iMOVE Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) is doubling down on its mission to deliver impactful transport innovation for Australia, with the launch of a $2 million second round of its highly successful Impact Extension Program (IEP).

The fund is now also open to universities.

The IEP2 initiative aims to identify and support Australia’s most promising new technologies, products and services in the transport and mobility space. Grants from $100,000 to $500,000 will be awarded to a portfolio of high-potential projects, all of which must be completed by September 2026.

The new round follows the success of IEP1 in 2023, which attracted more than 75 applications and funded two standout innovations – microFleet’s OneDock and SAGE Automation’s See Me app – each awarded $500,000 to help bring their ideas to life.

IEP2 builds on this momentum, offering greater flexibility and reach.

While IEP1 awarded two $500,000 grants, IEP2 will take a portfolio approach – supporting 5-10 smaller or mid-sized projects, allowing more organisations including universities to participate.

Applicants must have an Australian Business Number (ABN) and can be from any sector – start-ups, corporates, local councils, universities, or not-for-profits with no requirement to be an existing iMOVE partner. Projects must align with iMOVE’s mission of advancing transport systems through collaborative, high-impact R&D.

Importantly, applicants must justify their funding requests and demonstrate strong value for money. iMOVE reserves the right to negotiate a lesser amount if a proposal shows promise but requests too much funding.

iMOVE CRC Managing Director Ian Christensen said:

“The transport challenges Australia faces today require bold thinking and practical support. Through the Impact Extension Program, we’re giving organisations the tools to turn breakthrough ideas into real-world solutions that improve how we move, live, and connect.”

He added: “We know there’s no shortage of talent or ideas in this country. What’s often missing is the final piece of the puzzle – funding that gets innovations out of the lab and into people’s lives. That’s exactly what IEP2 is designed to deliver.”

Key features of the program include:

Flexible Funding: Grants ranging from $100,000 to $500,000, with applicants required to justify their funding requests to ensure value for money.

Broad Eligibility: Open to any organisation with an Australian Business Number (ABN), including public and private entities of all sizes. Collaborative, multi-party projects are encouraged.

Focused Timelines: Projects must be completed by September 2026 to align with iMOVE CRC’s operational timeline, ensuring timely delivery of outcomes.

Clear Pathways to Impact: Applicants must demonstrate a credible plan for implementing project outputs to achieve significant sectoral impact.

Application Process and Timeline

• Opening Date: April 14, 2025
• Closing Date: May 26, 2025, 5:00 PM AEST
• Project Agreement Deadline: September 30, 2025

How to apply

Full program guidelines, application templates, and eligibility criteria are available now. Applications must be submitted via email to IEP@imoveaustralia.com by the May 26, 2025 deadline.

About iMOVE CRC

iMOVE CRC is Australia’s national centre for collaborative R&D in transport and mobility. Since its inception, iMOVE has facilitated over 260 industry-led projects worth more than $86 million, covering areas such as intelligent transport systems, freight and logistics, smart infrastructure, and transport accessibility.

With 44 industry, government and university partners, iMOVE CRC brings together the best minds to tackle the nation’s most pressing transport challenges.