GRDC Proof of Concept Funding – Call 1, 2026

Grants up to $250K
Supports early-stage research and development activities with potential value for Australian grain growers
Co-contribution required: 1:1
Applications close April 2nd, 2026

The GRDC Proof of Concept Funding – Call 1, 2026 supports early‑stage research and development activities that demonstrate the feasibility of innovative concepts with potential value for Australian grain growers. The program focuses on generating critical evidence to validate new concepts or innovations and to inform future, larger‑scale research and development investments.

Proof of concept activities represent a critical stage in innovation development, where feasibility is tested through targeted, time‑sensitive, and relatively low‑capital research. This funding call is designed to help bridge the gap between concept development and subsequent research phases that require greater financial investment and technical sophistication.

The program supports both novel research concepts and cross‑industry or cross‑disciplinary technology translation, enabling existing research from adjacent industries to be applied within the grains sector.

Key Requirements

Demonstrate proof of concept feasibility Projects must generate evidence that demonstrates the feasibility and applicability of a novel concept or innovation relevant to the Australian grains industry.
Align with GRDC strategic priorities Proposed activities must align with focus areas in the GRDC Research, Development & Extension Plan 2023–28 and deliver potential value to grain growers.
Early‑stage research focus Activities must be early‑stage R&D only and completed entirely within the proof‑of‑concept phase. Commercialisation activities are not permitted.
Co‑contribution requirement Applicants must provide at least a 1:1 leveraged contribution through financial or in‑kind support

What is eligible for funding?

Eligible activities may include:

In‑planta proof‑of‑concept studies in relevant models
Controlled environment trials
In‑silico modelling
Pest management methods or technologies tested in situ
Feasibility studies
Cross‑industry or cross‑disciplinary technology translation activities

What companies are eligible for funding?

Eligible applicants include:

Single legal entities or recognised firms of partners
Consortia (applications are accepted)

Additional considerations:

Applicants must comply with Australian labour, gender equality, and modern slavery legislation
Applicants must not be subject to Australian sanctions
Projects must request no more than $250,000 (excluding GST) from GRDC
Applications must be fully compliant with the GRDC Funding Agreement

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

Apply for this grant below:

OR