Proof of Concept Fund

The Proof of Concept Fund is a program providing funding to unlock the potential of Queensland research, and increase the level of commercialisation in the State, by providing assistance to applicants to demonstrate the commercial potential of their innovations (technologies, products or processes).  

For the purposes of this fund, proof of concept is defined as the point at which the potential commercial viability of an innovation can be demonstrated.  A successful proof of concept activity would assist innovators to attract commercial allies including industry collaborators and potential collaborators and investors.

The fund consists of two components: the program-based component funds organisations that can demonstrate they can manage the delivery of a proof of concept program themselves, and the project-based component funds individual proof-of-concept projects on a project-by-project basis.

Proof-of-Concept Fund - Program-based features at a glance

• for universities that can demonstrate or immediately develop capability in managing/delivering an in-house proof-of-concept program at their own cost or through a third party
• applications will be competitively assessed
• funding will be provided annually over a two-year period
• 50% of the funding will be provided at the beginning of the program
• the remaining 50% will be provided on receipt of a progress report at the end of the first year along with evidence of the expenditure of the funding initially provided

The Proof-of-Concept Fund - Program-based is not currently open to applications.

Proof-of-Concept - Project-based features at a glance

• available to industry, research institutes and universities that do not have an in-house proof of concept program
• funding will be assessed on a project by project basis based on the ability to reach a significant commercial development milestone
• individual entities will be funded for a maximum of two projects per annum
• funding is to be matched by a cash contribution of 1:1 with a total Queensland Government contribution of $20,000 to $50,000 per project for eligible expenditures over twelve months
• funding is by way of reimbursement for up to 50 per cent of the cost of eligible activities.

The Proof-of-Concept Fund - Project-based is open for applications all year. Applications for funding must include:

• completed and signed application form
• supporting documentation. 

Application documents - coming soon.

1. POC - Project-based guidelines
2. POC - Project-based application guide
3. POC - Project application form
4. POC - Project-based attachment 1 - activity and expenditure
5. POC - Project-based terms and conditions

For further information and advice relating to research and development funding please contact R&D branch on r&d.advisory@dtrdi.qld.gov.au or +61 7 3227 7211.