India Australia Technology Commercialisation Challenge (TCC) – $50k funding to support technology development collaboration

The TCC facilitates collaboration between Indian industry and Australian R&D expertise to promote innovation and build leadership in the commercialisation of cutting-edge renewable technologies.

We have engaged with a variety of large Indian renewable energy manufacturers to develop technology challenge statements in the areas of solar PV, batteries and hydrogen technologies. We are currently seeking applications from Australian researchers interested in collaborating with Indian industry with a focus on engaging on solutions to these challenge statements.

The program offers Australian researchers $50k in funding plus up to $15k in travel to participate in the program.

A summary of key points and timing  of the program is below, however full information and application details can be found here: The Technology Commercialisation Challenge – CSIRO

Key points:

• This is a pilot program open only to researchers at Australian Publicly Funded Research Organisations (to be run over the next 6 months, involving at least one visit to India by Australian research teams)
• Supports the overarching India Australia Government Renewable Energy Partnership
• Focus on matching Indian industry technology challenge statements with Australian R&D expertise and technology development
• 11 x Indian Manufacturers consulted for challenge statements in the areas of solar PV, batteries and hydrogen related technologies
• 5 x grants to be awarded to Australian researchers to support collaboration opportunities
• The expectation from the program is that an MoU starts building an R&D and commercialisation relationship supported by other funding mechanisms including direct investment from the Indian company

Timing:

• Applications close on the 30^th June
• Light touch application form (strongly encouraging early applications as we may commence assessment and early introductions to Indian companies prior to closing of applications)
• Assessment of applications and matching researchers with Indian Manufacturers completed by 31^st July 2025 (funding agreement issued)
• Expected visit to India – September 2025
• Finalisation of a potential industry R&D and commercialisation collaboration – October 2025
• Program concludes with the final report – November 2025

For further information please reach out to Dave Fleming, Program Facilitator – Innovation Programs, Science Connect (dave.fleming@csiro.au).