Proof of Concept Funding - Call 2

Current ATM View - PROC-9177489 Proof of Concept Funding - Call 2 2026 Canberra, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth, Brisbane, Darwin, Hobart Proof-of-concept (PoC) activities are a critical step in the development of any innovation. It is at this stage that evidence demonstrating the feasibility of an innovative concept is generated, typically through experimentation or pilot projects. PoC investments are usually time-sensitive, relatively low in capital and set the scene for future development plans, 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. The Grains Proof of Concept Funding program focusses on research activities that provide critical information to give confidence in future research and development investment such as early prototype development and/or validation, in planta proof-of-concept studies in relevant models, controlled environment trials, in-silico modelling, and analysis to support future investment decisions such as use-case analysis, and feasibility studies. It 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. The Grains Proof of Concept Funding program is not intended to support derisking commercial activity. Strategic Alignment GRDC is calling for innovative RD&E proposals in all Focus Areas identified in GRDC’s Research, Development & Extension Plan 2023-28. GRDC welcomes all Focus Area aligned innovative proposals, however, the Focus Areas will be prioritised through evaluation criteria. Activities will support a plan for research and development activities to realise the concept and deliver the benefits to Australian grain growers. Full description detailsed on the GRDC website - Current Opportunities - Proc-9177489 Upload your Tender in the Grains Investment Portal by 5pm Canberra local time on Thursday, 14 October 2026. Applicants must complete the Proposal Application and upload it via the Grains Investment Portal. For sections of the proposal that are duplicated in the GIP, applicants may simply indicate "As per proposal document." 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). 1. The Tenderer and any subcontractor must not be named on the Consolidated List, being the list of persons and entities who are subject to targeted financial sanctions or travel bans under Australian sanction laws, as maintained by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade 2. The Tenderer and any subcontractor must not have a judicial decision against it (not including decisions under appeal) relating to employee entitlements and who have not paid the claim. 3. The Tenderer has read and the application meets the stated Minimum Form and Content Requirements of the Request for Tender. 4. The Tenderer and any proposed subcontractor must be compliant with the Workplace Gender Equality Act 2012, Modern Slavery Act 2018 and any other applicable labour laws and standards in the jurisdiction in which they operate.

5. The Tenderer must be a single legal entity or recognised firm of partners

GRDC will contract under the terms of the GRDC Funding Agreement. The schedule(s) attached to the contract will detail the project details: the outcomes, outputs, milestones, budget, participating personnel and required intellectual property. The GRDC Funding Agreement template containing the proposed Terms and Conditions is provided in the Attachments. GRDC does not intend to enter negotiations with Applicants and will not consider proposals that are not fully compliant with the Funding Agreement. Any resultant contract in relation to this procurement will commence with a proposed term of no more than 18 months. All applications must be submitted electronically through the Grains Investment Portal at: https://access.grdc.com.au/ For information on 'Applying' and how to register refer to the ATM details on the GRDC's website

Published on AusTender, the Australian Government procurement portal.