Skip navigation
Government of South Australia - Department of Industry, Innovation and Science

    Science and research excellence

    Research and Innovation Fund
    DIIS website Header Images 1920x830px 20234

    Finding opportunities through research, and translation and commercialisation

    The Department for Industry, Innovation and Science (DIIS) works closely with industry, universities, research organisations and governments to promote research collaboration and investment and grow South Australia’s reputation for competitive global excellence in research.

    We also support the adoption and application of new technologies and better practices to support research translation and commercialisation.

    We want to see stronger translation and commercialisation outcomes to drive greater real-world productivity impacts, as well as an increased proportion of South Australian businesses and research organisations that collaborate for innovation purposes, and more startups and scale-ups developing innovative solutions.

    Tonsley Innovation District Business Collaboration

    South Australia's opportunity

    Research and innovation activities, alongside the adoption of existing and emerging technologies, are key drivers of productivity growth and will be crucial for South Australian businesses to compete on the world stage.

    South Australia’s Economic Statement outlines a vision for an economy that is fit for the future – that is smart, sustainable and inclusive.

    South Australia boasts world-class research capability and globally recognised innovation districts. We now have the opportunity to enhance collaboration across all sectors of our economy.

    To improve our performance and position South Australia to benefit from research, technology and innovation, we must capitalise on our research strengths, major investments and assets. We must also boost collaboration between industry and researchers, and support innovation and entrepreneurship networks, to translate knowledge into innovation and higher productivity.

    Read SA's Economic Statement

    Support programs for South Australian science and research

    Research and Innovation Fund

    The Research and Innovation Fund (RIF) supports local businesses and organisations to commercialise their innovative research, ideas or products – either through direct grants, or by funding activity (including events, accelerators program and co-working spaces) in support of the broader research and innovation ecosystem.

    Find out more

    South Australian CRC Assistance Program

    The Department for Industry, Innovation and Science joins the Australian Government in funding Cooperative Research Centres (CRCs).

    CRCs are medium to long term collaborations between industry, researchers and end users, established to solve complex, industry identified problems. There are currently 10 CRCs that are either headquartered or have a significant node in South Australia.

    More to come

    National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy

    The Department for Industry, Innovation and Science supports the operations of six major research facilities in the state, as part the Australian Government’s National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy (NCRIS).

    NCRIS facilities provide researchers with access to globally competitive, cutting-edge research equipment and technical support.

    Find out more
    2023 SA Science Excellence and Innovation Awards winners

    South Australian Scientist of the Year

    Professor Helen Marshall

    Professor Marshall is a nationally and internationally recognised leader in vaccine research, particularly for her work in preventing deaths and disability from life threatening infections such as meningococcal disease.

    Learn about all 2023 winners

    Innovator of the Year sponsored by Novatech

    The Chrysos PhotonAssay Team

    Chrysos’ PhotonAssay™ technology replaces centuries-old methods for measuring gold and other valuable metals in mineral ores with a clean, green and super-fast X-ray technology.

    Watch their story

    Meet all 2023 SA Science Awards winners

    Congratulations to all winners and finalists of the 2023 SA Science Excellent and Innovation Awards.

    Learn more about the outstanding work of each winner by visiting scienceawards.sa.gov.au.

    Learn about the 2023 winners
    Lot Fourteen site vision with AACC web

    South Australia's Innovation Districts

    A new statewide innovation model

    The South Australian Government is introducing a new statewide innovation model to strategically connect the state’s growing innovation districts, including Lot Fourteen, Tonsley and Adelaide BioMed City.

    The model will bring together all economic activity zones and innovation assets under a centralised strategic vision and policy position, unlocking greater value, stimulating economic growth, supporting valuable international knowledge transfer and collaboration, and creating new opportunities for jobs growth, linking education, skills and workforce programs.

    It seeks to capitalise on South Australia’s competitive advantage in defence, space, advanced manufacturing and critical technologies industries.

    Visit Innovation Districts
    2023 SA Science Awards 219

    SA Science Excellence and Innovation Awards

    The South Australian Science Excellence and Innovation Awards recognise the work of inspiring science, technology, engineering, mathematics and medicine (STEMM) leaders and teams working in research and education institutions, schools, industry and the community.

    Learn more

    Get help navigating opportunities in research

    There are experienced DIIS team members available to support your growth ambitions – whether that be help with workforce development, navigating government and other support programs, connecting with peers and industry leaders, or the adoption of new technologies.

    Email us
    Call us

    Latest research and innovation news

    19th Apr 2024

    Developing the next generation of defence leaders

    18th Apr 2024

    Keeping small businesses in the race to net zero

    16th Apr 2024

    Building a stronger, more diverse startup sector

    Subscribe to news about research and innovation

    Your name

    All information is collected and used in accordance with the DIIS Privacy Statement.