Commercial Accelerator Scheme (CAS)

The University of Adelaide aims to put more of its research discoveries on the path to commercialisation with a new $2 million fund for researchers.

The fund, launched in August 2007 by Adelaide Research & Innovation, aims to make more research projects "investment ready". It will address a recognised gap in funding known as the "valley of death" between traditional research funding and venture capital. Through the Commercial Accelerator Scheme we hope to be able to continue to increase the number of successful commercial ventures at the University.

Successful applications from previous rounds

Biomedical Science Breakthrough by the name of Biotin Protein Ligase A target for the development of anti-bacterials, anti-fungals and even herbicides.  [full story]

Screening for Obstetrics & Pregnancy End Points Program (SCOPE) The University of Adelaide are part of the international SCOPE program, which aims to recruit 15,000 patients globally, taking samples from mother, baby and father to build a pregnancy biobank to screen candidate markers of pregnancy disease.  [full story]

Sinus surgery revolution Researchers at the University of Adelaide are developing a wound dressing that improves healing, controls bleeding and prevents excess scar tissue from forming after sinus surgery  [full story]

Visual FX and beyond  A team of researchers from the Australian Centre for Visual Technologies made a successful application to CAS for the commercial development of 3D modelling technology known as 'VideoTrace'. This technology has potential application in fields including film, architecture, gaming, resources and home video.

Overview of the Scheme

The key aim of the Commercial Accelerator Scheme is to support projects and activities that are designed to develop a technology with solid commercial potential to a stage where it is able to attract external investment, or by licensable or otherwise exploited by a third party.

• Scheme is for a period of 3 years with $2 million in funds available
• Maximum amount to be funded into any one proejct is $150, 000
• The provision of matching funding or in-kind assistance from industry partners will be favourable regarded, but is not essential
• There is no requirement to fund any proposals in any given Application Round
• The assessment panel will score the proposal individually according to judging criteria and then at the special panel meeting, the group will rank them based on the score and general discussion of the relative merits 

Eligibility

Commercial Accelerator Scheme funding is available to staff members of the University of Adelaide (full-time or part-time). Staff of hospitals and other institutions who are Clinical or Affiliate Titleholders will not be eligible.

Eligible applications are required first to register their interest with their ARI Commercial Development Manager (CDM). CDM's will complete an initial assessment of the commercial potential of the technology to ensure the commercial and intellectual property aspects are adequately addressed in the application. Applications not endorsed by ARI will not be accepted for consideration.

Downloads

Commercial Accelerator Application Guidelines (updated Aug 09)
(make sure you read this first)

Commercial Accelerator Application Template

Commercial Accelerator Judging Guidelines