RIC-Proof-of-Concept Fund Q2 2026

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This is a preview of the 2026 POC Fund Application Form-NEW Version form. When you’re ready to apply, click Fill Out Now to begin.
 

2026 Proof-of-Concept Fund Application Form

About the Proof-of-Concept Fund:

The University's Proof-of-Concept (POC) fund provides support to achieve key technical or commercial milestones for UoM technologies and innovations that have been disclosed to the University via an IP Disclosure. UoM staff members can apply for up to $50,000 in funding for a range of activities focused on validation of an exciting innovation. 

Purpose:

This form should be used for formal application to the RIC Proof-of-Concept Fund for funding of “proof-of-concept” research.

Eligible Applicants:

The Fund will invest in IP and researchers that have a demonstrable link to UoM, and at a minimum must meet the following criteria: 

  • Researchers are currently employed by the University of Melbourne. 
  • If the technology is jointly developed, UoM holds at least 50% of IP ownership.
  • The technology has been disclosed to RIC via submission of an IP disclosure form.
  • IP assignments have been completed if students are involved in the Project or will be completed as a condition precedent of funding.
  • UoM has the right to commercialise the technology. 
  • The team must be pursuing a commercial outcome, which includes social purpose ventures, where at a minimum the venture can repay the amount of the POC funds awarded from future commercialisation revenue, consistent with the University’s IP policy
  • There are no obvious “Freedom to Operate” issues that may impact on the commercialisation of the technology. 
  • TRL is typically 3 or lower. Projects above this level may be considered where significant commercial, regulatory or adoption risks remain unresolved.

Preferred Qualifying Criteria:

The Fund will preference applications that meet one or more of the following criteria:

  • Have secured external funding (investment or grant); 
  • Commitment from a commercial partner to co-develop the technology; 
  • Customer validation or support; or 
  • Acceptance into the UoM Venture Studio.  

Applications that provide clear and credible evidence against these criteria will be viewed more favourably during assessment.

Endorsement Requirement:

A signed Endorsement Form is required as part of this application. Please download and complete the template with your RIC Technology Transfer representative and Faculty representative, and upload the signed document within the form. Applications submitted without this document may not be assessed.

Endorsement form template

Instructions:

The form should be completed in conjunction with, and as reviewed by, a Business Development staff member (BD) of Research, Innovation and Commercialisation (RIC).

Complete all sections keeping to the word limit as directed.  Documents may be attached to the application (in PDF format) if further detail is required, and should be referred to by title.

The form should not be submitted unless the applicant can truly answer “Yes” or Not Applicable (“NA”) to all eligibility criteria.

If you have any questions regarding this form, please refer to your RIC Technology Transfer Manager, or email jennifer.fagundes@unimelb.edu.au.