The Australian Government is building new research capabilities, driving commercialisation outcomes and investing in new industry engagement opportunities through the $370.3 million Trailblazer Universities Program (2022–2023 to 2025–2026). Through this initiative, the Government is building additional capacity to focus on the problems that matter to the nation by driving research excellence and real-world impact.
The Trailblazer Universities Program is transforming how Australian universities collaborate with industry to drive innovation and economic growth.
Purpose
The program is accelerating the commercialisation of university research by fostering stronger collaboration between universities and industry. The long-term goals are to:
- Align university research with national priorities
- Increase business investment in university R&D
- Benefit regional communities and businesses
- Create career pathways and job-ready skills to meet future workforce needs through strong industry engagement
Investment
- Australian Government Funding: $370 million (2022–2026)
- Total Program Value: Over $1 billion, including co-investment from universities and industry partners.
- Participants: 6 lead universities, 12 universities total*, CSIRO, 200+ industry partners.
Priorities
- Defence
- Space
- Food and beverage
- Recycling & clean energy
- Resources and critical minerals
Program delivery approach
Each lead university received $50M in seed funding, as indexed grants. CSIRO received $45M for prototyping and manufacturing.
The universities set up autonomous business units called ‘Trailblazers’ that have industry-led governance. The Trailblazers:
- Attract co-investment by offering funding, flexible IP agreements, and access to university capabilities – such as high-tech manufacturing, dedicated research support, and expert advice.
- Support the joint-management of technology development projects with industry leads.
- Manage seed funds for new technology, and accelerator programs for start-ups.
- Facilitate staff mobility between universities and the private sector.
- Support job-ready skills development including the development of educational qualifications and pathways with the Vocational and Education Training (VET) sector.
Impact
The program drives innovation by enabling industries to access university capabilities to support the development of new products, services and markets, through a cultural and collaborative shift. The program has lifted industry buy-in well over the original plan for 1:1:1 co-investment by government, universities and industries.
The program also supports regional economic growth and workforce development. Participating universities have a regional presence, which benefits regionally based businesses.
- Additional information: Trailblazer Newsletter.
Projects
Critical Minerals Trailblazer
- Curtin University (lead)
- University of Queensland
- James Cook University
Defence Trailblazer
- University of Adelaide (lead)
- University of New South Wales
Food and Beverage Accelerator
- University of Queensland (lead)
- University of Southern Queensland
- Queensland University of Technology
Space Trailblazer (Innovative Launch, Automation, Novel Materials, Communications, and Hypersonics)
- University of Southern Queensland (lead)
- Australian National University
- University of South Australia
Recycling and Clean Energy Commercialisation Hub
- Deakin University (lead)
- Federation University
Trailblazer for Recycling and Clean Energy
- University of New South Wales (lead)
- University of Newcastle
Key Events
24 November 2021
Program announced following consultation on research commercialisation (link to media release)
25 November 2021
Program guidelines released
2 February 2022
University Research Commercialisation Action Plan released
8 April 2022
Grants awarded
28 March 2023
Program guidelines updated