Guidelines

1. Overview

The Queensland-Germany Bioeconomy Collaborative Science Program 2026-2027 (the Program) provides Queensland grants of up to $250,000 (excluding GST) to eligible universities and research organisations to create and strengthen relationships between Queensland and German researchers and facilitate the sharing and development of complementary expertise.

Applicants must undertake the proposed project with a German research organisation. Applicants based in Queensland and Germany must co-ordinate their applications and their roles under a defined project and submit their applications separately to the relevant jurisdiction under their respective funding guidelines.

Funding will be provided to those projects that develop innovative products, technologies or processes that have a practical application within an identified priority area: 1. Agriculture and Agri-Food; 2. Bio-based product and process; and 3. Advancing biotechnological knowledge and tools.

Applications closed at 1pm (AEST) on Wednesday, 3 June 2026.

For more information, contact the grants program office by email science.grants@detsi.qld.gov.au or phone (07) 3330 6360.

2. About the program

The Program is an initiative under the Joint Declaration of Intent (JDoI) for Cooperation in Bioeconomy between the Queensland Government and the German Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR).

The objectives of this Program are to:

create and strengthen collaborative relationships between Queensland-based and German researchers to facilitate the sharing and development of complementary expertise
enable Queensland-based and German researchers to undertake projects that address current and significant scientific challenges relevant to the development of a bioeconomy
demonstrate the potential of the bioeconomy to contribute to reducing emissions and transitioning to a zero-carbon economy
deliver real and tangible economic, social and/or environmental outcomes for Queensland and Germany through the creation of innovative products, technologies or processes that have a practical application
capitalise on the complementary comparative advantages of Queensland and Germany and build a critical mass of internationally recognised science and research.

In Queensland, the Program is part of the Queensland Government’s AUD150 million Trade and Investment Strategy 2022-2032 (Strategy). In Germany, the program is part of the Bioeconomy International 2027-Call (BI2027) and is managed by Project Management Jülich (PtJ). Copies of the Strategy and BI2027 can be provided upon request.

Queensland-based applicants must be able to demonstrate that they will be undertaking the proposed project with a German research organisation that may have one or more industry partners involved. Further information is provided below under Procedures.

Successful project applications will have the Queensland applicant provided funding by the Queensland Government through the Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation (DETSI) and the German applicant provided funding by the BMFTR through PtJ.

The 2026-2027 Round of the Program will support up to four Queensland applicants under the Queensland application process, who will be awarded a grant of up to $250,000 (excluding GST) for a project period up to three years, each subject to the terms and conditions outlined below.

In addition, the German applicants of each successful project will receive up to €500,000 of funding under the German application process.

The 2026-2027 Round of the Program seeks to support practical and applied collaborative science and research projects in the following target areas:

Agriculture and Agri-Food: Development or advancement in using biological resources, technologies, and innovations to help transform agrifood systems so they are more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable. Projects may include, but are not limited to, the development of biotechnology, digitalisation, data science and AI in biological systems, in areas such as crop and soil improvement, land rehabilitation, sustainable fertilisers, pest management, and bio-based protectants for primary industries.
Bio-based product and process: Development or advancement in converting renewable biological resources, technologies, co-products or wastes into value-added products, including but not limited to bio-inspired materials, chemicals, products, and services. Projects may include development of bioproducts with novel qualities, enhanced functionalities, and improved sustainability, capable of replacing current production of unsustainable products and/or advancing innovative market applications. Precision fermentation technologies may also be included to develop innovative bio-based products.
Advancing knowledge and tools: Projects are sought that develop and advance the biotechnological knowledge and tools that underpin a growing bioeconomy. Projects involving innovative and transformational science could include, but are not limited to:
1. the generation of very large and high-quality or novel datasets using, for example, advanced multi-omics, robotics and laboratory automation, sensors, or quantum techniques
2. integration of big data and computing (AI, bioinformatics, etc.) for deepened biological knowledge and function prediction
3. high throughput and high efficiency building and testing of new biological systems using, for example, synthetic and engineering biology, protein and metabolic engineering, systems biology, microbial consortia and multicellular systems
4. advancing cell-free biomanufacturing from lab via pilot to industrial scale
5. innovative bio-based or bio-inspired approaches that reduce greenhouse gas emissions of industrial processes. This may include biological systems (e.g., microbes, enzymes, biogenic reagents) or bio-inspired technologies that offer low-carbon alternatives to conventional thermal or chemical processes.

For clarity, human health and medical-related projects are out of scope of the Program objectives and are not eligible under this Program.

3. Procedures

3.1 Overall application process

Applicants based in Queensland and Germany must co-ordinate their applications and their roles under a defined project and submit their applications separately to the relevant jurisdiction under their respective funding guidelines.

Following separate review processes, both jurisdictions will together finalise the agreed list of recommended successful applications, and application approval will be sought from:

the Director-General of DETSI, in Queensland (Australia)

and

the Head of the Bioeconomy Division at BMFTR, in Germany.

The department will apply a portfolio approach to this Queensland-Germany Bioeconomy Collaborative Science Program grant round. Alongside the assessment criteria, the decision-maker will also consider the project focus and range of priority areas of the applications, to ensure a representative portfolio of science activities and engagement in Queensland.

The following guidelines are for the information and assistance of Queensland-based applicants only.

For German applicants please refer to the Bioeconomy International submission platform and contact Project Management Jülich in Germany. The contact details can be found below in (section 10) National Contacts.

3.2 Queensland application process – Queensland applicants only

Applications must be complete and submitted electronically via SmartyGrants.

The closing time and date for submitting applications is Wednesday, 3 June 2026, 1:00pm AEST.

Deadlines for submitting an application are strict. No extensions will be provided.

The online lodgement process is hosted via the secure SmartyGrants site, and associated documentation, which form part of an application, will remain strictly confidential. DETSI will manage any personal information provided in accordance with the requirements of the Information Privacy Act 2009 (Qld).

3.2.1 Eligibility criteria

For the purpose of these Guidelines:

An applicant must be:

A Queensland-based university or research organisation who is working with other relevant participants.

A Participant means:

universities
research-based organisations and institutes
large companies
small/medium-sized enterprises

based in Queensland (or Australia for industry partners ((iii) and (iv) above) or Germany, who will carry out a project with the applicant.

Project applications must clearly identify the applicant and any participants.

The proposed project must create and/or enhance research collaboration between the applicant and its participants. In doing so, the project application must meet the eligibility criteria below.

Eligibility criteria:

Focus on one of the three identified target areas under section two above.
Be led by a Queensland-based applicant (with an ABN and registered for GST) working with the relevant lead German applicant.
Have a cash contribution from the Queensland-based applicant of at least AUD$150,000 (excluding GST).
Industry involvement is mandatory (e.g., as research partner, associated partner, or in advisory role).
All participants make a cash and/or in-kind contribution towards the cost of the project.
A letter of support is required from each participant which provides details of the participant’s involvement in the project including outlining all cash and/or in-kind contributions to be made towards the project.

The application is ineligible if:

the project is not a distinct activity/set of activities with specified milestones, and aims and outcomes that are achievable by the relevant milestone dates
the project is focused on human health/medical-related outcomes
the applicant (and/or any Queensland participant(s)) is already receiving Queensland Government financial support for their core activities/business on the proposed project, and it cannot be demonstrated that the proposed project is clearly different and/or additional to these core activities/business
the activities carried out by the participant(s) are contract research activities, and do not involve genuine collaboration with the applicant
an application is not submitted by the project’s associated German lead applicant to the Bioeconomy Division at BMFTR (the Bioeconomy International 2027-Call, managed by Project Management Jülich).

3.2.2 Using the Queensland Government funding

Funding may be used for the following eligible project costs:

salary costs for project staff (including salary-related on-costs)
project consumables
travel directly related to the project activities outlined in the submitted application.

Items ineligible for funding include:

organisational overheads
capital works and/or physical infrastructure, including any buildings, land transportation, telecommunications, and IT networks
travel for professional development or conference attendance
costs associated with the ongoing programs of work and/or core business of the applicant or participant(s)
costs of quarantine related to travel, and
contract research for services that can be performed by the applicant organisation.

3.2.3 Contributions

Contributions committed by the applicant and participants to satisfy the matching cash requirements can include:

cash
salaries (including salary-related on-costs) for any staff working on the project for a minimum of 20% of their total work time
any other direct and actual project costs (non-salaries).

4. Assessment

Applications will be assessed in a competitive, merit-based process by a panel with suitable scientific/research/industry expertise.

The evaluation of the project applications received in Queensland and Germany will be undertaken in those jurisdictions concurrently.

The evaluation is based on the following criteria and weighting in the assessment process:

Project focus, relevance to the program objectives and research target area/s as detailed in section 2 above (20% weighting)
Level of novelty and scientific merit of the project (20% weighting)
- Relevance of the research approach, quality, and originality of the solution strategy.
- Appropriateness of the size and structure of the project, quality and stringency of the time schedule, work and budgetary plans and distribution of work among the partners.
- Preliminary research has been undertaken (by the applicant, participant/s or others) that supports the advancement of the project.
Quality of the collaboration and capability of the project team (20% weighting)
- Added value of international cooperation (increased knowledge base, training of young scientists, access to R&D infrastructure).
- Excellence and expertise of the applicant and the participants (German and Queensland).
- Demonstration of relevant previous project experience in the same or a similar area of research as the proposed project.
- Level/nature of involvement of local industry partners.
Outcomes and impact of the project (40% weighting)
- Chances of success and commercial exploitation of the results.
- The project to develop innovative products, technologies or processes that have a practical application within an area of identified priority.
- The project will deliver real and tangible economic, social, and/or environmental benefits for Germany and Queensland.

The assessment process will also take into account the government’s priorities and the imperative to contribute to the economic development, as well as the need to balance the research investment to support a diversity of capability across scientific disciplines, identified fund priority areas, geographic regions and research groups.

5. Funding

DETSI funding either must be expended wholly in Queensland or, if partly expended in Germany, must directly support the applicant (for example to cover costs to access specialised research equipment not available in Queensland).

Only eligible expenditure incurred on or after the project commencement date can be claimed by successful applicants.

Payment of funding will be made based on agreed project milestones. A final milestone payment will be made upon the provision of documentary evidence that all project requirements have been satisfied, including evidence that total project expenditure has been incurred and project contributions made by all relevant parties.

Funding agreements

Successful applicants will be required to enter into a legally binding financial incentive agreement (DOCX, 170.8KB) with DETSI.

Ensure you have read and accept the terms and conditions of the financial incentive agreement prior to applying for funding, as they will not be negotiable at the time a funding offer is made.

6. Promotion of supported projects

Funding recipients will be expected to actively promote their research, and to provide information and attend media/promotion events if requested.

The Queensland Government funding and the BMFTR funding should be acknowledged by recipients in all relevant published material, media releases and public statements. Further details will form part of the financial incentive agreement.

7. Applications and GST

Applicants registered for GST will not be provided with funding to account for costs directly associated with GST and are required to provide the GST exclusive amount in their budget. Recipients registered for GST can claim the GST component for any expenditure that they incur back from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO).

For advice on GST, please seek assistance from the Australian Tax Office.

8. Funding Availability

All applicants will be advised of the outcome of their submission in writing. Successful recipients are expected to be announced from mid-2027, pending approvals by both international departments (DETSI and BMFTR).

9. Privacy statement

As detailed in the Terms and Conditions of the Financial Incentive Agreement, the information provided during the application process, including your personal information, will be collected by DETSI as is necessary to evaluate applications and populate Financial Incentive Agreements, and announce and publicise the successful applicants.

Applications for the Program are to be lodged on the SmartyGrants website, a third-party cloud-based platform operated by 'Our Community Pty Ltd'. The Our Community Privacy Policy states that they may use third-party service providers that may store information outside Australia. By lodging an application, you do so under the conditions listed in the Our Community Privacy Policy and agree to any overseas transfer of information made in accordance with that Policy.

As DETSI and BMFTR will jointly evaluate grant applications, any personal information included in application forms from Queensland applicants will be disclosed to BMFTR for that purpose.

BMFTR will manage any personal information provided in accordance with the requirements of the European General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) Compliance Guidelines.

The information provided will also be supplied to authorised DETSI oﬃcers and approved grant assessors under the Financial Accountability Act 2009 (Qld) for the purpose of assessing and administering the application. The approved grant assessors are required to sign an agreement that binds them to hold the information in confidence and in accordance with the Information Privacy Act 2009 (Qld).

The Minister for the Environment and Tourism and Minister for Science and Innovation will publicly announce details of the successful applicants. Following that announcement, the details of successful applicants will be listed on the Queensland Government website. Therefore, if your application is successful, the following information will be published on the Queensland Government website:

your name, and your organisation's name;
the total amount of funding allocated;
the project name, location, description and partnering organisation;
the project outcomes; and
photographs or any other details.

This information may also be used and/or disclosed to promote the Program and the funded projects.

Generic data (no personal information) will also be provided to Trade and Investment Queensland.

Your personal information will not otherwise be used or disclosed unless authorised or required by law.

The executed Financial Incentive Agreements including all information contained in the agreements are required to be lodged on the Foreign Arrangement Online Portal as subsidiary arrangements to the JDoI for Cooperation in Bioeconomy between the Queensland Government and BMFTR under the Australia’s Foreign Relations (State and Territory Arrangements) Act 2020.

Funding recipients will be expected to actively promote their research, and to provide information and attend media/promotion events if requested. The Queensland Government may also use and/or disclose information about the successful applicants to promote their work and potentially identify future research opportunities.

Any personal information that accompanies this application will not otherwise be used or disclosed, unless authorised or required by law.

10. Further information

If you have any questions relating to these guidelines or if you would like to discuss your application, please contact the relevant grants coordinators on the below contact information. Please note, a grants coordinator can provide you with the best advice based on the information provided.

All decisions relating to a grant application will be made based on the information contained in the application.

Germany

Dr. Veronika Jablonowski

Project Management Jülich
Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH
Biological Innovation & Economy- EU and International Affairs (PtJ-BIO7)
Phone: +49 2461-61-5083
Email: v.jablonowski@fz-juelich.de

Queensland, Australia

Science Partnerships and Development, Science Development and Office of the Queensland Chief Scientist, Science Division,

Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation
Phone: (07) 3330 6360
Email: science.grants@detsi.qld.gov.au