No future rounds of AEA will be funded.
AEA Ignite is supporting early-stage research commercialisation by funding university-led projects to progress promising ideas from research into real-world application.
Through competitive grants of up to $500,000 over 12 months, Ignite is enabling researchers to undertake basic research, laboratory testing and proof-of-concept activities in industry-relevant environments.
What Ignite is funding
Ignite focused on projects at the early commercialisation stage, specifically:
- Projects at Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) 3–5
- Projects demonstrating proof-of-concept or proof-of-scale
- Research with a clear pathway to commercialisation
Funding allows researchers to:
- Advance laboratory research toward applied outcomes
- Test concepts in conditions aligned with real-world industry environments
- Validate feasibility, viability and scalability
- Strengthen industry partnerships and engagement
Program outcomes
Across two funding rounds, Ignite is delivering substantial national impact:
Round 1
- More than $59 million awarded
- 28 universities funded
- 154 research commercialisation projects supported*
Round 2
• More than $72 million awarded
• 27 universities funded
• 173 research commercialisation projects supported*
*Figures adjusted to reflect project withdrawals prior to commencement.
These projects span critical technologies and contribute to Australia’s innovation and economic priorities.
The list of successful AEA and other research commercialisation projects can be found on the Funded Projects page.