Proof of Concept Funding

Proof of Concept Funding

Reference number: PROC-9177259
Release date:
Wednesday 16 April 2025
Closing time:
Wednesday 28 May 2025, at 05:00 PM (Australian Eastern Standard Time)
Enquiry deadline:
Thursday 15 May 2025, at 05:00 PM (Australian Eastern Standard Time)

Summary

The GRDC Proof of Concept Funding program focusses on research activities that provide critical information to give confidence in the potential concept or innovation and facilitates the scoping of future research and development.

Proof of concept activities are a critical step in the development of any innovation. It is at this stage that the feasibility of an innovative concept is tested through experimentation or pilot projects. Proof of concept projects are usually time-sensitive, relatively low in capital and set the scene for future research and development, typically involving a significant increase in the financial resources as well as technical sophistication required to take the innovation all the way to adoption and impact.

Example eligible activities may include:

  • in planta proof of concept studies in relevant models;
  • controlled environment trials,
  • in-silico modelling;
  • pest management methods/technology in situ; and
  • feasibility studies.

The Proof of Concept Funding will also seek to support cross industry/discipline technology translation activities to encourage the application of existing research and development from adjacent industries, within the grains industry.

Strategic Alignment

GRDC welcomes proposals in all Focus Areas identified in GRDC’s Research, Development & Extension Plan 2023-28. The alignment with GRDC’s strategy will be considered as part of the evaluation criteria.

Activities must be supported by a plan for research and development activities to realise the concept and deliver the benefits to Australian grain growers.

Offer period

Offers will remain open for acceptance by the GRDC for a period of 6 months after the Closing Time.

Document contact and enquiries

Attention: Jenny Trang, Contract Administrator – Enabling Technologies
Grains Research and Development Corporation
Email: ETcontract.administrator@grdc.com.au

Make all requests for further information or clarification in relation to this procurement in writing (email) prior to Wednesday 15 May 2025.

GRDC will publish all requests and responses to requests on the GRDC website under Questions and Answers at the bottom of this webpage.

Consortia response

GRDC will accept Tenders from Consortia.

Lodgement of Tender

Submit your Tender response electronically through the Grains Investment Portal.

Applicants must submit their proposal to the Grains Investment Portal on the Proposal Application Template  provided (max 6 pages) in the Attachments below.

For the avoidance of doubt, any references to Request for Tender (RFT) Terms and Conditions on the GRDC Website and the Grains Investment Portal should be taken as the Terms and Conditions for this Request for Proposal (RFP).

AusTender

Visit the AusTender page


Description

Outcome

Outputs

Proposed Budget

Proposed Contract & Term

Conditions for Participation

Minimum Form and Content Requirements

Evaluation Criteria

Lodging a Tender

Attachments

Questions and Answers