What stage are we up to in the CRC application process?

We are currently preparing an application for Stage 1 of the Agrisolar CRC Round 27 which will be submitted by 29 April 2026.We are working with all our partners to update the partner details and complete the partner declaration forms. 

We originally applied in CRC Round 26 in 2025, successfully passing through Stage 1 of the two-step evaluation process, but were unfortunately unsuccessful at Stage 2.   

What happens next?

After we submit the application in late April, we will continue to prepare more detailed implementation plan in anticipation of progressing through to stage 2 and this will include a co-design workshop for all partners. It is important to note that progressing into round 2 is by invitation and we expect formal notification mid-year.  

Can I still partner in Stage 2?

Yes. It is possible to add new partners to this bid ahead of the stage 2 submission. We already have a strong group of partners and are open to more partners from across Australia joining this bid.  Please get in touch directly via the contact details below to discuss this opportunity.

Can I withdraw after signing the Partner Declaration?

Yes, the Partner Declaration can be withdrawn at any time during the bid process.  

A binding agreement would only be signed and executed once the CRC is awarded (and based on the previous process, this is likely to be early 2027). 

Do I have to sign up for the life of the CRC?

Initial agreements will be made for a period of 10 years, but we advise partners to review this agreement on a yearly basis to ensure the CRC is working to its best capacity for you. Partners are therefore asked to sign up for the entire duration, but this is non-binding, you can always reduce the period of commitment later. 

Who do I contact for process questions?

Please send any questions that you may have through to our Bid Coordinator, Fiona McCredie on Fiona.McCredie@decarbhub.au

About CRCs

What is a CRC?

A Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) is an Australian Government-funded research collaboration that brings together industry, research organisations and in some cases government bodies to work on shared, industry-identified problems. CRCs are industry-led, meaning the research agenda is set by commercial need rather than academic interest. The program has been a feature of Australia’s research and innovation landscape for more than 25 years and is administered by the Commonwealth Department of Industry, Science and Resources.

What is the function of a CRC?

CRCs exist to solve problems that no single organisation could tackle alone. By pooling funding, expertise and infrastructure across multiple partners, a CRC can sustain long-term, coordinated research at a scale and pace that delivers real commercial, environmental or community outcomes. CRCs are also required to include an education and training component, typically a PhD program, to build lasting capability in their field. 

How many CRCs are there?

The program has funded more than 200 CRCs since it began in the early 1990s. At any one time there are a relatively small number of active CRCs – new centres are funded through competitive selection rounds held annually.  

How are CRCs funded?

CRCs receive a Commonwealth grant, and applicants are required to at least match that grant through partner cash and in-kind contributions. While there is no set funding cap, Commonwealth contributions of between $4 million and $7 million per year have been typical. CRCs can run for up to 10 years. The co-investment requirement means the Commonwealth’s contribution is always leveraged by equivalent or greater private and institutional investment. 

What is the difference between a CRC and a CRC-P?

CRC-P (CRC Projects) grants fund shorter-term collaborations of up to three years, with matched funding of between $100,000 and $3 million. They are suited to discrete, near-term research problems. Full CRCs, by contrast, are designed for medium to long-term, transformational challenges that require sustained investment over up to a decade. The Agrisolar CRC is applying for a full CRC grant given the scale and complexity of the agrisolar challenge.