University of Newcastle program opens door for industry to test big ideas at pilot scale
A new initiative is offering industry partners up to $200,000 in co-funding, tailored IP arrangements, and access to researchers and infrastructure to help bridge the difficult gap between early research and pilot-scale testing.
The Trailblazer for Recycling and Clean Energy has launched Concept to Pilot, a program designed to help companies move from early research into pilot-scale testing.
The scheme is open to organisations across Australia that partner with University of Newcastle researchers. It provides co-funding of between $50,000 and $200,000, covering up to 40 per cent of project costs. To be eligible, applicants must hold an ABN or ICN, make a cash contribution, and show their project fits within one of TRaCE’s research themes: solar technology, green fuels, clean energy, or circular economy.
Projects must be completed within 24 months and no later than June 2027. All agreements need to be in place by September 2026, with expressions of interest assessed on a rolling basis. Applicants can expect a response within 10 business days.
Successful applicants gain tailored intellectual property arrangements, access to University of Newcastle experts and infrastructure without high upfront capital costs, and hands-on support. A TRaCE Business Development Manager and a Research Translation Project Manager will be assigned to connect each company with the right research team and co-design a full application covering purpose, scope, timing, budget and deliverables.
Funding is limited and allocated before September 2026. Interested organisations are encouraged to submit an expression of interest as early as possible.
