The Australian Government’s Cooperative Research Centres Projects (CRC‑P) program provides a practical pathway to accelerate innovation, offering matched funding ranging from $100,000 to $3 million for short‑term, industry‑led collaborations that develop new technologies, products or services.
Each CRC‑P brings together at least two Australian industry organisations and one Australian research organisation - such as a university like La Trobe - and is designed to deliver tangible benefits for small to medium enterprises (SMEs).
Partnering with a university gives businesses access to research expertise, cutting‑edge facilities and talent pipelines that strengthen CRC‑P applications and support commercial success.
With CRC‑P Round 19 open and applications closing on 12 May, there’s still time to get involved. If you’ve already started exploring a CRC‑P this round but lost momentum, consider this your prompt to re‑engage - these partnerships can unlock significant competitive advantage. If you’re new to CRC‑Ps, keep an eye out for future rounds and connect with La Trobe early to explore how a collaboration could support your strategic goals.
Here are seven reasons why partnering with a university, like La Trobe, is a smart business move.
- Industry‑led projects keep the focus on real business needs
CRC‑Ps are industry‑led, meaning businesses set the priorities and define the problem to be solved. This ensures the project stays practical, commercially focused and aligned with what industry actually needs - resulting in solutions that deliver real value. - Direct access to research expertise
CRC‑P projects aim to deliver practical, commercial outcomes within three years. Partnering with a university gives businesses access to researchers who specialise in applied problem‑solving - from advanced manufacturing and AI to health, agriculture and sustainability. This expertise helps companies overcome technical barriers faster and more effectively than going it alone. - Shared investment = less risk
CRC‑P grants offer $100,000 to $3 million in matched funding, reducing the financial burden on industry. University partnerships strengthen the case for funding by demonstrating capability and shared commitment. For businesses, this means lower risk, lower cost and higher confidence in project success. - Faster pathways to market
University research teams are experts in their fields and their facilities are built for prototyping, testing and validation. This accelerates product development cycles and helps companies move from concept to commercialisation at speed - a key advantage in competitive markets. - Access to cutting‑edge facilities, without the cost
From advanced analytics labs to engineering workshops, simulation environments and specialised testing equipment, universities like La Trobe provide access to infrastructure that would be costly or impractical for many businesses to build or rent themselves. CRC‑P collaborations unlock these capabilities as part of the project, giving industry partners a major technical advantage. - Strengthened CRC‑P competitiveness
CRC‑P applications are assessed on project quality, impact, collaboration strength and capacity to deliver. University involvement boosts all four. For example, La Trobe brings project management experience, research governance, IP expertise and a track record of successful industry partnerships - all of which help proposals score higher. - Talent pipelines and workforce capability
CRC‑P projects often involve students, early‑career researchers and industry placements. For businesses, this is a direct pipeline to emerging talent and new skill sets - particularly valuable in areas like AI, digital transformation, biotechnology and advanced manufacturing where workforce shortages are common. - Long‑term strategic partnerships beyond the grant
CRC‑P collaborations frequently evolve into ongoing commercial relationships, future grant opportunities or larger Cooperative Research Centres (CRCs) projects. Partnering with a university isn’t a one‑off transaction for industry – a CRC-P could be the beginning of a long‑term investment in future opportunities, innovation strength, and financial growth.
Cooperative Research Centres Projects (CRC‑P) Grant Round 19 is open until Tuesday 12 May 2026 5:00pm.
With up to $60 million available, including $20 million dedicated to AI‑related projects, Round 19 is a major opportunity for businesses looking to innovate, scale and commercialise new technologies.
Explore the program and apply: Cooperative Research Centres Projects (CRC‑P) Grants
La Trobe University CRC-P successes
In the past three years, La Trobe University has partnered on successful CRC‑P projects, including a $3 million collaboration with Haemograph to develop technology that prevents and removes air bubbles in medical and industrial systems, and a $3 million CRC‑P with VivaZome Therapeutics advancing customised exosome therapies for regenerative medicine. These projects highlight La Trobe’s strong track record in supporting SMEs to secure CRC‑P funding and deliver commercially focused innovation.
To discuss collaboration with La Trobe University, email industry.engagement@latrobe.edu.au
