Whole-of-value-chain collaboration
for national impact
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a CRC?
A Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) brings industry and research organisations together to undertake medium- to long-term collaborative research that addresses industry-identified challenges and improves the competitiveness, productivity and sustainability of Australian industries. CRCs can be funded for up to 10 years and are awarded through a competitive, two-stage application process.
Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) grants provide funding for medium to long-term collaborative research aimed at solving industry-identified problems and improving the competitiveness, productivity and sustainability of Australian industries. CRCs are funded for up to 10 years and awarded through a two-Stage competitive, merit-based application process. Funding rounds generally occur once per year and sometimes differ in focus, industry sector and priority area.
What do Partners get?
CRC grant funding can support up to 50% of eligible research costs, with Partners matching the grant funding through cash and/or in-kind contributions. There is no minimum or maximum grant amount. The level of funding sought should reflect the scale and complexity of the research program and the needs of participating Partners.
Who can become a Partner?
The Future Textiles CRC is for businesses and other organisations that want to collaborate on major challenges and opportunities facing Australia’s textile sector. The CRC application will be submitted on behalf of a consortium of Partners working together on industry-identified priorities. To meet CRC Program eligibility requirements, the consortium must include at least three Australian industry entities and two Australian research organisations.
Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) grants provide funding for medium to long-term collaborative research aimed at solving industry-identified problems and improving the competitiveness, productivity and sustainability of Australian industries. CRCs are funded for up to 10 years and awarded through a two-Stage competitive, merit-based application process. Funding rounds generally occur once per year and sometimes differ in focus, industry sector and priority area.
What do I need to do to become a Partner?
Identify your organisation’s research needs, priorities and likely level of investment. You will then need to provide information about the industry challenge or opportunity you want to address, your organisation’s research needs, how the CRC could benefit your organisation and the broader industry, how research outcomes could be applied or commercialised, and the cash and in-kind contributions you intend to make. The Future Textiles CRC bid team can assist you in completing the required Partner documentation.
Do I need to commit for the full term of the CRC?
No. However, CRC grant funding can only be matched against your contributions for the period you commit to participate.
There are advantages to committing for the full CRC term, while the Partner Agreement will still allow Partners to withdraw by providing 12 months’ notice.
Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) grants provide funding for medium to long-term collaborative research aimed at solving industry-identified problems and improving the competitiveness, productivity and sustainability of Australian industries. CRCs are funded for up to 10 years and awarded through a two-Stage competitive, merit-based application process. Funding rounds generally occur once per year and sometimes differ in focus, industry sector and priority area.
Do I have to sign a contract now?
No. During the bid stage, Partners sign a Declaration of Intent, which confirms their intention to participate but is not legally binding.
If the CRC is funded, Partners will then decide whether to enter into the formal Partner Agreement. The Partner Agreement will include provisions allowing Partners to withdraw with 12 months’ notice.
Can I withdraw after signing the Declaration?
Yes. The Declaration of Intent is non-binding and can be withdrawn during the bid stage.
Are Partner contributions paid upfront?
No. Partner cash contributions will be invoiced periodically rather than being paid upfront.
For example, an annual contribution of $200,000 could be invoiced as four quarterly payments of $50,000 or two six-monthly payments of $100,000.
Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) grants provide funding for medium to long-term collaborative research aimed at solving industry-identified problems and improving the competitiveness, productivity and sustainability of Australian industries. CRCs are funded for up to 10 years and awarded through a two-Stage competitive, merit-based application process. Funding rounds generally occur once per year and sometimes differ in focus, industry sector and priority area.
When are Partner contributions due?
Partner contributions will commence from July 2028, subject to the CRC being funded. Contributions will then be invoiced in accordance with the payment schedule set out in the Partner Agreement.
How are Partner projects developed?
The CRC will provide processes for Partners to propose projects and will help bring together the industry and research capabilities required to deliver them. The scale and number of projects a Partner can participate in will reflect its level of contribution and the needs and priorities of the CRC. Projects may range from short scoping and feasibility studies through to multi-year technology development and commercialisation projects, and may run in parallel or sequentially.
Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) grants provide funding for medium to long-term collaborative research aimed at solving industry-identified problems and improving the competitiveness, productivity and sustainability of Australian industries. CRCs are funded for up to 10 years and awarded through a two-Stage competitive, merit-based application process. Funding rounds generally occur once per year and sometimes differ in focus, industry sector and priority area.
How can Partners influence the direction of the CRC?
Partners will have opportunities to help shape the CRC’s research priorities, projects and wider activities through its governance, research and industry engagement arrangements. The level and form of participation will vary by Partner Tier and may include opportunities to nominate representatives or candidates for governance and leadership roles, propose research projects, participate in CRC committees and forums, and contribute to decisions about emerging industry priorities. The CRC will maintain ongoing engagement with its Partners throughout its operation.