AEA Ignite grants open now to support nationally significant research
The AEA Ignite program provides funding for early-stage research to test feasibility in real-world conditions and build clearer pathways toward commercial use
Measuring progress, not promises
The Australian Economic Accelerator (AEA) Ignite program is designed to support early-stage research commercialisation, with competitive grants of up to $500,000 over a maximum period of 12 months. The program targets projects that are ready to move beyond basic research and demonstrate whether ideas can work in conditions similar to those faced by industry.
Ignite supports projects commencing at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 3, 4 or 5, using the Department of Defence TRL scale. While projects are not required to reach a higher TRL by completion, applicants must show progress within their current level.
This framework allows researchers and assessors to clearly define where a project sits in the development pathway and what practical progress can be achieved through Ignite funding.
Proof-of-concept in real-world settings
Ignite grants are explicitly for proof-of-concept work. This stage follows basic research and laboratory testing and focuses on validating ideas in environments that closely resemble industry conditions. The aim is to test whether research outcomes are viable and practical outside the lab.
By concentrating on proof rather than scale-up, Ignite seeks to reduce uncertainty for future investors and industry partners while strengthening the commercial potential of university research.
Industry engagement as a core requirement
Applicants must demonstrate industry engagement and a pathway to commercialisation. This may include financial contributions or in-kind support, with projects that already involve commercial investment partners expected to be more competitive.
Funding previously awarded through AEA Seed will count toward the $500,000 project cap, reinforcing the program’s role as part of a staged commercialisation pathway rather than a standalone grant.
What recent rounds reveal
Outcomes from the first two Ignite rounds highlight both demand and breadth across the university sector. Round 1 allocated more than $59 million to 155 projects across 28 universities, while Round 2 awarded over $72.5 million to 174 projects at 27 universities.
Round 2 attracted 838 applications from 35 universities, more than double the number submitted in the previous round. Funded projects span seven nationally important areas, including medical science, renewables and low emissions technologies, enabling capabilities, and defence capability, as well as agriculture, resources and transport.
Examples of funded work range from medical therapies and digital health tools to advanced manufacturing processes, construction safety systems and clean fuel technologies.
Round 3 now open
Applications for AEA Ignite Round 3 are now open and close at 5pm AEDT on 4 March 2026. Researchers are required to work with their university research office and lodge applications through the Research Management System.
