The Australia Japan Innovation Fund uses its funding and networks as catalysts to encourage national and sector-wide cooperation of the kind that calls forward serious, transformative responses from Japan.  We support projects of a quality that is likely to attract interest and expanded financial support from the public and private sectors in Australia and Japan. 

With new and renewed partnership support, we have launched a new grants program, and the details can be found below.

Australia Japan Innovation Fund Research Grant
Program 2024-25

Australia-Japan Innovation Fund (AJIF) fosters innovative bilateral collaborations between Australia and Japan. Our mission is to elevate the profile of Australia-Japan collaboration in science, technology and innovation and support the people who are transforming the bilateral relationship through these partnerships.   

We do this by strengthening and transforming Australia-Japan research and scientific collaboration through academic, industry and government partnerships.   

To achieve its objectives, the AJIF will use its funding and networks as catalysts to encourage national and sector-wide cooperation of the kind that calls forward serious, transformative responses from Japan. We will support projects of a quality that is likely to attract interest and expanded financial support from the public and private sectors in Australia and Japan.    

Projects should meet the following attributes:  

  • innovative, high-quality research that will contribute to a measurable progression of the Australia-Japan bilateral relationship   

  • viability demonstrated through existing, or well-developed plans for, collaboration between partners  

  • effective collaboration between Australian and Japanese investigators, through established relationships or financial and other contributions 

  • evidence of contributions from other sources either in cash or in kind  

  • sustainability indicated through other sources of funding are being sought either during the proposed AJIF grant period or to extend the project beyond the original grant period 

  • demonstrated need for AJIF funding as critical to the success of the project 

  • diversity of participation, including gender balance 

  • engagement with next-generation researchers and thought-leaders in the bilateral relationship.    

  • effective outreach plans that include the public and/or industry, government or policy decision-makers in ways that : 

  • Communicate the significance of project questions and results for non-specialist audiences; 

  • Generate positive and effective media coverage and commentary on the Australia-Japan relationship, and  

  • Promote a contemporary and positive image of Australia capturing the breadth and sophistication of new industries and research capacities.   

  • projected impact for industry, business, economy, policy and/or society. 

Projects that do not have a research element but are predominantly about strengthening Australia-Japan connections in other ways are encouraged to consider the Australia-Japan Foundation grant program See: Australia-Japan Foundation grant program.