E-concept
The GRDC's portfolio consists of research projects, technology transfer and commercialisation of new technologies. This process includes extensive consultation with industry and stakeholders. As a consequence, the vast majority of the Corporation's investments will be made through open tender, limited tender and by direct negotiation.
However, the GRDC understands that new ideas are the life-blood of the grains industry. The E-Concept provides a formal mechanism for anyone, at anytime, to put forward an idea to the Corporation for consideration. The E-Concept is available to both the public and private sectors. We are looking for truly innovative ideas that the GRDC's current investment process may not have identified but may contribute significantly to achieving our objectives.
The E-Concept form is not an opportunity for researchers to submit traditional preliminary research proposals or to extend existing projects.
For the purposes of the E-concept process innovation is defined as: A new idea (methodology/practice/technology/product/service) that adds value, which has not previously been considered for implementation by the grains industry.
E-Concept proposals will be accepted at any time throughout the year. However they will be assessed during the following periods by the most relevant Line of Business.
| Period | Cut off date | Expected Date of Response |
| First | 15th June | 1st September |
| Second | 15th October | 1st January |
| Third | 15th February | 1st May |
A letter/email will be sent to the proponent(s) within two and a half months of the start of the assessment process. The letter will inform the proponent(s) that the E-concept has either been rejected or that the E-concept is worthy of further investigation and has been recommended to proceed to stage two: Further evaluation by GRDC Program Teams.
Stage two evaluations may require proponents to provide additional information to further assess the E-concept. Managers will be in contact with the proponent(s) following the stage two evaluations advising the proponent(s) of the E-concept's status, the process to follow and the most appropriate time frame.
Suitable E-concepts are subject to the constraints of available funds and prioritisation in competition with other prospective investments from the GRDC Investment Plan.
Another letter/email will be sent following the stage two evaluations advising the proponent(s) of the E-concept's status, the process to follow and the most appropriate time frame. This letter will be sent within two months of the receipt of the initial letter/email.
Suitable E-concepts are subject to the constraints of available funds and prioritisation in competition with other prospective investments from the GRDC Investment Plan.
It should be noted that ALL proposals (excluding those submitted in response to open tender, limited tender or renegotiation / direct negotiation, and conference/travel support and scholarships) must be submitted via this process.
