iLAuNCH Fast Track Fund

Transforming university research into commercially viable products

Current round for iLAuNCH Partner Universities now open, closes 31 January, 2025.

 

Fast Track has been established to provide $10,000 to $100,000 (matched by co-funding from other sources) for early-stage (TRL 3-4) commercialisation activities to demonstrate the concept and market needs for research and inventions applicable to the Space Industry. The fast-track model brings university and industry together to further develop university IP that has a direct translation into space industry products and services.

Am I eligible to apply?

  • Projects must be early-stage (TRL 3-4) and submitted by an iLAuNCH University, through the respective Technology Transfer/Commercialisation Office (or equivalent Research Office).
  • The University must have the right to commercialise the Intellectual Property (IP). IP ownership will remain with the University.
  • Projects must:
    • be designed to be completed within a maximum of 6 months of commencement, as appropriate to the discipline and project proposed.
  • Demonstrate a clear roadmap for growing space research capabilities, aligning with national and international priorities, and meeting the space industry’s future needs.
  • Have identified and have the support of at least one industry partner with an industry letter of support validating the goal of the application and identifying their contribution.
  • Applicants must agree to be bound by the Terms and Conditions for Fast Track Funding.
  • Applicants must be willing to complete (or have completed) CSIRO On Prime Program or equivalent.

 

What can the funding be used for?

The decision to award funding will be based on a case-by-case basis, and funding will be restricted to direct project activities.

  • Eligible project activities/costs may include:
    • development work for; prototype construction, proof of principle, patent strengthening
    • personnel (contractors, consultants, research assistance, casual staff)
    • travel to conduct project activities
    • technical and market validation activities
    • consumables required specifically for the project
    • small equipment (up to $10,000 per item) required specifically for the project
    • items that directly support the project
    • salaried staff (inclusive of 30% overhead)
  • Expenditure not supported (but may be included as part of overall project budget)
    • indirect or overhead costs
    • HDR stipends/fees
    • buying out of teaching/marking
    • conference travel
    • equipment >$10,000
    • general infrastructure
    • office expenses
    • Intellectual Property costs (filing, prosecution or other costs associated with patents, copyright or trademarks)

Evaluation

Applications will be accepted at any stage during specific calls for submission and assessed through a merit-based process by the FastTrack Assessment Panel. Final funding decisions, based on the recommendations of the FastTrack Advisory Panel, are made at the discretion of iLAuNCH Executive Team.

Please contact your FastTrack representative who can guide you through the application process.

ANU – Dr Kate Ferguson
UniSA – Andrew Milligan 
UniSQ – Hunter Walkenhorst