New TRaCE SME Scaling Suite targets the gap between prototype and commercial rollout
Expressions of interest are open for a $2.1 million TRaCE initiative that connects funding, research and engineering support into a single pathway aimed at helping SMEs move climate and recycling technologies from development into commercial use.
The Trailblazer for Recycling and Clean Energy (TRaCE) SME Scaling Suite is now open for expressions of interest, offering a combined funding pool of $2.1 million to support small and medium enterprises working in recycling and clean energy.
The program has been developed in response to identified gaps in how climate and recycling technologies progress toward commercial deployment. TRaCE has found that many early-stage SMEs struggle to access the right combination of these elements at the same time, particularly when moving beyond initial validation.
So rather than requiring businesses to navigate separate programs, the initiative brings together three forms of support into one coordinated process. SMEs can apply once and be assessed for a mix of capital, research capability and engineering input, depending on their needs and readiness.
Addressing the gap between development and scale
The SME Scaling Suite combines these elements into a coordinated offering, allowing businesses to access support in a more integrated way rather than through separate, disconnected pathways.
The initiative includes access to embedded engineers through the UNSW Technology Translation Squad, where electrical engineers can work directly within SME projects to address challenges across electrical, electronic and control systems.
Research support is available through an R&D Voucher, which provides access to specialised equipment and researchers, along with up to $30,000 in matched funding per project to help progress early-stage work and reduce technical risk.
An Early-Stage Seed Fund component offers investment aimed at helping businesses move from validation toward commercial scale, providing an option for capital alongside technical and research support.
SMEs are not automatically granted access to all components. Each application is assessed, and businesses may be matched with one, two, or all three elements depending on what is required to progress their technology.
How the process works
The pathway begins with an expression of interest submission. Applications are reviewed by a TRaCE Program Manager, who assesses the technology, stage of development and support requirements.
From there, SMEs may receive assistance across the three elements, followed by a focus on scaling and commercialisation.
The structure is intended to reduce fragmentation in how support is delivered, particularly for businesses navigating early commercial hurdles.
Research partnerships and credibility
The program is delivered in partnership with University of New South Wales and University of Newcastle, giving participating SMEs access to research capability, facilities and networks.
This connection to established institutions is a way to strengthen technical validation and improve investor confidence as technologies move closer to market.
Expressions of interest close on 25 May 2026, with SMEs invited to put forward technologies seeking support to progress beyond early-stage development, at a point where access to coordinated capability can determine whether a concept reaches commercial reality.
