Challenge

Australia's manufacturing sector must accelerate adoption of additive manufacturing technologies to remain competitive globally and unlock economic growth across industries including aerospace, automotive, and medical devices. The Additive Manufacturing Cooperative Research Centre (AMCRC) consortium sought to position Australia as a global leader in additive manufacturing innovation and technology adoption, driving economic growth, sustainability, and competitiveness across industries as an enabling capability. Coordinating industry partners, research institutions, and government stakeholders required a compelling application that could secure substantial long-term funding in a highly competitive environment where less than 20% of CRC applicants succeed.

Approach

CIS served as bid manager and strategic advisor throughout Stage 1 and Stage 2 of the Round 25 CRC application. Our role included:

• Comprehensive project management, strategic positioning, and partner coordination across both application stages

• Development and completion of the economic impact tool, alongside detailed financial modelling and budget planning

• Drafting of responses to CRC merit criteria and facilitation of workshops to develop research program pathways

• Interview preparation, including coaching, mock interviews, and presentation development

• Online submission and management of all application components

Outcome

The AMCRC was successfully awarded $57.5 million in CRC grant funding with total investment reaching $270.9 million through partner contributions, positioning the centre to accelerate additive manufacturing adoption across Australian manufacturing. The CRC is now operational, facilitating four integrated research programs and an education and training program that unite industry and research partners in advancing innovation, building supply chain resilience, and strengthening Australia's global competitiveness in advanced manufacturing.