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iLAuNCH Fast Track Fund

iLAuNCH Fast Track Fund

  • Funding available under this program is $10,000 to $100,000 per project.
  • Funding must be matched by co-funding from other sources.
  • Projects must be designed to be completed within a maximum of 6 months of commencement.
  • Applications for the current round close July 31 2026

iLAuNCH Fast Track Fund supports early-stage commercialisation activities for university research and inventions applicable to the space industry. The fund is designed to help demonstrate concept viability and market need for projects at Technology Readiness Level 3 to 4. It brings universities and industry together to further develop university intellectual property with a direct pathway into space industry products and services.

The current round is open to iLAuNCH Partner Universities and provides funding from $10,000 to $100,000, with matched co-funding required from other sources. Projects must be submitted through the relevant Technology Transfer, Commercialisation Office, or equivalent Research Office. Eligible activities are restricted to direct project activities such as prototype development, proof of principle, patent strengthening, technical and market validation, project specific consumables, small equipment and project personnel.

Key Requirements

  • Support early-stage commercialisation in the space industry. Projects must be early-stage at TRL 3 to 4 and focused on demonstrating concept and market needs for research and inventions applicable to the space industry.
  • Build translation pathways between university IP and industry application. The fund is intended to bring university and industry together to further develop university intellectual property that has direct translation into space industry products and services.
  • Align research capability with future industry needs. Projects must demonstrate a clear roadmap for growing space research capabilities, aligning with national and international priorities, and meeting the space industry’s future needs.
  • Demonstrate industry backing and project readiness. Applicants must have support from at least one industry partner, backed by a letter of support that validates the application goal and identifies the partner’s contribution.
  • Complete the project within a short commercialisation cycle. Projects must be designed to be completed within a maximum of 6 months of commencement.

What is eligible for funding?

  • Development work for prototype construction, proof of principle and patent strengthening.
  • Personnel costs including contractors, consultants, research assistance and casual staff.
  • Travel to conduct project activities.
  • Technical validation and market validation activities.
  • Consumables required specifically for the project.
  • Small equipment required specifically for the project, up to $10,000 per item.
  • Items that directly support the project.
  • Salaried staff, inclusive of 30% overhead

What companies are eligible for funding?

Eligible entities:

  • iLAuNCH Partner Universities

Other items to consider:

  • Projects must be submitted by an iLAuNCH University through the relevant Technology Transfer, Commercialisation Office, or equivalent Research Office.
  • The university must have the right to commercialise the intellectual property. IP ownership remains with the university.
  • Projects must be early-stage at TRL 3 to 4.
  • Applicants must have support from at least one industry partner and provide an industry letter of support.
  • Applicants must agree to be bound by the Fast Track funding terms and conditions
  • Applicants must be willing to complete, or have completed, CSIRO On Prime Program or equivalent.

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.