Our Services

CIS delivers responsive, professional and ethical services tailored to the needs of each project. We work closely with clients to understand their context, design the right approach, and provide strategic, practical support that enables innovation and delivers real-world outcomes.

Cooperative Research Centres (CRCs), Grants & Investment

Since 2006, CIS has helped our clients secure over $1.6 billion in grants, investment and philanthropic funding. We develop compelling business cases and grant applications aligned to funders’ priorities. Our major streams include the CRC Programme, MRFF schemes, government grants and direct-to-government cases, philanthropic funds, and capital investment.

Western Alliance DELIVER PART Application

Additive Manufacturing Cooperative Research Centre

Care Economy Cooperative Research Centre

The CRC Program funds large-scale, industry-led research collaborations that address major industry challenges. CIS has led or supported 19 of the 22 successful CRC bids in the past seven rounds, securing over $1 billion in grant funding and approximately $3 billion from partners’ cash and in-kind contributions. We provide strategic guidance and end-to-end bid coordination to help organisations develop competitive, high-quality CRCs and CRC-Ps applications.
A perpetual $22 billion fund targeting health and medical innovation under the Medical Research Future Fund Act 2015. We specialise in supporting the complex MRFF applications funded by the Department of Industry, Science and Resources (DISR).
Competitive schemes including Competitive schemes including Competitive schemes including National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC), Australian Research Council (ARC), and Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA), plus government and philanthropic grants. We provide comprehensive end-to-end services across these diverse funding opportunities.
Through our National Agriculture and Food Incubator and extensive work with early-stage ventures, CIS helps SMEs scale sustainably by supporting them on their commercial pathway to connect with investors and research partners. We provide strategic advice, capital-raising support, pitch presentations, hands one execution and tailored frameworks -collaboratively turning bold ideas into viable enterprises.

See project case studies.

Major Projects & Planning

We work alongside executive teams to co-design strategic frameworks that align mission, market context and resource allocation. Through environmental scans, scenario modelling and facilitated workshops, we deliver clear roadmaps with measurable milestones and governance structures.

University of Melbourne – Feasibility of Investments in -omics Research

Cancer Wellness Centre Strategic Support and Project Management

Melbourne Genomics Health Alliance Genomics Workforce Development Program Business Model

We work alongside executive teams to co-design strategic frameworks that align mission, market context and resource allocation. Through environmental scans, scenario modelling and facilitated workshops, we deliver clear roadmaps with measurable milestones and governance structures.
Our business plans build detailed execution roadmaps, operational models, financial planning and performance metrics, ensuring every element - from resourcing to risk management - is primed for rollout and ongoing evaluation.
CIS crafts robust business cases that capture investor and government attention. Leveraging cost–benefit analysis, market assessments and stakeholder alignment, we’ve secured funding for infrastructure projects, social services and innovation ventures through direct pitches to government and philanthropic partners.
We deliver feasibility studies that evaluate market viability, financial projections and operational requirements. Our evidence-based reports highlight risks, opportunities and practical recommendations, empowering leaders to make informed choices about new initiatives, partnerships or market entry.

See project case studies.

Evaluation & Review

CIS ensures research programs, community initiatives and government programs deliver validated impact – and learn faster in the process. We help organisations measure what matters - ensuring achievement of strategic goals, demonstrating impact and embedding continuous learning. With deep expertise across multiple sectors, we design and deliver evaluation services that inform decision-making, strengthen accountability, and drive reform.

Hort Innovation Strategic Investment Plans Economic Impact Assessment

DELWP Evaluation of Drought Response Package 2018-2020

DELWP Strategic Fuel Breaks Traditional Owner Engagement Program Evaluation

We design robust monitoring and evaluation frameworks that align with organisation or project objectives. In collaboration with key stakeholders, we facilitate the co-design of program logic, using this to establish clear metrics that track progress aligned with strategic objectives; and enabling leaders to make data-driven decisions and adapt with confidence.
CIS conducts comprehensive evaluations across all stages of the project lifecycle -from mid-term reviews to end-of-program assessments. We analyse both process and impact, delivering insights that enhance performance. Our approach strengthens accountability, informs future design, supports continuous improvement, and provides actionable recommendations that shape future success.
Our post-program impact assessments uncover the long-term impacts and sustainability of initiatives. Whether assessing a single project or a portfolio spanning decades, we provide deep analysis that informs future strategy and maximises impact.

See project case studies.

Implementation Services

CIS turns strategic vision into operational impact – whether accelerating university spin-outs, reimagining social-service delivery or developing implementation plans for national science and research agendas like the revitalised National Science and Research Priorities. We embed alongside your team – launching projects, building capability, redesigning services and organisations and fast-tracking startups – with a multidisciplinary, hands-on approach that bridges strategy, governance and on the ground execution.

Settlement Services International (SSI) Capability Building

Redfern Legal Centre Financial Abuse Service Design

Financial Independence Hub Co-Design and Implementation Strategy

CIS supports the establishment of new entities, such as Co-operative Research Centres and social impact initiatives, e.g. Financial Independence Hub, led by Good Shepherd Australia and New Zealand, by setting a clear vision, establishing governance and operational frameworks, and managing stakeholder engagement. We provide strategic advice, project management, reporting to funders, training, and continuous improvement support. Our approach ensures programs are grounded in evidence, shaped by stakeholder voices, and delivered with operational excellence. We guide clients through every phase - from concept to launch - ensuring alignment with strategic goals and funding and investment pathways.
CIS designs and delivers tailored commercialisation bootcamps and capability-building programs that equip teams with the skills, tools, and confidence to lead change. Whether it's industry engagement, commercialisation, or grant writing, our capability building programs accelerate learning, and embed practical know-how for long-term success for academics and innovators.
CIS conducts organisational reviews and redesigns to enhance performance, streamline processes, and future-proof operations. We assess internal capabilities, facilitate focus groups, and implement customised structures and systems that reflect best practice and support strategic objectives. Our implementation support includes stakeholder communication, capability mapping for future proofing and stakeholder communication.