TRaCE opens three briefing sessions ahead of $2.5 million R&D funding deadline
Businesses considering TRaCE Major Projects funding can join one of three online information sessions in September to learn how the program can support clean technology research and development with up to $2.5 million in co-funding through the University of Newcastle.
Businesses interested in working with University of Newcastle researchers to advance clean technology projects will have three opportunities to learn more about TRaCE's Major Projects program before expressions of interest close on 1 October.
The Trailblazer for Recycling and Clean Energy is holding three 30-minute Scale your R&D webinars on 11 and 14 September, providing businesses with information about accessing up to $2.5 million in Major Projects co-funding.
The sessions follow the opening of expressions of interest for projects progressing towards pilot, demonstration and commercial scale.
For businesses considering whether their technology or industry challenge is suitable for the program, the webinars provide an opportunity to investigate the funding and research partnership model before committing to the EOI process.
Three sessions available
The online sessions will be held through Microsoft Teams on:
Friday 11 September from 10am to 10.30am
Friday 11 September from 1pm to 1.30pm
Monday 14 September from noon to 12.30pm.
Businesses can register through Humanitix and select their preferred session.
TRaCE has also invited businesses unable to attend the scheduled sessions to contact its team directly at trace@newcastle.edu.au.
Up to $2.5 million available
The webinars centre on TRaCE's Major Projects program, which provides eligible projects delivered with the University of Newcastle with access to up to $2.5 million in co-funding.
TRaCE contributes a minimum of 35 cents for every dollar invested by an industry partner. A cash contribution is required from the business or industry partner, while eligible equipment purchases can be considered on a case-by-case basis.
The funding is intended to help businesses advance technologies and ideas across clean energy, solar technology, sustainable fuels and chemicals, and the circular economy.
Projects are generally expected to have reached Technology Readiness Level 5 or above and be moving towards pilot, demonstration or scale-up. Projects at Technology Readiness Level 4 may be considered where they can demonstrate rapid advancement.
Research partnership part of the offer
The program provides more than a funding contribution.
Businesses work with University of Newcastle researchers and have access to specialist research infrastructure, with a TRaCE facilitator helping to identify research partners and develop the project.
The program is therefore aimed at businesses with an R&D challenge or technology that could benefit from university research capability as it moves closer to commercial application.
Expressions of interest for the current Major Projects intake close on 1 October 2026, with successful projects required to be completed by December 2027.
The three September webinars give businesses considering the program an opportunity to examine how the co-funding model works and whether their proposed R&D project is a suitable fit before that deadline.
