Commercialisation Australia has a broad mandate that goes beyond providing grant support to commercialisation projects. Our
role includes investigating new commercialisation policy approaches and their applicability to the Australian innovation system.
The intent behind pilot programs is to assess the practicality and effectiveness of new, alternative methods of support for commercialisation that will contribute to building the capacity of, and opportunities for, Australia’s researchers, entrepreneurs and innovative firms to convert ideas into successful commercial ventures.
This flexibility allows the program to remain relevant and responsive to changes in the innovation landscape, and assists in fully achieving its policy objective.
Commercialisation Australia has the capacity to fund pilot programs of up to 12 months duration. Up to $2 million per year will be available to run one large, or a number of smaller pilot projects to test new approaches. Applications for pilot program proposals may be made by individuals, corporations, industry bodies or government.
If a pilot program is successful it could, subject to appropriate Government approval, become a permanent stream of assistance under Commercialisation Australia.
Further information is available in the Commercialisation Australia Pilot Program Guidelines.
Download a PDF version of the 
Commercialisation Australia Pilot Program Guidelines [227 KB]
Download an RTF version of the 
Commercialisation Australia Pilot Program Guidelines [41 MB]
How to make an application
If you wish to submit a proposal for a pilot program,
you should first read the
Pilot Program Guidelines, and then direct initial enquiries by email to
CEOofCA@innovation.gov.au.
Commercialisation Australia will contact you to discuss your proposal's eligibility. If your project is identified as being suitable to progress to the next stage you will be provided with a copy of the Pilot Program Application Form. The links below provide a non-fillable sample of the Pilot Program Application form, allowing intending applicants to see the type of information and level of detail required.