Call for Applications
S3B invites applications for the IP & Grant Support Round of the Semiconductor Innovation Fund, supporting early-stage companies and projects to strengthen their funding applications and commercial positioning through professional services.
This initiative provides subsidies for grant writing, IP advisory, and other business-enabling services to help Australian semiconductor companies secure funding, clarify their IP strategy, and focus on innovation.
Grants of up to $15,000 are available, with funding scaled based on the potential impact and scope of each project.
If your company is seeking support to prepare a competitive funding submission or refine your intellectual property approach, we encourage you to apply by 5.00pm AEST, 18 July 2025.
To apply, complete the following steps:
- Apply for free individual or institutional S3B membership
- Ensure your project aligns to the guidelines and criteria (outlined below)
- Submit an application form by 5.00pm AEST, 18 July 2025.
- Shortlisted applications will be invited to participate in a subsequent meeting regarding project timelines and details.
1. SERVICES INFORMATION
Grant Writing Support
Applicants may seek support to engage experienced professional grant writers to assist with:
- Drafting funding applications
- Navigating government or private grant requirements
- Developing compelling project narratives
- Budget preparation and documentation
This support is intended to improve the competitiveness of grant submissions and unlock external R&D or commercialisation funding.
IP Support
Applicants may also request subsidies for IP advisory services to:
- Clarify freedom-to-operate and patentability
- Strengthen IP position in relation to funding bids
- Support early commercialisation planning
- Navigate IP arrangements with universities or research partners
Services may be delivered through providers selected by the applicant, or S3B can assist with introductions if required.
Additional Eligible Services
This round also supports other external services directly contributing to:
- Improved funding readiness
- Clearer commercialisation strategy
- Increased IP awareness or capability
Applicants must demonstrate the direct relevance of the service to funding outcomes.
2. FUNDING GUIDELINES & ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
- Applicants may request up to $15,000 in funding support.
- Funding will be scaled based on project impact, scope, and alignment to program goals.
- Applicants must be Australian-based semiconductor companies, start-ups, or project teams developing semiconductor-related products or technologies.
- Projects must demonstrate a clear need for support and outline the expected outcomes (e.g. submission of a major grant application, strengthened IP strategy, progress toward commercial readiness).
- Service providers must be independent and suitably qualified. Quotes may be requested during the assessment period.
3. ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
Applications will be assessed against the following:
- Clear project objective and rationale for support
- Strategic importance and commercial potential of the project
- Strength of the proposed service provider (or plan to engage one)
- Alignment to national priorities (e.g. NRF, semiconductor capability, deep tech innovation)
- Anticipated impact of the support (e.g. funding success, IP clarity, commercialisation)
4. PROGRAM GOALS
This round is part of the broader Semiconductor Innovation Fund, designed to:
- Enable Australian start-ups to access expert commercialisation support
- Increase the competitiveness of semiconductor projects in national and international grant programs
- Reduce the cost barrier to critical advisory services
- Build capability and confidence in Australia’s semiconductor innovation pipeline
S3B is committed to supporting a thriving and globally connected semiconductor ecosystem, and this round is one of several targeted support mechanisms available to eligible stakeholders.
