Frequently asked questions
How to apply
Read the Science into Industry Co-investment Program guidelines.
Complete an online application form and submit required documentation via the department’s online SmartyGrants portal.
What is the closing date for applications?
The program will remain open until all funding is exhausted, as such there is no closing date for applications. Applications can be submitted at any time. Updates on funding availability will be published on the department's website from time to time.
What are the pre-application requirements
Eligible applicants should submit a Minimum Data form at least two weeks prior to submission of an application.
Applications should be submitted no less than 10 weeks prior to the relevant application closing date for the nominated Australian Government industry–research funding program.
Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit applications early where practicable to assist in managing program demand.
How much funding will each successful application receive?
Grants of up to $750,000 (excluding GST) are available for projects with a duration of up to seven years.
Applicants can apply for funding up to:
- 25% of the total cash value of the proposed project; and
- not greater than the total value of the combined industry partners and collaborators’ cash contributions.
While a commitment of funding will be made to successful applicants to the Science into Industry Co-Investment Program, it is conditional on the proposed project subsequently successfully securing Australian Government funding.
In the event the application to the nominated Australian Government industry–research funding program round is not successful, the Science into Industry Co-Investment Program conditional funding commitment will be withdrawn.
Which financial years will funding cover? How does this align with the project duration?
Grants of up to $750,000 (excluding GST) are available for projects with a duration of up to seven years.
Science into Industry Co-investment Program funding is available over three years from 2023–2024.
Applicants should align their funding request accordingly.
Funding payments will be paid in accordance with funding agreement milestones for approval projects.
Does the applicant need to be Queensland based?
Yes. They must be the lead for the nominated Australian Government funding program they are applying for. The funding must be expended wholly in Queensland unless it can be demonstrated that expenditure outside of Queensland is essential to ensure successful delivery of the project.
What Australian Government funding programs are eligible for support under this program?
Refer to the Guidelines for a list of eligible and ineligible Australian Government programs. This list may be updated from time to time.
When will I be notified about the outcome of my Science into Industry Co-investment Program application?
The department will endeavour to process applications within 10 weeks, noting this is subject to obtaining relevant approvals. Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit early applications wherever possible.
How is an applicant able to provide an accurate budget if all project partners have not been confirmed?
The applicant must provide a budget breakdown of the project to the best of their ability using the information available to them at the time they submit the application.
What is a Support Letter?
A Support Letter demonstrates a strong level of engagement between the applicant and project partners. This can include Term Sheets, confirmation of support in the form of an email from the potential partner that indicates communication between both parties and the intention by the potential partner to commit an amount of cash or in-kind support.
Do applicants need to go through the Queensland Science Concierge in order to apply for funding under this program?
No, applicants can apply directly for this funding. Applications to this funding program are assessed and awarded independently of the Queensland Science Concierge. However, where possible the department has aligned the information ask for both the funding program and the Queensland Science Concierge to reduce the administrative burden on applicants.
What are Industry Partners?
Industry Partners would include private companies that operate within the sector that the project is involved in and has a vested interest in the outcome. Government owned corporations and selected agencies, research organisations, hospitals and not for profits could also be considered “Industry Partners” if they play an active role in the sector as an end user i.e. delivery of goods/servicesand not purely a policy role.
What is a Minimum Data form and what is it used for?
This form can be submitted at any time up until 12 weeks prior to the closing date of the Commonwealth Government program. The form provides DESI with advanced notice of the applicant’s intent to submit an application by submitting as early as possible, this enables DESI sufficient time to undertake internal processes in preparation of applications being submitted. The form is not assessed, and applicants do not have to submit a full application should the applicant decide not to proceed.
Can I apply for Science into Industry Co-Investment funding in the Second Stage of the Commonwealth Governments’ Centre of Excellence (CoE) bid process?
Due to the low success rate of applications in the EOI stage of the CoE process, we will accept applications in the second stage of the CoE process. Note that applications will still be required to be submitted 10 weeks prior to the closing date of the second stage of the CoE process.