Key information
- Status: Closed
- Grant amount: From $200,000 to $3,000,000
- Application opened: 22 July 2025
- Application closed: 16 September 2025, 1:00 pm
Program objective
The objectives of the RPG program are to:
- support a pipeline of products that could be manufactured at the NSW RNA Research and Manufacturing Facility
- progress the development and manufacture of innovative RNA therapeutics, vaccines and related technologies – including applications in health, biosecurity and agriculture – towards commercialisation in NSW
- improve commercialisation opportunities for NSW-based start-ups and businesses through targeted support for translation and scale-up
- contribute to a globally competitive RNA ecosystem that delivers long-term economic, scientific, and social/environmental benefits for NSW, including enhanced workforce capability and sovereign manufacturing capacity.
The intended outcomes of the RPG are to:
- support the advancement of RNA-related research, development and commercialisation
- enable funded projects to progress along the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) scale, moving closer to clinical and market readiness
- help grant recipients attract additional investment and expand their workforce, contributing to economic growth in NSW
- support the manufacturing and commercialisation of RNA therapeutics, vaccines and related technologies within NSW
- foster the development of a mature, sustainable RNA industry, positioning NSW as a key player in regional and global supply chains.
This program is administered by Office of the Chief Scientist and Engineer.
Eligibility
Who can apply
To be eligible for the RPG applicants must:
- have an Australian Business Number (ABN)
- be registered for the purposes of GST
- be headquartered in NSW
- be one of the following: a company incorporated under the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) (including a company limited by guarantee); an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Corporation registered under the Corporations (Aboriginal and /or Torres Strait Islander) Act 2006 (Cth); an individual or partnership who agrees to form a company under the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) so that the Department can enter into a legally binding funding agreement; or, a NSW public research organisation or medical research institute applying through its appropriate technology transfer office or the Chief Executive Officer (or equivalent) of the research organisation that will become a separate entity before entering into a legally binding funding agreement with the Department
- hold the IP or have the rights to commercialise the technology/innovation in Australia and major international markets (e.g. the United States and Europe).
Joint applications between a business entity and research-based organisations (including universities) are encouraged. However, the business entity must lead the project, be eligible to apply and submit the grant application. The lead application (the business) must outline clearly in their application who the project partners are and how each partner will contribute to achieving the objectives of the project proposal. If a joint application is successful, the funding agreement will be between the lead applicant and the NSW Government.
Who the grant is targeted towards
The target audience of the projects which the RNA Pipeline Grants program seeks to fund includes NSW-based start-ups and businesses that involved in the development and commercialisation of innovative RNA technologies. This encompasses RNA therapeutics, vaccines, and related technologies such as RNA delivery systems, with applications across health, biosecurity, and agriculture.
Types of projects funded under this grant
For a grant activity to be eligible it must:
- be completed within two years, unless there are exceptional circumstances. Projects will require clear and achievable milestones (e.g. moving from TRL 4 to TRL 5, developing and testing components within a TRL) to support appropriate staging and monitoring
- progress an innovation along the commercialisation pathway
- have an existing proof-of-concept (demonstrated in vitro)
- be TRL 3-6 on the TRL Scale at the time of applying for the RPG
- demonstrate why sufficient funding for the entire project cannot be accessed from alternative sources and that the project would not proceed at the proposed scale in NSW without government support
- have majority of project activities based in NSW. If project partners or locations are outside NSW, the application must explain why (e.g. to access specific capabilities, expertise or technologies not available within NSW)
- be a product that could be produced at the RNA Research and Manufacturing Facility.
Outcomes for projects funded under this grant
The intended outcomes of the RNA Pipeline Grants Program are to:
- support the advancement of RNA-related research, development and commercialisation
- enable funded projects to progress along the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) scale, moving closer to clinical and market readiness
- help grant recipients attract additional investment and expand their workforce, contributing to economic growth in NSW
- support the manufacturing and commercialisation of RNA therapeutics, vaccines and related technologies within NSW
- foster the development of a mature, sustainable RNA industry, positioning NSW as a key player in regional and global supply chains.
What costs you can apply for
Eligible RPG costs include:
- preclinical and validation studies, including proof-of-concept, safety, efficacy and stability assessments
- development and optimisation of RNA constructs, delivery systems, or manufacturing or formulation processes
- production of prototype or pilot batches and preparation for GMP manufacturing
- application of enabling technologies to improve product performance, manufacturability or cost-efficiency
- activities supporting regulatory readiness, such as pathway planning, certification or approvals
- commercialisation planning, including reimbursement strategy, market testing and feasibility studies
- engagement preparation with potential manufacturing partners
- development and protection of IP, including patent filings or advice
- access to specialist equipment, infrastructure or external expertise essential to project delivery
- salaries and project consumables directly related to the delivery of project outcomes.
Who can’t apply
You are not eligible if you are a(n):
- individuals
- Commonwealth, state, territory or local government agency
- State Owned Corporation or statutory authority
- Australian subsidiary of international companies
- a business that is insolvent
- individual, unincorporated association, public research organisation, medical research institute or partnership that will not form a company under the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth).
Note this is not an exhaustive list and the Department, at its sole discretion, may deem an applicant ineligible for the RPG on the basis of publicly available or confidential information about an applicant, such as any personnel or business activities that could cause reputational damage or other unacceptable risk to the NSW Government.
What costs you can't apply for
Examples of ineligible RPG costs include:
- the purchase of land or property
- costs incurred in the preparation of a grant application or related documentation
- project costs incurred prior to an offer of funding made to successful applications (no retrospective funding will be awarded)
- project costs that are already the subject of another government grant, subsidy or financial assistance
- general business costs including sales, marketing, rent and travel
- solutions designed to improve internal business processes
- activities that will not be delivered prior to the end of the grant funding period.
Note this is not an exhaustive list.
Types of projects not funded under this grant
Examples of ineligible projects include activities:
- that are deemed at the very early stages of project development—where only basic ideas have been explored (Technology Readiness Level 1–2)—or at the very end, when the technology is almost ready for full use (TRL 7 and above)
- where the basic performance of the innovation hasn’t yet been demonstrated in a laboratory setting or equivalent testing
- be a product that can’t be produced at the RNA Research and Manufacturing Facility, such as small interfering RNA (siRNA), self-amplifying RNA (saRNA) and long non-coding (lncRNA)
- projects that do not include a clear pathway to manufacturing in Australia, or that are solely focused on enabling or digital technologies (e.g. platforms, software, data tools) without a direct link to the development of a manufacturable RNA-based product.
Note this is not an exhaustive list.
Example projects
- RNA vaccines – for infectious diseases including influenza, COVID-19 and other emerging health threats
- RNA therapeutics – including mRNA-based treatments for cancers, genetic disorders and autoimmune conditions
- plasmid DNA and gene therapy components – used as templates or vectors in cell and gene therapies
- veterinary and agricultural RNA products – such as RNA-based vaccines or therapeutics for livestock, companion animal diseases and biosecurity
- RNA delivery systems – including lipid nanoparticle (LNP) formulations to support targeted delivery and stability
What your application needs to include
Prepare your application with this checklist
- You must attach supporting documentation to the application form in line with instructions provided within the online form.
- You should only attach requested documents.
- We will not consider information in attachments we do not request.
Address the eligibility criteria
Each applicant, as part of an application response, must confirm that they meet the eligibility criteria.
Applicants that do not address the eligibility criteria in full may be excluded from the application process at the department's discretion.
Address the assessment criteria
Your application must address all the criteria set out below. We will assess your eligible application based on the weighting given to each criterion and whether it provides value for money.
Criterion 1: Strategic Alignment and Impact (30%)
- Alignment of the proposed project with the objectives of the RPG
- Contribution to the development of RNA-based therapeutics, vaccines or related technologies for application in health, biosecurity or agriculture
- Potential for the product to advance to manufacturing at the NSW RNA Research and Manufacturing Facility
- Expected economic, scientific or social/environmental benefit to NSW, including job creation, sovereign capability or enhanced innovation capacity
- Innovation and uniqueness of the proposed solution, and the demonstrated need for the it in addressing specific challenges
Criterion 2: Commercial Potential (25%)
- Strength of the commercialisation strategy, including pathway to market, IP position and plans for regulatory engagement
- Evidence of market need, competitive advantage and scalability of the proposed solution
- Potential to attract future investment, partnerships or commercial interest
Criterion 3: Technical Merit and Feasibility (25%)
- Scientific and technical quality of the proposed project
- Clear and achievable project plan with defined milestones, timelines and deliverables
- Access to necessary expertise, facilities/infrastructure and resources to deliver the project
Criterion 4: Capability and Track Record (10%)
- Experience and qualifications of the project team
- Demonstrated ability to deliver similar R&D or commercialisation activities
- Strength of any collaborations or partnerships (e.g. between research organisations and industry)
Criterion 5: Budget and Value for Money (10%)
- Appropriateness and justification of the proposed budget
- Any access to investment or funding sources to support project delivery and further commercialisation, such as co-investment from the applicant or partners
- Demonstrated need for public funding from the NSW Government, for example evidence that the project cannot be fully funded through alternative sources and would not proceed at the proposed scale in NSW without this funding
Start the application
How to apply
Before applying, you must read and understand the RNA Pipeline Grants (RPG) Program Guidelines.
These documents may be downloaded from: https://www.chiefscientist.nsw.gov.au/rna-pipeline-grants. Any alterations and addenda will also be published on this page.
To apply you must:
- complete the application form which can be found at https://www.chiefscientist.nsw.gov.au/rna-pipeline-grants
- answer all the questions in the application form
- include all necessary attachments
- submit your application by 1pm AEDT 16 September 2025.
You are responsible for ensuring your application is complete and accurate. Giving false or misleading information is an offence under the Crimes Act 1900 No 40 (NSW). We will investigate any false or misleading information and may reject your application.
Applicants must not lobby the NSW Government on an issue related or seen to be related to the RPG that may be perceived to give an unfair advantage to the applicant. Applicants are required to comply with all applicable laws including the NSW Lobbyists Code of Conduct.
If you find an error in your application after submitting it, you should contact us immediately at grants@chiefscientist.nsw.gov.au. If we find an error or information that is missing, we may ask for clarification or additional information from you that will not change the nature of your application. Corrections to errors in applications will not be accepted except where the Department is satisfied there are exceptional circumstances that justify the correction and that the integrity, fairness and competitiveness of the RPG would not be compromised.
You should keep a copy of your application and any supporting documents. The SmartyGrants system will send you a confirmation that your application has been submitted
Your responsibilities when applying for the grant
The RPG Program Guidelines contain information about the RPG, whether you are eligible to apply, and how you can make an application.
You must read these Guidelines before applying for the grant.
This document sets out:
- the objectives of the RPG
- selection criteria and assessment process
- key dates
- grant value
- administering agency
- the final decision maker.
The Guidelines may be updated by the Office of the Chief Scientist and Engineer (OCSE) at any time. If this occurs, the revised Guidelines or any addenda will be published on https://www.chiefscientist.nsw.gov.au/rna-pipeline-grants.
For the application, applicants need to:
- submit the online application form via the SmartyGrants system, ensuring all questions are answered, and requested attachments are uploaded
- clearly identify in their application (including attachments) any information that the applicant requests be treated as confidential
- authorise their application. The application must be authorised by at least one of the core participants (i.e. by the head of the organisation or their authorised delegate). If applying as a consortium, the lead applicant must authorise the application.
Applications will only be accepted via the official NSW Government Online Grants Management System, SmartyGrants. Applications will not be accepted via other channels.
Note: If you are a new applicant to SmartyGrants, you will need to register and create a password. If you are already registered, you can log in with your existing username and password.
Apply now
After the application is submitted
Successful applications will be decided by: Secretary, Premier's Department
Assessment of grant applications
The RNA Pipeline Grants (RPG) Program assessment process is outlined below.
Initial eligibility assessment of applications by the Office of the Chief Scientist and Engineer (OCSE): Ineligible applications are culled from the assessment process.
Assessment of eligible applications by the Expert Panel: Eligible applications are reviewed and recommendations for funding allocations are agreed. The Expert Panel may undertake interviews if necessary.
Approval by Secretary, Premier's Department: The Premier’s Department Secretary makes the final decision on allocations of funds based on the recommendations of the Expert Panel.
Once the application stage has closed, the OCSE will review applications for eligibility and provide a report to an independent Expert Panel on the eligible and ineligible applications.
The Expert Panel will undertake an initial assessment of eligible applications against the assessment criteria and shortlist the highest ranked applicant(s).
As part of the assessment process, shortlisted applicants may be invited to an interview. The interview will focus on clarifying key aspects of the application, including:
- the technical feasibility of the project
- its commercial potential
- alignment with the capabilities of the RNA Research and Manufacturing Facility
- contribution to the broader NSW RNA ecosystem.
Applicants may also be asked to provide further information on:
- budget and use of funds
- project milestones
- team capability
- governance arrangements
- strategies for managing risk
- intellectual property
- regulatory or clinical considerations.
The interview provides an opportunity for the Expert Panel to confirm the project’s strategic fit and ensure the responsible investment of public funds.
Key dates
You must apply between the published opening and closing dates listed below.
- Applications open - 1:00 pm AEST 21 July 2025
- Applications close - 1:00 pm AEDT 16 September 2025
- Interviews of shortlisted applications (if required) - November 2025
- Notification of outcomes - November - December 2025
- Announcement - December 2025/January 2026
Applications in progress must be completed and submitted before the closing date. We encourage applicants to allow ample time for any technical or connectivity issues to be resolved before the deadlines. The NSW Government, at its absolute discretion, may extend the application closing date.
Support and contact
grants@chiefscientist.nsw.gov.au
