Advance Queensland Industry Research Projects 2023

Key Dates for Advance Queensland Industry Research Projects 2023

Proposals open in SmartyGrants: 28 August 2023
UQ Research and Innovation (UQ R&I) Notice of Intent submitted by: 24 October 2023
Full Applications and UQ Cash Commitments due to UQ R&I: 7 November 2023
Full Applications close with Advance Queensland: Tuesday 28 November 2023, 11:00 am (AEST)
Anticipated announcement: TBA

Overview

The Advance Queensland Industry Research Projects (AQIRP) scheme supports opportunities for researchers and industry to translate research outcomes into commercialisation opportunities for innovative services and products. The program targets high-quality research projects within Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 5 to 9 toward commercial readiness and future investment.

Funding

Funding will be offered over two tiers and is available for projects with a duration of up to three years. The final third of the project term must have a focus on the translation of research outcomes.

Two funding tiers will be offered:

Tier 1
For applicants located in South East Queensland, grants of $500,000 – $1.5 million (excluding GST) are available, where projects have a matched funding (1:1) ratio from the applicant/partners.

Tier 2
For applicants located in Queensland region (outside most of South East Queensland), grants of $250,000 – $1.5 million (excluding GST) are available, where projects have 25% matched funding from the applicant/partners.

Cash Contributions

The project must have combined cash co-funding from the Applicant Organisation and/or Partner Organisation(s) that equals or exceeds the value of the Industry Research Project applied for.
For the purposes of this program co-funded “cash” is defined as cash directly contributed to the project by the Applicant Organisation and/or the Partner Organisation(s) and “salaries-as-cash” which includes the standard salary remuneration and standard salary on-costs (not overheads) of the Key project personnel and dedicated research or technical staff. Salaries-as-cash can be only claimed for the portion of the salary allocated to the project that is paid by the Applicant or Partner Organisation, i.e., the FTE time spent on the project for eligible Applicant and Partner Organisation staff.
Queensland Government non-grant funding from all sources (new cash and salaries-as-cash) may be used as co-funded cash but cannot exceed half of the Queensland Government Advance Queensland funding applied for.
Other Queensland Government grant funding secured, including Queensland Government scholarships, fellowships and project grants, cannot be used as co-funded cash.
In-kind contributions will not be considered as cash but may assist in demonstrating Applicant and/or Partner Organisation commitment to the project.

Eligibility

Proposals must include co-funding (in the form of cash and salaries-as-cash for project personnel) that equals or exceeds the Advance Queensland funding sought and must:

Include collaboration between:
- at least one Queensland-based research organisation; and
- at least one Queensland-based company (that will progress the translation and practical application of the research).
- Partnering organisations must not be associated with applicant organisation.
Contain a distinct set of activities and focus on translation of research findings and outcomes in the final third of the project.
Not currently be receiving funding from another Queensland Government department for this phase of the project and not be fully funded from other funding sources.
Address at least one of the following Investment Areas:
- Using the following innovative technology to advance industry:
  - automated systems
  - robotics and artificial intelligence
  - nanotechnology
  - synthetic biology technologies including mRNA
  - quantum technologies
- innovation in cybertechnology, defence industries and space industries
- Innovating the tourism industry
- Innovation in methods to drive sporting success (Sports Tech)
- Using innovative methods to improve agriculture and food including novel proteins and low emissions production systems
- Using innovative methods to achieve a sustainable future in a decarbonising economy by:
  - developing environmentally responsible mining practices including innovative methods to accelerate new economy/critical minerals industry
  - managing Queensland’s waste and pollution and developing the circular economy
  - mitigating and preventing climate change
  - developing sustainable energy solutions including technology supporting green hydrogen
  - developing energy storage solutions
  - developing sustainable water solutions
- Building resilience against:
  - future potential pandemic crises,
  - natural disasters e.g., droughts, floods, cyclones and bushfires

How to apply

Internal notice of intent process

All researchers intending to submit an Advance Queensland Industry Research Projects application are required to submit an internal Notice of Intent. NOIs will be collated centrally and distributed to Faculties and Institutes in order to provide maximum support to the UQ research community.

Step 1: Online SmartyGrants portal registration and scheme reading (link).

The applicant will need an active account in the Department of Tourism, Innovation and Sport (DTIS) SmartyGrants system.
Familiarise yourself with the key Advance Queensland (AQ) and UQ documentation (see links below)

Step 2: Completing the application in the SmartyGrants portal.

Download and complete each of the required document uploads including the Budget Table, UQ Letter of cash commitment, Industry Partner(s) Letter of Support and CVs of key researchers. See templates at the bottom of this page.
Please use the provided UQ Organisational details file when filling in your application form.

Step 3: UQ R&I internal review and feedback

In advance of internal review, ensure all online components are complete and valid. Generate a whole Proposal PDF to send for review.
To initiate internal review, email your completed Funding Coversheet and Cash Commitment Proforma (see below), whole Proposal PDF and draft attachments to UQ R&I at industrygrants@research.uq.edu.au.
Internal review by UQ R&I/feedback provided (compliance, eligibility, and grantsmanship).

Step 4: Final submission

On receiving authorisation from UQ R&I, submit your application online and send the final copy of your application and all attachments to the Research Office.

Readership and researcher support

Before applying, we recommend you:

Contact your faculty or institute research manager for advice on peer readership programs.
Join the UQ R&I Mailer to stay up to date with round developments.
Access the UQ R&I Grants Library, a helpful resource of past successful proposals.
If offered, attend UQ R&I information sessions and access PowerPoint presentations from presentations and slides.

Key documents

A suite of templates and proformas to assist you in compiling your application will be made available here shortly.