KCA Australasian Research Commercialisation Awards

About the awards

The annual KCA Awards recognise the high-impact and innovative outcomes from our member organisations, with a focus on the contributions made by the relevant research commercialisation offices .

The judging criteria favours the extent of the contribution over the size of any particular project. In this way, smaller commercialisation teams have the opportunity to be recognised for impactful outcomes in equal standing with larger research commercialisation offices.

Past winners have progressed to significant outcomes, and KCA are pleased to showcase some of the successes as case studies in the SCOPR report and in upcoming presentations at the 2024 KCA Conference.

Eligibility

To be eligible to apply, all the following criteria must be met:

  • Nominations must be submitted by a KCA member organisation
  • The transaction, outcomes or substantial benefit subject to the nominated project must have occurred within the last 18 months
  • Incomplete and/or late nominations will not be accepted.
  • Previously submitted proposals must demonstrate significant advancement and added value from the time of the previous submission.

Award categories

  • Best Industry-Research Collaboration

For a significant and successful industry-research collaboration comprising any/all facets of research commercialisation, contract research, consulting services, training programs, infrastructure programs, community programs, and other collaborative research engagement activities spanning at least 18 months.

Award sponsored by Campus Plus

  • Best Knowledge Exchange Initiative

For a significant and successful knowledge exchange initiative spanning at least 18 months. This broad-based category could include knowledge transformation networks, industry clusters, internal commercial ventures, place-based innovation initiatives such as innovation precincts, incubators or student startup or accelerator programs. There must be evidence of enduring value delivered through the initiative beyond the nominating institution.

  • Best Licensing Deal

For a significant and successful licensing deal. There must be evidence that the IP and knowledge transfer provided as part of the deal is being actively used by the licensee and provides a significant advantage or benefit.

  • Best Spin-out

For a significant and successful spin-out. There must be evidence that the IP and knowledge transfer provided as part of the spin-out is actively used by the new venture and provides a significant advantage or benefit.

Award sponsored by IP Group Australia

IP Group logo
  • Research Commercialisation Professional of the Year

For the continued practice, support, growth, and advocacy of the profession. There must be evidence of a significant contribution by the nominated individual to the advancement of the profession, and demonstration of the nominee’s contribution to economic, social and/or environmental benefit.

Key dates

  • 23 July 2024 - Nominations open
  • 6 September 2024 - Nomination deadline (5pm AEST)
  • 3 October 2024 - Finalists announced
  • 16 October 2024 - Awards announced and presented at the Annual Conference Awards Dinner (sponsored by Philips Ormonde Fitzpatrick)
Apply or nominate now

Supporting documents

Questions?

For any questions about the KCA Awards, please email awards@techtransfer.org.au.