CSIRO Launches $400K Graphite R&D Grant Program for SMEs

Australia’s battery industry is set to receive a major boost with the launch of a new $400,000 research and development (R&D) grant program from CSIRO, the nation’s science agency. This initiative is designed to help small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs) in mining and manufacturing enhance the quality, efficiency, and sustainability of graphite—a critical mineral essential to battery production.

Powering the Future with Graphite Innovation

Graphite is a key component in lithium-ion batteries, powering everything from smartphones to electric vehicles and renewable energy storage systems. While Australia holds significant natural graphite resources, its presence in global battery supply chains remains limited. CSIRO’s new grant program aims to change that.

“This initiative comes at a crucial time,” said Dr Adam Best, CSIRO Principal Research Scientist. “As global supply chains face disruption, countries are looking to diversify their sources of critical minerals. Australia is well-positioned to become a key supplier of battery-grade graphite.”

What the Grant Offers

Through this program, eligible SMEs can apply for up to $50,000 per project to collaborate with CSIRO scientists and access world-class research facilities. The goal? To develop innovative technologies and processes that will position Australian companies as global leaders in graphite production for battery applications.

Potential Project Areas Include:

• Graphite spheronisation and purification
• Electrochemical testing of natural graphite
• Synthetic graphite alternatives
• Graphite recycling and reuse
• Performance and sustainability enhancements

Successful applicants may also gain access to CSIRO’s advanced characterisation facilities to assess the quality and potential of specific graphite resources.

Strengthening Sovereign Capability

This grant opportunity is part of the Federal Government’s Batteries Research and Development Program, supporting the National Battery Strategy, Critical Minerals Strategy, and the Future Made in Australia agenda. It’s a strategic move to build sovereign capability, create jobs, and strengthen Australia’s position in global supply chains.

“By bolstering domestic research and production, we can contribute to more resilient supply chains and unlock new economic opportunities,” Dr Best added.

Apply Now

Expressions of Interest are open until 30 March 2026. If you’re an SME working in graphite mining or manufacturing and looking to innovate, this is your chance to partner with CSIRO and help shape the future of Australia’s battery industry.

For more information or to apply, contact: esther.etkin@csiro.au