UQ Translate

UQ Translate: 2026 pilot scheme

The 2026 pilot of UQ Translate, chaired by the Deputy Vice‑Chancellor (Research and Innovation), is designed to support the most promising UQ research concepts and existing UQ IP to advance to active commercialisation. By identifying and supporting high‑potential IP disclosures, the scheme will help build a stronger pipeline of technologies with improved technical maturity and greater commercial or societal impact, as well as enhancing industry partnerships.

Key dates for UQ Translate 2026

• EOI process opens: Monday 23 March 2026
  • EOI submission to Faculty/Institute for ranking by: Monday 13 April 2026 
  • Selected EOIs submitted to UQ Translate committee by: Friday 1 May 2026
• Advice of progress to pitch presentation stage: early May 2026
• Pitch presentations: Friday 5 June 2026
• Outcomes expected: early June 2026

All applicants should review the scheme guidelines for full details and requirements, including the list of faculty/institute-specific contacts who will advise the local arrangements for EOI submission and review. 

Operational support for the UQ Translate scheme will be provided by the Office of the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research), which will coordinate the call for applications, assessment processes, pitch sessions and funding administration.

EOI TEMPLATE    SCHEME GUIDELINES

Overview

UQ Translate aims to accelerate the translation of UQ research into real‑world application by supporting post-proof‑of‑concept projects to advance their Technology Readiness Level (TRL) or equivalent. Focused on maturing UQ intellectual property (UQ IP) that is currently at the 'continuing development' stage, UQ Translate will help to build a visible pipeline of high‑potential commercialisation opportunities requiring further support to progress toward increased market alignment and commercial readiness.

Aligned with UQ’s strategic commercialisation objectives and our broader research and innovation priorities, the pilot program will:

• nurture UQ's future commercialisation opportunities as a strategic portfolio; managing risk across future technology and market trends
• develop greater visibility of the progress of IP commercialisation opportunities across UQ
• provide central investment for the commercialisation of high-opportunity IP to: 
  • create a pipeline of projects with a high likelihood to progress to license/spin-out
  • translate existing IP at the ‘continuing development’ phase to advance to active commercialisation by supporting further research
  • increase support for market-pull opportunities where there are strong Venture Capital signals aligned with UQ capability 
  • ensure creators, labs, faculties and institutes are acknowledged for their role in generating and advancing IP and commercialisation capability.

Eligibility and available funding 

Eligible projects must be based on IP which is already disclosed to UniQuest or which will be disclosed by the time of the award. 

The number of grants awarded will be determined by the number of fundable projects and the available funding pool, which will be sourced from income on the investment of commercialisation gains.

Successful applicants will receive: 

• Financial support (maximum $250 000, typically between $100,000 - $200,000)  
• Access to commercialisation mentoring and market validation support - UniQuest
• Partnership development support - Strategic Partnerships: Government and Industry
• Assistance with IP management, industry engagement and potential investor introductions - UniQuest and Strategic Partnerships: Government and Industry

Grants must be expended within 18 months of award.

Selection Criteria 

Applications will be assessed against the following selection criteria.  

The extent to which the grant will: 

1. improve alignment to domestic or international target markets and applications (or public good equivalent) that the solution seeks to address 
2. enhance the competitive advantage, distinctive novelty or unique selling point of the project outcome  
3. increase Technology Readiness Level (or discipline equivalent) to move past proof-of-concept or minimum viable product phase, towards translation
4. strengthen commercial partner engagement
5. provide support for considerations such as feasibility and due diligence requirements including: 
   • project planning: include an outline of project milestones and how they contribute to overall project outcomes
   • team experience and prior success in commercialisation
   • how the proposed budget is appropriate to progress opportunity (provide a brief overview of major expenditure) 

Application process and key dates