Joint media release with Assistant Minister for Science, Technology and the Digital Economy Andrew Charlton MP and Alicia Payne MP.

Strengthening partnerships between science, research and commercialisation to boost the productivity and sustainability of Australian industries is what a Future Made in Australia is all about.

The Albanese Labor Government is continuing to back Australian industry through the Cooperative Research Centres Projects (CRC-P) grants. 

Under Round 18 of the program, WV Technologies has been granted a $2.2 million share of the $66 million through the latest CRC-P round for its Aboriginal-Led Global Cyber Innovation for IT and AI Data Centre Automation project.

WV Technologies delivers industry-leading secure IT asset decommissioning, data destruction and e-waste recycling services, while generating economic and social impact at scale. 

The grant awarded to WV Technologies will unlock access to CSIRO developed artificial intelligence technology to accelerate recycling – boosting their work and jobs on the ground. 

Partnering with Worldview Foundation, the Pathways Intensive Employment Program is a majority Indigenous-owned training program providing the foundation for Australia’s First Nations people to enter the workforce. 

Successful projects in Round 18 included robotics and technical elevation projects and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations. 

In late 2025, the Government released the National AI Plan, a comprehensive roadmap to build an AI-enabled economy that harnesses the full potential of artificial intelligence for the benefit of all Australians. 

Round 19 of the CRC-P grants program opens 18 March 2026, with eligible partnerships encouraged to apply for up to $3 million for projects with a focus on artificial intelligence that develop or enhance AI systems and technologies.

A key aspect of the Albanese Government’s National AI Plan is to support the growth and commercialisation of AI solutions made in Australia – the launch of the AI Accelerator CRC-P Round 19 will help turn innovative Aussie ideas from local businesses and researchers into real-world solutions. 

In 2027, the larger Cooperative Research Centres program AI Accelerator Round 28 will open – and will make roughly $50 million available for a new AI CRC that drives commercialisation of AI by businesses and researchers across Australia.

The National AI Plan complements the Government’s broader efforts to revitalise Australian industry, create high-value jobs and ensure that the benefits of technological progress are realised here at home. 

For more information on the CRC-P Program and a full list of successful Round 18 CRC-Ps, visit www.business.gov.au/crc-p

Quotes attributable to Minister for Industry and Innovation and Minister for Science Tim Ayres:

“The CRC Program was launched by the Hawke Labor Government in 1990 and has gone on to support the growth and commercialisation of technologies, products and services across a range of sectors and industries, including agriculture, clean technology, infrastructure, mining, manufacturing, and health.

“I’m pleased to announce a further $66 million in grants to support another 27 outstanding projects and enable them to continue to progress towards commercialisation.

“The CRC-P program is bringing industry and the research sector together to accelerate the development of home-grown solutions to big challenges, create new skilled jobs and grow Australia’s economy for a Future Made in Australia.”

Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister for Science, Technology and the Digital Economy Andrew Charlton MP:

“Unlocking the benefits of technology for Australia means backing Australian innovators and workers.

“These projects enable more Australian companies to collaborate with researchers to create Australian solutions.

“This is an important part of ensuring technology works for Australians, creating secure, high paying jobs in areas aligned with national priorities.”

Quotes attributable to Alicia Payne MP:

“I’m so pleased to see WV Technologies recognized for their Aboriginal-Led Global Cyber Innovation for IT and AI Data Centre Automation project, which has huge potential to achieve innovative technological breakthroughs, and deliver significant benefits for our local economy here in Canberra at the same time.  

“The Albanese Government is backing Australian ingenuity and jobs to secure a stronger and more competitive future.”