CRDC is inviting innovative startups, ventures, entrepreneurs, agribusinesses and research organisations to participate in an open call for bold, forward-thinking proposals aimed at advancing next-generation solutions for the cotton industry.
Backed by CRDC's ambitious Strategic Plan, Clever Cotton, CRDC's 2025 Innovation Call seeks to unlock transformative solutions to some of cotton's most pressing challenges.
CRDC is offering $50,000 to support feasibility studies for at least four innovations. Successful applicants may be invited to participate in a subsequent funding round, with up to $500,000 available to deliver a proof-of-concept within the Australian cotton farming system.
"Clever Cotton is about delivering 21st-century solutions to 21st-century challenges," said Susan Maas, CRDC's Acting General Manager, Innovation.
"We're looking for innovations that have the potential to be commercially viable and scalable across diverse cotton-growing regions."
While CRDC welcomes all ideas aligned with Clever Cotton, priority will be given to proposals that address one or more of the following challenges:
Limited pesticides future: Innovations that support a pest-suppressive farming system, including biological or non-chemical pest control technologies.
Riparian weed management: Cost-effective tools and methods to manage invasive weeds in riparian zones, particularly those that harbour crop diseases and pests.
Optimising nitrogen profitability: Solutions that improve nitrogen use efficiency and profitability while reducing environmental impact.
The proposed tools and technologies must have the potential to be adapted to cotton systems, be cost effective, and be adaptable to remote and extreme climates. CRDC is particularly interested in innovations that demonstrate sustainable funding models and commercial viability beyond the life of the project.
The recipients of the 2025 Innovation Call will be provided financial and industry support over 10 months, culminating in a final presentation at the Australian Cotton Conference in August 2026. Participants will also then be eligible for phase two of the program, which holds the potential for further investment for research grants, co-funding or equity in IP.
