Program & Eligibility Guidelines May 2025 Copyright notice (c) Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation 2025. To the extent permitted by law, all rights are reserved and no part of this publication covered by copyright may be reproduced or copied in any form or by any means except with the written permission of CSIRO. Important disclaimer CSIRO advises that the information contained in this publication comprises general statements based on scientific research. The reader is advised and needs to be aware that such information may be incomplete or unable to be used in any specific situation. No reliance or actions must therefore be made on that information without seeking prior expert professional, scientific and technical advice. To the extent permitted by law, CSIRO (including its employees and consultants) excludes all liability to any person for any consequences, including but not limited to all losses, damages, costs, expenses and any other compensation, arising directly or indirectly from using this publication (in part or in whole) and any information or material contained in it. CSIRO is committed to providing web accessible content wherever possible. If you are having difficulties with accessing this document, visit www.csiro.au/contact. Privacy Statement Please review our Privacy Statement. 1 Introduction The Regional University Industry Collaboration (RUIC) program is designed to strengthen collaboration between Queensland's SMEs and regional universities, fostering partnerships that drive economic growth, innovation, and community development. These guidelines provide important information about the RUIC program. Please review them before submitting your Expression of Interest (EOI) form. 2 About the RUIC Program 2.1 Context The RUIC program is an initiative of the Queensland government to support regional universities and help accelerate the commercialisation of the state's research and development (R&D). The program is funded by the Queensland Government and delivered by CSIRO and connects four regional universities with Queensland SMEs to drive innovation and economic growth through research collaboration. The RUIC program aims to: * Upskill researchers and create research capabilities to foster innovation * Accelerate regional growth through facilitated SME-research collaboration The four regional partner universities are: * James Cook University * University of Southern Queensland * Central Queensland University * University of the Sunshine Coast 2.2 RUIC Facilitation and Project co-funding To support SMEs to engage with the partner universities, the RUIC program offers: 2.2.1 Dedicated Regional Research Facilitators The RUIC program has a team of regional research facilitators to engage and support regional universities and SMEs across Queensland. The facilitators provide a single, responsive point of contact and end-to-end support in all aspects of the RUIC program. The facilitators assist with: * Building close relationships with the partner universities and providing a single point of contact for accessing and understanding the program and its benefits * Providing end-to-end support with project scoping, application preparation, and regular check-ins. RUIC Program & Eligibility Guidelines | 1 2.2.2 Dollar-matched Funding Vouchers Dollar-matched funding is available to support approved collaborative RUIC research projects between SMEs and partner universities. Key points: * Eligibility-based (see section 3) * Apply any time * Dollar-matched in cash between $10,000-$50,000 * Businesses can apply for up to two RUIC vouchers to engage with the same or alternate partner universities consecutively * End-to-end support with project scoping, application preparation, and regular project check-ins 3 Eligibility 3.1 Business Eligibility Businesses that meet the following eligibility criteria can apply to the RUIC program to support a collaborative project with one of the four regional universities: * Have an active ABN (Australian Business Number) plus either an ACN (Australian Company Number) or ICN (Indigenous Corporation Number) * Be registered for GST * Have been operating for at least 12 months * Have operations in Queensland * Have less than $20 million in turnover/expenditure in the last full financial year * Be able to match grant funding on a 1:1 basis. For example, if the RUIC grant provides funding of $50,000 for a project, the business must also provide $50,000. This must be a cash contribution and cannot be in-kind * Indigenous Corporations can apply on behalf of First Nations businesses that are not yet incorporated 3.2 Project Eligibility Eligible research projects must be delivered by one of the regional partner universities and should be within the following industry sectors: * Agriculture & Food * Digital Tech and Artificial Intelligence * Environmental Sciences * Health and Biomedical Sciences * Indigenous Science * Manufacturing * Mining and METS * Renewables & Low Emissions Technologies * Space and Defence * Transport Projects should be less than 12 months in duration and involve at least one of: * Exploration of a new R&D idea with commercial potential * Development of a novel or improved product or process * Customisation or prototyping of a university technology for collaborative commercialisation * Testing of a novel product developed by the company, to inform R&D activities * Researcher placement in SMEs for the direct application of academic expertise to real- industry challenges, fostering innovation and driving business growth * New research activity which complements or extends the scope of an existing research project (as long as the new activity is not otherwise funded under the existing project) 3.3 Eligible Project Costs The RUIC vouchers can be used to cover the following expenses costed by the partner universities: * Salary and on-costs of researcher(s) * Facilities and equipment hire * Operating costs * Travel and accommodation (if required) * Consumables* * Project-critical external facilities access/services/contractors* *No more than 10% of the total project budget can be applied to these items combined The project budget, payment schedule, Intellectual Property arrangements and scope of work will be negotiated between the company and the partner university, with the support of a RUIC facilitator. 4 Application Process The RUIC program has an on-going application process for RUIC-supported projects. Please read the RUIC FAQs before applying. If you are not sure if ready to apply, please contact the RUIC facilitators through the RUIC inbox. Businesses can submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) all year round via the RUIC website. (Appendix 2 contains instructions on how to submit an EOI). RUIC facilitators can support the business through all parts: Part 1 (SME to complete): Expression of Interest (EOI) Online EOI to gather business details, confirm eligibility, outline of proposed R&D project, and general information. Part 2 (Facilitator to complete): Research Brief After meeting with the business to clarify project aims, scope, and eligibility, the Facilitator will provide the company with a short Research Brief. This will be used by the Facilitator to identify possible the researcher(s) at partner universities. Businesses already connected with the partner universities can skip this section (facilitation will still be available). Part 3 (Researcher to complete): Project Proposal The Project Proposal briefly summarises the proposed research project, key personnel and budget. The Proposal and budget will be reviewed by the Facilitator and approved by the company. A RUIC facilitator will review all completed forms and documents prior to presenting the full application to the Voucher Review Team for consideration. The detailed RUIC Voucher application process is at Appendix 1. 5 Application Assessment Applications will be assessed by the RUIC Voucher Review Team against the eligibility guidelines. Approval of any application is at the discretion of CSIRO and is subject to the application falling within the intent of the program and the availability of RUIC program funds. RUIC vouchers and projects are conditional upon the business and the partner university entering into a binding agreement. Agreements must be signed within 60 days of funding approval, or the funding offer may be withdrawn. All applicants will be notified of the outcome of the assessment process. 6 Reporting Requirements All RUIC projects require mid- and end-of-project reporting from the business and researcher. Through involvement in the RUIC program, successful applicant companies agree that their name and logo, as well as the project title, an approved project public statement, and voucher amount awarded, may be used publicly, with information on voucher recipients and projects published on the RUIC website and/or by the Queensland Government. 7 Acknowledgement and Publicity SMEs and partner universities must acknowledge Queensland Government funding when promoting the project and allow for the proponents to be contacted for case studies and media stories by the RUIC team and Queensland Government. SMEs and partner might also be contacted by third parties (engaged by Queensland Government) for the purposes of program review/evaluation. 8 Other things you should know 8.1 Guideline Updates These guidelines may be changed from time to time. The updated version will be available on the RUIC website. 8.2 Enquiries and Feedback All feedback, any complaints, or questions about the RUIC program must be provided in writing to RUIC@csiro.au Appendix 1 RUIC Voucher Application Process Expression of Interest (EOI) Businesses submit an Expression of Interest, including eligibility criteria check. ? EOI Assessment EOIs assessed against the eligibility criteria and a facilitator will endeavour to contact you within 10 business days on the next steps. ? Facilitation Your allocated facilitator contacts you to set up a time to discuss your EOI. Facilitator will locate suitable researcher(s) from the Partner Universities to help with your proposed project. ? Researcher Meetings Facilitator sets up meeting/s with the researcher(s) to further discuss, refine, and cost your research project, including IP discussions. ? Research Proposal Once a project is scoped and budget approved, the researcher and facilitator will complete the application for a RUIC voucher. Facilitator will send business the final RUIC voucher application for approval. ? Review Facilitator presents application to RUIC's Voucher Review Team for consideration. The decision is based on RUIC eligibility criteria and alignment with the RUIC objectives and industry sectors. ? Outcome We advise you of the outcome of your voucher application shortly after the decision. ? Contracting If approved, business signs contract with the partner university and the project starts. Appendix 2 Instructions to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) in the RUIC platform 1. Access the RUIC platform using the link: https://ruicprogram.grantplatform.com/ 2. Type your email into the Log in or register box and click on 'Continue' 3. Type the 6-digit Security Code sent to your email and click on 'Continue' 4. Type your personal information in the Register box and click on 'Complete registration' 5. Read the Instructions and click on 'Start application' 6. Type your Company name and click on 'Save+next' 7. Answer the following questions in the Expression of Interest (EOI) tab 8. Click on 'Submit application' As Australia's national science agency, CSIRO is solving the greatest challenges through innovative science and technology. CSIRO. Creating a better future for everyone. Contact us 1300 363 400 +61 3 9545 2176 csiro.au/contact csiro.au The Regional University Industry Collaboration Program is delivered by CSIRO on behalf of the Queensland Government. Program stakeholders include regional universities, industry and SMEs. For further information RUIC Program Team ruic@csiro.au