Critical tech funding to solve some of Australia’s most significant challenges

$36 million Critical Technologies Challenge Program (CTCP) invites solutions to market-led challenges in energy, medical, autonomous systems and resources. Applications close 2 July 2024.

22 May 2024

News

min read

Industry innovation

Quantum

Science, technology and innovation

Technology

The program will drive greater awareness and uptake of quantum technologies in Australia by creating stronger ties between quantum researchers, quantum businesses and technology end-users.

Up to $500k is available in stage 1 feasibility funding, with up to $5 million available in stage 2 demonstrator funding.

There are 4 challenges in round 1:

Challenge 1: Optimise the performance, sustainability, and security of energy networks.
Challenge 2: Improve medical imaging and medical sensors to support diagnosis, treatment of disease and monitoring activities inside the human body.
Challenge 3: Enhance communication with autonomous systems in varying environments.
Challenge 4: Optimise and reduce the impact of resource exploration, extraction, and mineral processing.

Interested parties must form consortia across like-minded industry, SMEs, start-ups, research organisations, technology users, academic institutions and international partners. The consortia can then apply through an Australian lead applicant.

Show transcript

Our quantum track record is a success story for Australia and we're creating a quantum industry to capitalise on our great world-leading research.

Quantum enables us to solve previously intractable problems, and the Australian Government is launching a Critical Technologies Challenge Program to focus on solving nationally significant challenges to benefit all Australians.

The 4 challenges are across the energy, medical technology, communications and resources sectors.

The Critical Technologies Challenge Program is all about impact and finding a path to market for your solution, one that leads to adoption by innovative Australian businesses and benefits their
customers, the quantum industry and the Australian economy.

The government has committed $36 million in grant funding for this program over 2 rounds.

To progress quantum solutions to market, the program has 2 stages. In stage one, which is open now, applicants can seek up to half a million dollars in feasibility funding.

In stage 2, if your feasibility project is successful, you will be invited to apply for up to an additional 5 million dollars in demonstrator funding.

I encourage you to consider how you could work with innovative Australian businesses, academics and researchers, industry, international partners and the end user of your quantum solution.

This is your opportunity to put your ideas to the test. Apply now to help solve some of
Australia's most significant challenges.