APRIL Innovation Projects [NOW OPEN]
The Australasian Pork Research Institute Ltd. (APRIL) is seeking applications for its Innovation Projects scheme, for commencement in July 2026.
An independent, participant-based entity, APRIL seeks to enhance the Australian pork industry by investing in research and development, education and training, and commercialisation activities focused on priorities and deliverables that ensure the sustainability of Australian pork production, and to generate optimal returns for its stakeholders.
APRIL’s Innovation Projects are negotiable to 12 to 18 months in duration and have a budget of ~$75,000. In this round, APRIL is willing to invest in projects that address the 2025/26 industry priorities.
However, APRIL is willing to receive applications in any field/discipline that suitably address the criteria for Innovation Projects (refer to application form).
For assistance with preparation of an application, please refer to the “Guidance Notes for Project Proposals” as it provides further and specific detail on project proposals under APRIL’s new participant model. For example, APRIL-funded Innovation Projects may still require a cash contribution to cover project costs and facility funding, dependent on the level of participation the organisation(s) has/have within APRIL’s new participant model.
The Innovation Projects scheme is provided on a nationally competitive basis and available to applicants from any organisation. Collaborative projects are strongly encouraged, but applications must identify a Lead Party that will administer the Project. All APRIL funding schemes are assessed, evaluated and recommended for funding by the Research and Development Advisory Committee, which has the collective expertise and experience to effectively assess applications. If approved, research scheme funds are paid directly to the successful Lead Party.
Funding Rules for Innovation Projects stipulate that no overhead (indirect cost recovery) can be charged. Innovation Projects are conducted under the Terms and Conditions of the APRIL Research Deed, that can be viewed here.
An individual is ineligible to be considered for a new research project (as Project Leader) if, and without an approved and fully signed Project Variation, there are two or more consecutive Quarterly Project Reports and/or Cash Expenditure Reports that are overdue. Furthermore, an individual is ineligible to be considered for a new research project (as Project Leader) if, and without an approved and fully signed Project Variation, a Final Report is more than 3 months overdue.
For any further information or any questions, please contact Dr Charles Rikard-Bell (Executive Officer; 0439 513 723).
To apply for an APRIL Innovation Project, complete the relevant proposal form and the Budget and Milestones template and email to Dr Charles Rikard-Bell by 27 March 2026.
Important Dates:
Applications open: 27 February 2026
Applications Close: 27 March 2026.
It is anticipated that funding for successful projects would commence July 2026, subject to APRIL Board approval.
Expressions of Interest for APRIL Kickstart Program [OPEN]
The Kickstart Program can provide up to $7,500 for an individual/organisation(s) to assist with the preparation and submission of a specific, targeted and agreed major external funding application (or applications) in partnership with APRIL and other partners.
Significant external funding pools exist both nationally and internationally for potential investment. The Kickstart Program aims to increase the number of applications that are prepared and submitted to external funding organisations that ultimately increase the funding pool to undertake more of APRIL’s activities, in alignment with Transformational Project and Industry Priority Project priorities in the current Strategic Plan.
Expressions of Interest (EoI) for project applications not seeking Kickstart funds may also be submitted but must adhere to the same principle of being a specific, targeted major external funding application in partnership with APRIL (and other partners), in alignment with the APRIL Strategic Plan.
Apply for a Kickstart award
To apply for a Kickstart award, complete an EoI form (linked below) and email it to Dr John Pluske, Industry Chief Scientist at chiefscientist@australianpork.com.au.
Kickstart applications: always open.
APRIL Commercialisation Projects [OPEN]
An APRIL Commercialisation Project addresses the issue where the path to market of a product, service or technology may be close and additional co-investment, that would commonly include other investors, may assist in bringing it to realisation.
Apply for a Commercialisation Project
Head to the April Commercialisation page for more information.
Commercialisation Project Proposal