000
If your Stage 1 Feasibility project is successful, you can receive up to $5 million for a Stage 2 Demonstrator project
Applications are open until 26 February 2025

This program supports consortia collaborations with funding to develop quantum technology solutions or components addressing market-driven challenges of national significance. Projects may also integrate advanced technologies like artificial intelligence and robotics to create innovative solutions.

Key Requirements

Funding is provided to consortia for developing quantum technology solutions or components addressing market-driven challenges of national significance. Projects may also incorporate advanced technologies, such as artificial intelligence and robotics.

Market-led challenges:

Challenge 1: Improve biosecurity outcomes by enhancing the detection of invasive pests or diseases, and cargo inspection processes.
Challenge 2: Improve life expectancy, health outcomes and access to health technology for First Nations peoples.
Challenge 3: Optimise transport routes, logistics and supply chain operations.
Challenge 4: Optimise the performance, sustainability, and security of energy networks.

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

Grant opportunities:

Stage 1 – Feasibility grant opportunity (Grants from $100,000 to $500,000)
- Completion of a feasibility project that forms the foundation for Stage 2.
Stage 2 – Demonstrator grant opportunity (Up to $5million in funding)
- Build upon the Stage 1 Feasibility project to develop working prototypes or demonstrations.
- Only applicants who successfully complete a Stage 1 Feasibility project will be invited to apply for Stage 2 funding.

What is eligible for funding?

The maximum Stage 1 Feasibility project period is 6 months.

A 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 contribute(s) to solving a challenge) provided in section 3 of the grant opportunity guidelines
have at least $100,000 in eligible expenditure
include eligible activities (provided in section 6 of the grant opportunity guidelines).

What companies are eligible for funding?

Lead applicant requirements:

Must apply on behalf of an eligible joint (consortia) collaboration.
Must be the main driver of the project.
Must:
- Hold an Australian Business Number (ABN).
- Be registered for Goods and Services Tax (GST).
- Be an entity incorporated in Australia.

Consortia requirements:

Must include:
- Stage 1 Feasibility project: A minimum of two project participants, including the lead applicant.
- Stage 2 Demonstrator project: A minimum of three project participants, including the lead applicant.
Must have and maintain for the duration of the project:
- At least one Australian industry-based partner.
- At least one Australian research organisation.

The lead applicant is responsible for completing the application form and ensuring all eligibility criteria are met.

Is this grant competitive or entitlement based?

Competitive. Your application will be assessed among other applications by a judging panel.

How can I increase my chances of winning this grant?

By engaging an accredited government grants consultant, such as Avant Group.

Competitive grants often require significant business case development and project analysis to support the application, this may include detailed presentations supporting the project’s merit, projected sales, cost-benefit analysis and more.

As part of your engagement with Avant Group, your account manager will assess the required documents and will provide the following as needed to support your grant submission.

Grant application writeup including a detailed presentation illustrating how the grant funding will contribute to your project, how the funding will contribute to the project’s budget, a project milestone plan, delivery timeline, impact on employment if applicable and a breakdown of the management and leadership team for the project

Industry analysis presentation
Competitor Analysis Presentation
Marketing and Sales Analysis Presentation
3-5 year Cashflow Forecast
3-5 year Balance Sheet Forecast
Cost-Benefit Analysis of Grant Funding
End-to-end grant application including information collating, analysis and application writing
CAPEX (Capital Expenditure) cost-benefit analysis
Stakeholder relations and Risk Mitigation Plans
Any other relevant forecasting that will support your application

How can I get help with my application? Or know if I’m likely to win funding?

Avant Group offers a no-obligation assessment of your eligibility for funding and will assess your likelihood of a successful grant application.

This grant is open

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