Launched by the Victorian Government in 2021, the mRNA Victoria Research Acceleration Fund is designed to support and accelerate RNA-based therapeutics research to real-world impact.

What are the key dates for the program?

6 September – 1 November 2024. The application period is 8 weeks. Application portal will close at 1pm AEST.

How much funding is available?

mRNA Victoria Research Acceleration Fund offers a total of $1.7 million in funding.

Up to $500,000 (excluding GST) of funding is available for each project.

Is matching funding dollar for dollar?

Yes, matching funding is dollar ($) for dollar ($). Financial contributions must be directly related to the costs of delivering an applicant’s project, but no other criteria apply.

Are in-kind contributions allowed?

Yes, in-kind contributions are allowed. They must directly relate to the costs of delivering an Applicant’s project and be included in the list under Section 4.2 of the guidelines (Eligible Project Expenditure)

Are co-contributions sourced from other grant funding allowed?

Co-contributions sourced from grant funding received from other state or Commonwealth Government funding in relation to an Applicant’s project is allowed.

Co-contributions from the Applicant and collaborative partner/s cannot be sourced from other Victorian State Government funding/ programs.

How many applications can each organisation submit?

Organisations are invited to apply for funding for up to four research projects that are independent to each other, per program (Victorian Medical Research Acceleration Fund and mRNA Victoria Research Acceleration Fund). Universities are invited to apply for up to four research projects per faculty.

Can the same project be submitted to the Victorian Medical Research Acceleration Fund and the mRNA Victoria Research Acceleration Fund?

No, projects can only be submitted to one of the funding streams. For example, applicants that have submitted a project to the mRNA Victoria Research Acceleration Fund will not be eligible to submit the same project to the Victorian Medical Research Acceleration Fund.

Does all of the research need to be conducted in Victoria?

No, however applicants must demonstrate that research activities will predominantly be led by and conducted in Victoria.

Is collaboration mandatory?

Yes. To apply for this grant program, collaboration with at least one other organisation is required. Applicants must state their preferred collaborating partner and must attach relevant proof of collaboration to their application.

Can there be more than two collaborating partners?

Yes. You can add the details of any additional project partners as an optional attachment to the application form.

Can international partners be involved in the project?

Yes, project partners can be international companies or researchers, as long as the project research activities will be predominantly led by and conducted in Victoria.

Can international or interstate companies or researchers apply as the lead applicant?

Yes, as long as the lead applicant meets the eligibility criteria and the research activities will be predominantly led by and conducted in Victoria.

Does my international partner have to be from a priority partner jurisdiction?

No, there is no requirement to have your project partner be from one of the listed priority partner jurisdictions. Applicants with project partners from other jurisdictions or based in Australia are still eligible to apply.

Are there exemptions for the requirement to provide evidence of financial records for a due diligence check?

The following are exempted from providing evidence of financial records:

• Publicly funded universities
• Educational institutions
• Entities applying for a grant of up to and including $50,000.

Does the Chief Investigator need to be a woman to apply for this program?

No, this is not an eligibility criterion. However, if the Chief Investigator does identify as a woman, the application will be awarded a 2.5 per cent assessment weighting. Full details of this provision can be found in the Program Guidelines available on the website.

Does the research team need to consist of 50 per cent women?

No, this is not an eligibility criterion. However, if the applicant attests that the project team consists of at least 50 per cent women, the application will be awarded a 2.5 per cent assessment weighting. Full details of this provision can be found in the Program Guidelines available on the website.

What if my project team isn’t yet decided? Can I still attest that it will consist of at least 50 per cent women when the project commences?

Yes, as long as you attest that at the time of project commencement the project team will consist of at least 50 per cent women you will be eligible for the 2.5 per cent weighting. Full details of this provision can be found in the Program Guidelines available on the website.

Is there a timeframe within which the project needs to be completed?

Activities funded by the grant must commence following the execution of the grant agreement and be completed within two years of commencement.

When will I learn the outcome of my application?

See the indicative timeline in the table below.

Can I dispute the outcome of my application?

No. The decision from the Minister for Economic Growth will be final.

Who will own the Intellectual Property Rights of the project?

The Applicant Organisation will own all Research Project Intellectual Property.

What are the conditions of the grant?

As a condition of funding, successful applicants will be required to deliver regular project reports throughout the lifecycle of the grant agreement. Further conditions will be detailed in the funding agreement.

What if I need further assistance?

More information can be found in the Program Guidelines available on the website.

If you require further assistance, please contact us via email (addresses below) or call Business Victoria on 13 22 15.

For email inquiries relating to the mRNA Victoria Research Acceleration Fund, contact mrnavictoria@ecodev.vic.gov.au