The SRN Seed Project funding scheme is a competitive program that supports collaboration between NSW/ACT-based businesses and SRN universities. A key catalyst for collaboration between Space industry SMEs and academia is the provision of seed funding for early-stage proof of concept projects. The purpose of the SRN Seed Projects is to grow space industry capability within NSW/ACT. Network funds will be used to prime proof of concept projects that have the potential to lead to innovations and solutions that are well suited to leverage further R&D funding, and lead to technology transfer and commercialisation opportunities.
SRN support for Seed Projects is based on a co-investment model. Successful proposals can be funded up to $75,000 per project to match industry project contributions. Matching industry co-funding is a pre-requisite for a successful application, with at least 25% of co-funding cash from SMEs (up to 200 employees) and matching funding from larger entities.
Eligibility
To be eligible, projects must be led by NSW/ACT-based enterprises in collaboration with SRN universities. Both SRN funding and Industry cash contribution must be used to conduct R&D activities at the partner university.
Application process
Proposals for the SRN SPL scheme should be submitted electronically to admin@srn.org.au by the due date.
Assessment
All complete applications will be assessed by the Technical Review Panel on a competitive basis relative to the selection criteria
- Novelty and potential to become world-leading
- Stretch goals achievable due to additional funding and access to university researchers and facilities
- Technical / Scientific Merits, Risk, Best Collaborative Team including specific reference to the university collaborators
- Capacity and capability of the SME to commercialise project IP
Timeline
| 07-Dec-21 | Call for Proposals Issued |
| 18-Feb-22 | Applications due – deadline extended |
| 25-Mar-22 | Technical Review Panel Assessment |
| 1-May-22 | Result announcement |
| May-Jun-22 | Contracting |
| 01-Jul-22 | Project Start |