While the world of research funding can be challenging to navigate, the rewards can be high for eligible businesses so it’s worth the effort.
Funding schemes
Explore the funding options below and contact us for advice or to improve your chances of success.
Opportunities for organisations across all sectors conducting eligible R&D
Research and Development Tax Incentive
The R&D Tax Incentive helps local businesses offset the cost of R&D on projects which can provide demonstratable benefits to the wider Australian economy. The program is open to firms of all sizes in all sectors who are conducting eligible R&D. By partnering with UTS through this program you may be able to significantly reduce your R&D tax bill.
The two core components of the R&D Tax Incentive are:
A 43.5 percent refundable tax offset to eligible entities with an aggregated turnover of less than $20 million per annum
A non-refundable 38.5 percent tax offset to all other eligible entities.
UTS is a Registered Research Service Provider, recognised by Innovation Australia as having appropriate scientific or technical expertise to perform research and development on behalf of other companies. Advice can be found from a variety of professional service providers including AusIndustry and the Australian Taxation Office.
UTS has proven success in developing R&D capability, working with businesses across the areas of health, defence and ICT industries.
Find out more: R&D Tax Incentive or contact us to discuss.
Funding for Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs)
TechVouchers
If you’re a small-to-medium enterprise (SME) with an innovative idea, you may be eligible for up to $15,000 in matched funding to put towards your research collaboration with UTS.
TechVouchers are awarded by the NSW Government on a competitive basis to eligible NSW companies. The funding can be used to connect with an expert and facilities in a relevant field of research, and embark on an innovative joint research project. Applications may be made at any time.
Find out more: TechVouchers or contact us to discuss.
UTS has proven success in developing R&D capability, working with businesses across the areas of health, defence and ICT industries.
Find out more: R&D Tax Incentive or contact us to discuss.
Innovation Connections
Innovation Connections helps businesses connect with UTS, to define their research needs and get their ideas off the ground.
In stage one, you’ll work with a highly skilled facilitator (free of charge) who will help unpack your research requirements. Then, if your business is eligible, stage two offers you the chance to apply for funding (of up to $50,000) to:
Employ a UTS researcher to work on specific research project within your business, or
Embed one of your employees within UTS to work on a specific research project, or
Employ a UTS graduate or post graduate to work on a specific research project within your business (up to a maximum of $30,000).
Find out more: Innovation Connections or contact us to discuss.
High value collaborative research and development projects
ARC Linkage scheme
Australian Research Council Linkage funding facilitates deep, ongoing partnerships between academic and non-academic organisations. The purpose of the scheme is to foster skills transfer, grow knowledge and transform ideas into commercial opportunities for businesses or non-profit benefits for the environment or community.
UTS has considerable experience in undertaking Linkage projects across a wide range of specialty research areas including data science, sustainability, robotics, health, community services and Indigenous research.
Find out more: ARC Linkage scheme or contact us to discuss.
ARC LIEF scheme
The Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment and Facilities (LIEF) scheme provides funding for research infrastructure, equipment and facilities to eligible organisations.
The scheme enables researchers to participate in cooperative initiatives so that expensive research infrastructure, equipment and facilities can be shared between higher education organisations and also with industry.
The scheme also fosters collaboration through its support of the cooperative use of international or national research facilities.
Find out more: ARC LIEF scheme or contact us to discuss.
Health and medical research and development projects
National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Development Grants
NHMRC Development Grants fund Australian health and medical research at the proof-of-concept stage. The scheme specifically supports the commercial development of a product, process, procedure or service that could result in improved health care or disease prevention, or provide health cost savings.
UTS has significant health research capabilities and we are always looking to develop research collaborations with the health and medical research community.
Find out more: NHMRC Development Grants or contact us to discuss.
Funding for agricultural and horticultural industries
Rural R&D Corporations
If your organisation is involved in agriculture, fisheries or forestry, you may be eligible for research funding through one of Australia’s 15 Rural R&D Corporations. These schemes use levies (collected from within their relevant industries) and Federal Government funding to invest in strategic research projects.
There may be multiple opportunities for your business, so please contact us to help determine the best fit for your needs.
Find out more: Rural R&D Corporations
Start the conversation
If you’d like some general advice about how contract research works or would like to connect with an expert in your research area, please contact us to help you figure out the best approach.
Submit an online inquiry