TRaCE program targets industry projects ready for pilot and demonstration
Expressions of interest are open until 1 October for businesses seeking to partner with University of Newcastle researchers on clean technology projects progressing towards pilot, demonstration and commercial scale through the TRaCE Major Projects program.
Businesses looking to progress research and development towards commercial application are being invited to submit expressions of interest through TRaCE's Major R&D Project Funding
The program connects industry with University of Newcastle researchers, specialist facilities and co-funding to help develop projects moving towards pilot, demonstration and scale-up activities.
Expressions of interest close on 1 October 2026, with successful projects to be completed by December 2027.
Co-funding available for eligible projects
The Trailblazer for Recycling and Clean Energy (TRaCE) contributes a minimum of 35 cents for every dollar invested by an industry partner, with businesses required to provide a cash contribution to access the co-funding. Eligible equipment purchases may also be considered as part of that contribution on a case-by-case basis.
According to TRaCE, eligible Major Projects delivered with the University of Newcastle can access up to $2.5 million in co-funding. Projects valued below $500,000 may instead be eligible for the TRaCE Concept to Pilot or R&D Voucher programs.
The program also provides access to a dedicated TRaCE facilitator to help identify suitable research partners and support projects from development through to completion. Participants can also use University of Newcastle expertise and research infrastructure without the need to fund major capital facilities.
Focus on clean technologies
Projects must align with at least one of four TRaCE themes:
+ Solar technology, including the integration and scaling of solar technologies.
+ Clean energy, including electrification and energy storage.
+ Sustainable fuels and chemicals.
+ Circular economy projects focused on recycling, reforming and reusing waste materials.
Applicants must also demonstrate a benefit to Australia through outcomes such as emissions reduction, contribution to GDP, job creation or the export of Australian technologies.
Projects nearing commercial deployment
The program is intended for projects that have progressed beyond the early stages of research. Eligible projects are generally expected to be at Technology Readiness Level 5 or above and progressing towards pilot, demonstration or scale-up activities. Technology Readiness Level 4 projects demonstrating rapid advancement may also be considered.
Industry applicants must hold an Australian Business Number or operate as an Australian subsidiary. University researchers applying through the program must have an identified industry partner able to contribute the required funding.
Following assessment of expressions of interest, successful applicants will work with a University research team and a TRaCE facilitator to co-design their project. Applications will be assessed for their fit with the program themes and the availability of services. Where projects are not eligible, TRaCE says it will seek to identify alternative support pathways.
Support beyond funding
In addition to co-funding, the program offers tailored intellectual property arrangements based on each project's contributions, mobility fellowships of up to $200,000 for postdoctoral researchers working in industry, and partner-rate access to the University's Modern Manufacturing Workshop and Advanced Prototyping Facility.
The combination of co-funding, research expertise, specialist facilities and project support is intended to help businesses working in clean energy, manufacturing and resource recovery move technologies closer to commercial application before the December 2027 completion deadline.
