iLAuNCH Second Round Investment Call EOI

Overview

This Open Call for Expressions of Interest (EOI) for remaining funding is now closed.

The iLAuNCH Trailblazer is a $180m program to transform Australia’s competitiveness by rapidly commercialising University research through industry partnerships. Our efforts directly enhance Australia’s burgeoning space industry.

iLAuNCH has already brought together a powerful consortium of industry and research partners focusing on developing advanced technologies for space and aerospace manufacturing applications, including associated manufacturing supply chains. iLAuNCH commercialisation projects aim to elevate the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of research projects to commercial-ready applications and foster pathways to market to propel Australia’s space and aerospace industries.

This Open Call is seeking new project opportunities relevant to iLAuNCH priorities and programs

Open dates

The Open Call for EOIs commences on Friday 6 October 2023 and closed midnight on Monday 20 November 2023 (AEST).

Information session

An online information session was held on 1 November to inform potential applicants about the opportunity and assessment process. Watch a recording of the information session.

Download the Information Session slides> iLAuNCH EOI Information Session 1-11-2023

Read the Q&A from the Information Session

Check if you can apply

This EOI, and the selection of successful applications, is driven by the following requirements:

Industry-led product development

  • Project proposals are to be developed and led by an industry partner (i.e., with an ABN / ACN) based in Australia. The lead industry project partner does NOT have to be a member of iLAuNCH; however, collaborative projects involving one or more iLAuNCH industry partners are highly encouraged.
  • The project team is to be comprised of at least one industry and one research organisation. It is expected that at least one iLAuNCH research organisation/University will be a member of the project team. iLAuNCH team can assist in finding appropriate capabilities at partner universities.
  • Projects that include a clear end-use customer as part of the project team are encouraged.
  • iLAuNCH is specifically looking to support projects that will tangibly build IP from prototypes into products and enhance the capability to mature technical and market opportunities for the industry project partner, thereby improving technical and investment readiness levels.
  • Project outcome needs to relate to the ‘Research Program Topics’ highlighted below. We will consider projects that fall outside iLAuNCH research topics, but they need to demonstrate value for money and clear end-user needs.

Funding arrangements

  • Industry partner(s) co-investment in the project is required in the form of cash or in-kind.
  • The minimum industry co-investment required is $300,000. This could be a combination of industry cash and/or in-kind.
  • Project funds are expected to be allocated to the Research partner to undertake the research and innovation activities and/or project-required activities.
  • In-kind contributions from all project parties are accepted and will be taken into the overall funding contribution.
  • iLAuNCH co-investment must deliver benefits for Australian Aerospace, Manufacturing and Advanced Technologies Industries.

Research Program topics

Your research program must be aligned to one of the seven iLAuNCH Core Commercialisation project areas:

    1. Additive Manufacturing
    2. Material Processing and Advanced Materials
    3. Hypersonics and Flight Diagnostics
    4. Rocket launch
    5. Rocket Manufacturing
    6. Satellites, Communications and Sensors
    7. Advanced Technologies for Aerospace and Space Applications

Applications are now closed for the iLAuNCH Second Round Investment Call

Before you apply, make sure you:

  • read and understand the funding opportunity guidelines
  • read the Q&A

  • download the EOI document on the Apply Now page

By submitting your application form, you acknowledge that your EOI response will be assessed by a selection committee including external partners.