Big news! Round 2 of Australia’s Economic Accelerator (AEA) has officially opened, and it’s packed with potential: $150 million available to help university researchers collaborate with industry to bring innovation to life. Short form: if you’re serious about commercialising world-class research, you need to read this—and fast. 

What are AEA Ignite & Innovate grants?

• Ignite: Up to $500,000 over 3–12 months. For proof-of-concept projects (TRL 3–5). Perfect for the “we think this might work” phase.  

• Innovate: Up to $5 million over up to 24 months. For proof-of-scale (TRL 5–7). Ideal if you’ve ticked the proof-of-concept box and are ready to play big. 

Together, Ignite and Innovate target TRL 3–7, empowering research to move from lab bench to market-ready.

Who Can Apply & What Types of Projects Work?

• Eligibility: Australian public/private universities or approved University Colleges only. And yes, you must be officially housed by one to apply. 

• Sector priorities: Projects must align with National Reconstruction Fund priority areas, including:

  • Critical minerals processing

  • Sustainable fuels

  • Agriculture & food tech

  • Renewable energy

  • Artificial intelligence, quantum, advanced manufacturing, space 

Why This Round Matters – and Why Now

• $150 million in new funding up for grabs via Ignite and Innovate. 

• Round 1 delivered over $93m across 39 Innovate projects and $59m via 155 Ignite projects—sleepwalking with global-impact potential.  

• If your research could redefine a sector or disrupt an industry—this is your moment.

Important Deadlines (mark these in your planner!)

• Ignite applications close at 5:00 pm AEST on Wednesday, 3 September 2025. 

• Innovate EOIs close at 5:00 pm AEST on Friday, 29 August 2025. (Full Innovate details to follow.)  

Top Tips to Boost Your AEA Application

1. Partner with industry: Minimum 10% cash or in‑kind contribution required (Ignite); Innovate requires ≥50%. Shows commercial credibility.  

2. Know your TRL: Accelerators love clarity—outline current TRL and what steps you’ll take to progress it.

3. AEA Seed counts: If you've previously received Seed funding, that counts toward your $500k Ignite cap.

4. Address priority areas clearly: Make the link to national strategy explicit in your proposal.

5. Start internal approvals early: Your university’s Notice of Intent (NOI) and internal routing can take time.

How Straight Up Can Help

Let us make research commercialisation human‑friendly. We help with:

• Strategic alignment (TRL mapping, sector fit)

• Industry engagement strategy (partner letters, value creation arguments)

• Budget planning & compliance (in-kind vs cash, cost allocations)

• Application writing polish (clear, concise, compelling—no acronyms without explanation, promise!)

Australia’s Economic Accelerator Round 2 is your chance to bring innovation to life—with serious funding and a clear path forward. Don’t let this opportunity go unrealised. If you’ve got the idea, let’s make it reality.

Complete the form below to book a strategy call with us.