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The Engineering Biology Challenge is a grant initiative under the RRTN Strategic Fund, designed to foster collaboration between computer science and biology, leveraging AI-driven approaches to advance RNA and protein research. The Challenge aims to advance the field of engineering biology and deliver transformative solutions in health, agriculture, sustainability and environmental protection.
Program Goals
Drive the development of cutting-edge engineering biology technologies with strong commercial potential.
Promote interdisciplinary collaboration between engineers, biologists, computer scientists, and other relevant disciplines.
Support innovation in synthetic biology, genetic engineering, biomanufacturing, and environmental biotechnology.
Translate university-based research into practical, scalable technologies.
Eligibility & Team Requirements
Projects must include cross-disciplinary teams (e.g. bioengineers, biologists, chemists, computer scientists, technologists).
Partnerships with computer science/AI expertise are essential.
Proposals must demonstrate the potential for high-impact solutions such as a commercial pathway.
Lead CI Institution must be one of the 12 partner Universities of the NSW-RRTN (see below). There are no restrictions on collaborating organisations (note that funding must be spent within NSW and ACT and partners external to NSW/ACT are expected to make cash or in-kind contributions).
Assessment Criteria
Innovative Impact – Novelty and potential to address real-world problems.
Feasibility – Technical and scientific soundness of the approach.
Collaboration – Depth of interdisciplinary engagement.
Commercial Potential – Scalability, market relevance, and economic benefit.
Funding
Grants of up to $200,000 per project are available. There is a total of $1 million allocated in the Strategic Fund to the Engineering Biology Challenge.
Applying for Engineering Biology Challenge Funding
Applying for Engineering Biology Challenge Funding
The information sheet and application can be downloaded using the buttons below.
Submission: Completed applications must be emailed to the NSW-RRTN mailbox: rrtn@unsw.edu.au
Closing Date: 10 November 2025 @ 11:59 pm
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