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.

APRIL Innovation Projects are provided on a nationally competitive basis and available to applicants from any organisation.

What will NOT be considered for funding:

• An application that does not conform to the scope of an Innovation Project.
• An application that does not meet the minimum external cash contribution.
• An incomplete application.
• A late application.
• Overheads or other indirect cost recovery of project costs.
• A Project Leader with overdue reports (as per below).

An individual is ineligible to be considered for a new Innovation Project (as Project Leader) if there are two or more consecutive Quarterly Project Reports and/or Cash Expenditure Reports that are overdue.

An individual is ineligible to be considered for a new research project (as Project Leader) if a Final Report is more than 3 months overdue. Due dates may only be changed by an approved and fully-signed Project Variation.

• Email: ResearchEOI@australianpork.com.au