Australia’s small businesses could soon find fresh ways to tackle transport headaches, thanks to a new $2 million fund hitting the ground this week.
iMOVE Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) just rolled out the second round of its Impact Extension Program (IEP2), a cash pool aimed at turning clever ideas into real fixes for how we move goods, people, and services. More about the Impact Extension Program (IEP2) here.
This is not just for the big players. Any organisation with an Australian Business Number can apply, from universities and local government to not-for-profits and startups. No need to be an iMOVE insider, either. The only think to consider is to ensure that your project has to focus on transport or mobility, and you’ve got to wrap it up by September 2026. Grants range from $100,000 to $500,000, with iMOVE ready to back a mix of small and mid-sized ventures.
A boost for bold ideas
“The transport challenges Australia faces today require bold thinking and practical support,” says iMOVE CRC Managing Director Ian Christensen. “Through the Impact Extension Program, we’re giving organisations the tools to turn breakthrough ideas into real-world solutions that improve how we move, live, and connect.” For SMEs, that could mean anything from cheaper delivery systems to smarter tech for rural routes.
This follows IEP1’s 2023 run, which saw over 75 hopefuls vie for cash. Two walked away with $500,000 each: microFleet’s OneDock, a micromobility docking solution, and SAGE Automation’s See Me app, boosting visibility for workers. IEP2 shakes it up by spreading the love across more projects, not just a couple of big winners. Flexibility is the name of the game.
Christensen puts it plain: “We know there’s no shortage of talent or ideas in this country. What’s often missing is the final piece of the puzzle, funding that gets innovations out of the lab and into people’s lives. That’s exactly what IEP2 is designed to deliver.” For a small logistics firm, that might mean a grant to prototype a fuel-saving gadget. For a tech startup, it could fund an app that smooths out supply chains.
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Your chance to jump in
The guidelines are simple. Your idea should clearly relate to transport, come with a solid plan for how to put it into action, and have a budget that adds up. iMOVE will negotiate if your budget is too high, but they’re open to collaboration. Projects involving multiple parties are encouraged. Applications open on April 14 and close on May 26. For more details, visit imoveaustralia.com.
Not every small business will be interested. If you run a café or boutique, this might not be for you. However, for businesses in transport, manufacturing, or even healthcare with a focus on mobility, this is a chance to innovate without breaking the bank. Think about creating cost-effective materials or safer delivery setups, things that could reduce costs or open new opportunities.
This isn’t a guaranteed win. The last round saw 75 applications for just two spots, so the competition is fierce. And with projects needing to be completed in two years, the rewards won’t be immediate. But for small businesses looking to tackle real challenges like traffic jams or high fuel costs, this fund is a rare opportunity to step into the spotlight. We’ll find out who gets the funding when deals are finalized in September 2025.
Key features of the program include:
- Alignment to iMOVE objectives: Applications must be transport focused or have a clear transport use case and benefits.
- Flexible Funding: Grants ranging from $100,000 to $500,000, with applicants required to justify their funding requests to ensure value for money.
- Broad Eligibility: Open to any organisation with an Australian Business Number (ABN), including public and private entities of all sizes. Collaborative, multi-party projects are encouraged.
- Focused Timelines: Projects must be completed by September 2026 to align with iMOVE CRC’s operational timeline, ensuring timely delivery of outcomes.
- Clear Pathways to Impact: Applicants must demonstrate a credible plan for implementing project outputs to achieve significant sectoral impact.
Application Process and Timeline
- Opening Date: April 14, 2025
- Closing Date: May 26, 2025, 5:00 PM AEST
- Project Agreement Deadline: September 30, 2025
Find the full program guidelines, application templates, and eligibility criteria: https://imoveaustralia.com/news-articles/intelligent-transport-systems/iep2-2-million/ .
Applications must be submitted via email to IEP@imoveaustralia.com by the May 26, 2025 deadline.
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