CSIRO’s new graphite R&D grants to supercharge SME battery innovation

Purpose:
The Australian national science agency, CSIRO, has launched a research and development (R&D) grant opportunity to accelerate the growth of the domestic battery industry and explore export opportunities, particularly in the United States. The initiative aims to improve the quality, efficiency, and sustainability of graphite for Australia’s growing battery industry.

This R&D grant opportunity is part of the Federal Government’s Batteries Research and Development Program, which supports the Australian Government’s National Battery Strategy, Critical Minerals Strategy, and the Future Made in Australia agenda. The program seeks to bolster domestic research and production, strengthen sovereign capability, contribute to more resilient supply chains, and create new jobs and economic growth in Australia.

The grant opportunity targets successful mining and manufacturing small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs) and offers them up to $50,000 per project to undertake collaborative graphite R&D projects with CSIRO’s experts. The initiative focuses on improving the quality, efficiency, and sustainability of graphite for battery applications, particularly for export markets in the US.

Effects on Industry:
The launch of this R&D grant opportunity is expected to have a positive impact on the Australian industry by:

• Accelerating the growth of the domestic battery industry
• Improving the quality, efficiency, and sustainability of graphite for battery applications
• Creating new opportunities for Australian businesses to develop innovative technologies and processes needed to become global leaders in natural graphite production
• Strengthening Australia’s sovereign capability and contributing to more resilient supply chains

The grant opportunity also aims to address global supply chain disruptions by diversifying the sources of critical minerals, such as graphite. By supporting Australian businesses in developing cutting-edge research and development projects, CSIRO seeks to position them as key suppliers to the US and other global markets.

Relevant Stakeholders:
The R&D grant opportunity affects various stakeholders, including:

• Successful mining and manufacturing small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs)
• Australian businesses operating in the battery industry
• Exporters looking to tap into the US market for graphite and other critical minerals
• The Federal Government’s Batteries Research and Development Program
• CSIRO experts who will collaborate with SMEs on R&D projects

Next Steps:
To take advantage of this opportunity, eligible SMEs must propose a project that aligns with the program’s objectives, including pursuing opportunities in the United States. They can access up to $50,000 per project and gain access to CSIRO’s cutting-edge research facilities and expertise.

Applications are now open, and companies can learn more about the program by attending a free webinar on Thursday, 13 February 2025. The webinar will provide detailed information on how to apply for the grant opportunity and what to expect from the collaboration with CSIRO experts.

Any Other Relevant Information:
The graphite R&D grant opportunity is part of the Federal Government’s broader efforts to support the Australian industry in developing cutting-edge research and development projects. By investing in this initiative, the government aims to position Australia as a key player in the global battery industry and contribute to more resilient supply chains.

CSIRO Principal Research Scientist, Dr Adam Best, emphasizes that graphite is a critical mineral for batteries powering everything from phones to electric vehicles and homes. The agency’s expertise in R&D will help Australian businesses develop innovative technologies and processes needed to become global leaders in natural graphite production.

The $400,000 initiative aims to support the growth of Australia’s battery industry by improving the quality, efficiency, and sustainability of graphite for battery applications. By addressing global supply chain disruptions and diversifying the sources of critical minerals, this grant opportunity can help create new jobs and economic growth opportunities in Australia.