Insider Brief:
- The Australian Government’s Critical Technologies Challenge Program offers up to AU$5 million (approximately $3.1 million) in funding to accelerate the commercialization of quantum technologies through two-stage grants for feasibility and demonstrator projects.
- The program focuses on addressing national challenges, including enhancing biosecurity, improving healthcare for First Nations peoples, optimizing logistics, and ensuring sustainable energy networks.
- Applications require collaboration between Australian industry and research organizations, with emphasis on inclusion, gender equity, and integration of technologies like AI and robotics.
The Australian Government has launched Round 2 of its Critical Technologies Challenge Program, a funding initiative intended to accelerate the development and commercialization of quantum technologies. According to the released guidelines by the Department of Industry, Science, and Resources, this program is dedicated to the pursuit of solving challenges of national significance through applications of quantum technology
Grant Opportunities for Feasibility and Demonstration
The program offers a two-stage grant structure:
Stage 1
- Feasibility Grants: Funding from AU$100,000 to AU$500,000 (approximately $63,000 – $310,000) is available to validate the feasibility of quantum technology solutions or their components. The projects must address one of four specified challenges and aim to advance technologies from Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 4 to TRL 5 within a maximum of six months.
Stage 2
- Demonstrator Grants: Successful feasibility projects may be invited to apply for additional funding of up to AU$5 million (approximately $3.1 million) to develop working prototypes over a 15-month period.
Addressing National Challenges
The program focuses on solutions to four key challenges, specifically in sectors critical to Australia’s economic and societal well-being.
- Enhancing biosecurity measures, such as detecting invasive species and streamlining cargo inspections.
- Improving healthcare access and outcomes for First Nations peoples.
- Optimizing transport and supply chain logistics.
- Increasing the sustainability and security of energy networks.
Australian Research and Industry Representation
Applications must come from consortia comprising at least one Australian industry partner and one Australian research organization. Eligible lead applicants must be entities incorporated in Australia with an Australian Business Number Partnerships with international organizations are encouraged, but domestic leadership and collaboration are prioritized.
A central goal of the program is to encourage collaboration between researchers and industry to drive commercialization. Special emphasis is placed on increasing the participation of First Nations peoples and promoting gender equity in the quantum industry. The program also encourages co-designing solutions with potential technology end-users, which could include other advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and robotics.
Applications open on January 15, 2025, and close on February 26, 2025. Proposals will be assessed on alignment with program objectives, technical quality, and the applicant’s capacity to deliver. Successful projects must meet reporting obligations, including detailed end-of-project evaluations.
Strategic Vision for Quantum Development
The Critical Technologies Challenge Program forms part of Australia’s National Quantum Strategy, which, similar to other national quantum strategies, has a vision to position the country as a global leader in quantum technology. By filling the gaps left by limited early-stage funding and encouraging partnerships that unite research and industry, the program has the potential to pique investor interest, drive demand, and retain top talent in Australia’s quantum sector.
