The AEA is designed to build a pipeline from discovery research through to commercialisation, ensuring Australia reaps the benefits of investment in research within the university sector.
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Submit your AEA Seed grant proposal now through the Research Management System.
Call the RMS Support Desk on 02 6287 6789 or email RMSSupport@arc.gov.au if you are experiencing issues submitting your application through RMS.
AEA Seed acts as a pilot for the stage one grants known as AEA Ignite. The full AEA program will run over 10 years from 2023 – 2032, supported by the $1.6b investment by the Australian Government into university research commercialisation.
AEA Seed grants are available to support proof-of-concept projects (Technology Readiness Level 3 to 5). Eligible applicants may apply for grants of between $50, 000 and $500, 000 for up to 12 months per project. Applications for the first tranche of AEA Seed grants opened on Monday 6 February 2023.
Projects must be aligned with the priorities of the National Reconstruction Fund outlined on the Department of Industry, Science and Resources website. Priority consideration will be given to projects addressing the four priority areas of:
Tranche One
- renewables and low emissions technologies (e.g., hydrogen, micro-grids, and lithium/rare-earth elements processing)
- medical science (e.g., synthetic biology, mRNA vaccines, and remote medicine)
Tranche Two
- value-add in resources (e.g., provenance of rare earth minerals, advanced minerals extraction, data driven mining and mining automation and robotics)
- value-add in agriculture, forestry and fisheries sectors (e.g., provenance of product, digital agriculture, supply chain transformation and alternative proteins)
*examples provided are a guide and are not exhaustive
Projects must be completed between three to 12 months from the project’s commencement. Under the AEA, projects can exit after completing an AEA Seed project, with no obligation to proceed through the other stages.
Please read the AEA Seed Program Guidelines and review the FAQs before applying. Should you have any further questions please contact the AEA Grants Team at accelerator@education.gov.au.
AEA Seed (AEA Seed) Program 2023 Program administrative Guidelines
Researchers, who are employed by or have an affiliation with, an Australian university will be eligible to apply for AEA grant funding. Projects must satisfy the eligibility criteria set out in the Other Grants Guidelines (Research) 2017 and the AEA SEED (AEA SEED) Program 2023 Program Administrative Guidelines.
The AEA Seed Grants are open to Australian universities listed at Tables A and B in the Higher Education Support Act 2003. Universities are encouraged to partner with other institutions including research organisations, Industry, businesses as part of their proposal.
How much funding is available?
A total of $10 million is available for AEA Seed Grants, with a minimum of $50,000 and a maximum of $500,000, available for each project.
When will applications open and close?
The AEA Seed Grants will accept applications across two rounds which will be open for six weeks each. The first tranche will open from 9am on 6 February 2023 and close at 5pm AEDT on 17 March 2023. The second tranche will open from 9am on 27 March 2023 and close at 5pm AEST on 5 May 2023. Further details on the application process are provided in the Program Guidelines.
How do I submit my application?
Applications are to be submitted using Research Management System (RMS). RMS registration is required to gain access to the application form and be able to submit for an AEA grant.
An Applicants Guide has also been developed to support the process, along with a Sample Application Form.
How will successful projects be selected?
Applications will be assessed against selection criteria by the Executive Director and Expert Advisors. The selection criteria are published in the Program Guidelines. The Executive Director and Expert Advisors will recommend successful applicants to the Program Delegate. The Department of Education will award funding to successful applicants under Conditions of Grant.
Further information
Applicants should seek advice from their institutional Research Office (or equivalent). Research Office staff can email accelerator@education.gov.au for further advice if queries cannot be answered by the Program Guidelines, Applicants Guide, or Frequently Asked Questions.