Sustainability Victoria’s Research & Development Program provides grants of up to $100,000 for Research Institutes and Industry to undertake collaborative research projects to develop new markets for recovered glass fines and flexible plastics, and encourage innovation in this area.

Successful recipients will undertake research and development projects that will lead to an increase in the use of recovered glass fines and/or flexible plastics in new or existing products, or provide an opportunity for innovative processing approaches.

Research findings will be published to share opportunities to incorporate recovered glass fines and/or flexible plastics into product and process design, development, specifications and commercialisation activities across broader manufacturing industries.

The program supports the aims of the Draft Victorian Market Development Strategy for Recovered Resources to stimulate markets for the use of recovered resources, increase job creation, develop quality products for end markets, and increase investment in products made from recovered resources.

Who can apply?

A Research Institute in partnership with Industry. A Research Institute may submit more than one application but each application must be in collaboration with an Industry Partner(s).

What is the funding amount available?

Up to $100,000 (1:1 matched funding) excluding GST is available for Research Institutes in partnership with Industry to undertake a Research and Development (R&D) project, to be contracted by mid June 2016 and completed by 30 May 2017.

How to apply.

An information session will be held at Sustainability Victoria from Tuesday 15 December 2015, 9:00am – 10:30 am at Sustainability Victoria, Level 28/50 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne.

Step1:   Check if your Research Institute is eligible to apply (refer Guideline & Application Form)

Step 2: Check the eligibility of your project (refer Guideline & Application Form)

Step 3: Read and meet the Terms and Conditions of the funding agreement

Step 4: Read and understand the Terms of Participation in Grant Programs

Step 5: Complete the application form

Step 6: Submit your signed application to SV by email

Merit criteria.

The grant program involves a competitive, merit-based application process. Approved research projects must be contracted by mid June 2016 and completed by 30 May 2017.

Eligibility

To be eligible for funding, both the Research Institute and Industry partner must:

• meet the definition of a Research Institute (refer Guideline & Application Form)
• meet the definition of Industry (refer Guideline & Application Form)
• have a partnership with the respective other
• have been in operation in Victoria for at least 3 years
• not have received funding from any other funding body for the application research project
• meet the minimum 1:1 financial contribution (excluding GST)
• not have any Environment Protection Authority (EPA) or Victorian WorkSafe violations in the past five years, or if the applicant has any violations:

o   the violations were not serious

o   the violations have been satisfactorily resolved

o   the applicant has made appropriate efforts, including implementing management systems, to ensure the violation is not repeated and

o   since the violation, the applicant has had a satisfactory level of compliance with environmental and WorkCover Authority legislation

• be based in Victoria with a premises in Victoria
• undertake the research project in Victoria
• if shortlisted as part of the assessment process, attend a pitch at Sustainability Victoria with the Industry Partner(s)
• agree to comply with the Terms and Conditions of Sustainability Victoria’s Funding Agreement

Assessment

Applications will be assessed on their ability to demonstrate:

• the market development problem for the specified priority recovered resource
• a valid methodology to address this market development problem
• how the output of the research will address this market development problem
• the potential for this output to contribute to wider market development outcomes as outlined in section 2 of the guidelines
• how the research output will be delivered within the 12 month timeframe, by 30 May 2017
• the level of commitment of the Industry Partner(s) to participate in the project and utilise the research outputs
• a capable and skills based team to undertake the research

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to pitch their research project to the assessment panel. The pitch will provide the assessment panel the opportunity to clarify any information provided in the application.

Deadline/Closing Date

Closing date for applications is 3:00 pm, Monday 29 February 2016.

Want to get the best possible result out of your Application?

Working with Treadstone means you get the maximum rebate you are entitled to with minimum risk and effort. We provide expert advice and take care of your application, allowing you to continue to focus on your essential business operations. With successful and optimal results, Treadstone are an experienced, outcome focussed team.

To ensure you have the best chance of getting grant funding contact us or call 03 9008 5937.