Frequently Asked Questions
What is a CRC?
The Cooperative Research Centres (CRC) Program is an Australian Government initiative that was established in 1990 and funds industry-led collaborations between industry, researchers and end users. https://business.gov.au/Grants-and-Programs/Cooperative-Research-Centres-CRC-Grants
What is in it for me?
Industry partners: Leverage funding to support faster development and adoption of AI. Lower risks of innovation, increase profitability.
Government partners: Work in an innovation network to enhance systems to support national AI policy and delivery agenda.
Research partners: Participate in impact focused research application that enhances commercial opportunities for partners.
If I needed to pitch this to my CEO, what might I say?
I’d like us to explore a strategic opportunity: partnering with government and leading AI experts to tackle the biggest R&D challenges in AI development and integration. This initiative would:
- Give us direct access to top-tier talent across technical, ethical, and strategic domains.
- Bring tailored solutions and capability to market.
- Provide end-to-end support, from concept through deployment and governance.
- Open new markets and global export pathways, positioning us as a leader in a trusted AI solution/integration.
- Work in lockstep with the Australian Government’s emerging national policy.
The upside for us is faster innovation, less long-term costs, reduced risk, and a competitive edge in an AI-driven economy. I recommend we approve a deeper exploration of this opportunity. There are no binding commitments until the grant is awarded by government.
What does the CRC need for success?
At this stage, the key requirement is to attract partners who can contribute both cash and in-kind support to a CRC program. The expected ROI is at least 1 to 1 return on investment, and often higher. CRC activities must be closely aligned with industry needs, and a compelling case must be made to succeed in the highly competitive selection process.
Is a promise for cash or in-kind contribution binding?
Not during the application development and bidding process. The pledge for contribution, which is critical to CRC success, is non-binding. If the initiative is successful, then formal agreements are made. This is also when there is clarity regarding projects and opportunities. If successful, co-contributions will be required in Q3 of the 26/27 FY at the earliest.
If we’re interested, what is the next step?
Get in touch with one of the team and discuss participation options and needs that align with your interest. An indication of the level of involvement and investment is critical for the success of this initiative.
Is the research and activity program set?
No, it will be informed by ongoing interaction with partners during the development stage. It is still possible for partners to pitch projects and activities in the CRC.
How do I get the program to focus on our needs?
There are a few avenues. Get in touch with us ASAP. Participate in any of the scheduled workshops. Participate in project and program design activities. Be prepared to contribute resources (cash and in-kind) to the initiative. Bring project industry collaborators.
Is there a formal project design process?
Yes, if you are interested, let us know and we can explore specific needs and benefits. We have a simple, yet effective process for co-design to ensure specific needs are met.
How will the CRC deliver impact from projects activities?
A unique feature of this CRC is the focus on tangible commercial impact. This process will be managed by experts through the CRC Innovation Foundry; a specialist AI innovation framework and system that applies best practice design-led, lean, and systems innovation approaches.
What is the timeline?
This initiative is being considered for Round 27 application, expected to be submitted March/April 2026. We are moving quickly.
My organisation doesn’t have cash to contribute; can we still get involved?
It is possible, contact us to discuss the options.
Who are the experts we can access?
We have a range of experts with experience in delivering value. The CRC will manage project delivery processes to ensure effective operations. We have experts in initiative design, R&D delivery, and commercialisation all stemming from our national strength in research, for example:
- UNSW Sydney – Leading in trustworthy AI, cybersecurity, and data governance through the UNSW AI Institute (300+ researchers).
- CSIRO Data61 – Australia’s national AI centre, driving responsible AI engineering, privacy tech, and global standards.
- UTS – Pioneering ethical, explainable AI and digital inclusion; delivered the world’s first validated ethical AI framework.
- QUT – Expertise in data science, robotics, and digital trust, plus global leadership in trusted enterprise research.
- Edith Cowan University (ECU) – National leader in cybersecurity and AI for critical infrastructure, advancing human-AI collaboration.
- Swinburne University – leading research across machine learning, space, robotics and storytelling.
How will IP be managed?
The CRC has a clear process that protects IP and makes it available to industry partners for optimum value. Typically, IP will be assigned to the lead industry partner, considering background and project IP. Non-assigned IP will typically be developed and assigned to partners best suited to realise impact from the IP.
What are the Governance arrangements for the CRC?
CRCs operate as incorporated companies limited by guarantee, overseen by an independent Board chaired by an experienced leader. The Board will include senior members with industry and governance expertise, with a majority independent of participating organisations to ensure transparency and accountability. It will be industry-led, featuring venture capital, scale-up, and sector leaders, supported by a Commercialisation Council guiding IP strategy and incubation. Regional Nodes will engage non-metro talent and SMEs to deliver tangible outcomes and national benefit.
Can my organisation claim R&D Tax incentive for CRC contributions?
Monetary contributions to a CRC qualify as notional R&D deductions under section 355-580 of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997. See: https://www.ato.gov.au/businesses-and-organisations/income-deductions-and-concessions/incentives-and-concessions/research-and-development-tax-incentive-and-concessions/research-and-development-tax-incentive/in-detail/who-can-claim/crc-program
For eligible companies, this can translate to an R&D Tax Incentive offset, materially reducing the after-tax cost of participation.
Details on how contributions are structured and attributed for R&DTI purposes are set out in our Term Sheet. (Please seek independent tax advice for your circumstances.)
TDS CRC 