NSW-Israel Research & Development and Technological Innovation Program

The NSW-Israel Research and Development (R&D) and Technological Innovation Program will provide one-off matched financial grants of up to $250,000 to assist NSW entities cooperate with an Israel entity on joint research and development projects. The projects should advance market-driven, new and innovative products for the global market and have the potential to contribute to economic growth, skills development and job creation.

Applications are invited from all industry sectors and business entities.

Applications for round 2 of this program has recently closed, but stay tuned for news as to when it opens again.

Funding available

The NSW Department of Industry will contribute up to 50% of total NSW project costs up to a maximum of $250,000. The remaining project costs must be covered by the NSW applicant or a third party.

All industry fields are invited to apply, but NSW Department of Industry will contribute an additional 10% of total NSW R&D project costs to a maximum of $250,000 per project for the following priority areas:

• projects based in regional and rural areas of NSW
• businesses considered to be a startup or high growth
• projects in the priority areas of cyber security, water management and agri-technology.

Eligibility criteria

At least one commercial entity from NSW and one commercial entity from Israel must jointly express a desire to cooperate in the R&D of a new and technologically innovative product, service or process. NSW and Israel applicants must be separate legal entities, with no financial or other ties outside of what has been proposed for this funding process.

The NSW applicant is required to provide a matching co-contribution to the R&D project. This may be sourced from third parties, including the Australian Government. NSW-based academic and research institutions are also able to apply on condition that they have an agreement to partner with a NSW commercial entity.

At least one NSW entity must have an Australian Business Number (ABN) registered in NSW. In addition, that NSW entity must:

• have a registered office and principal place of business in NSW
• be operating as a for-profit organisation.

Applicants must also:

• not source their contribution funding from any other NSW Government program
• not currently be involved in any litigation or impending litigation
• be solvent.

For more information download the NSW-Israel R&D and Technological Innovation Program fact sheet

Find a project partner

If you’re interested in the program but don’t have an Israel partner complete the online partner search form. Your information will be passed onto the Israel Innovation Authority’s partner matching service.

How to apply

Complete the Bilateral Cooperation online application form.

Application process

The application process involves a two-stage competitive application:

1. Eligibility assessment—bilateral application forms will be assessed by NSW Department of Industry and the Israel Innovation Authority against eligibility criteria. Applicants will be informed if they meet eligibility requirements and can move to stage two.
2. Full assessment—separate application forms will be assessed by a panel of NSW and Israel industry representatives against weighted assessment criteria. Both applicants will be assessed against similar criteria.

Reporting requirements

In NSW, successful applicants must agree to enter into a legally binding grant agreement with the NSW Department of Industry that reflects the project budget template. Funding for successful projects will be provided in accordance with the terms of the agreement between NSW Department of Industry and the successful applicant. Advance payment may be provided. Remaining expenses will be provided upon achievement of performance-based milestones. A final report must be provided before the NSW entity receives final payment. The NSW Department of Industry may choose to withhold payments if milestones have not been met.

Project duration

The projects should commence within three months of execution of the grant agreement and R&D activities completed within three years. NSW Department of Industry holds the right to withdraw funding if projects are not commenced or completed within the specified timeframes.