$30m in commercial grants for manufacturing


Joseph Brookes
Senior Reporter

Grants of up to $1 million are now available for Australian manufacturers looking to commercialise new manufacturing products and processes, through a new $30 million fund.

Industry Minister Karen Andrews said the Commercialisation Fund is in addition to the government’s $1.3 billion Modern Manufacturing Initiative, but part of the overall strategy unveiled in October last year.

Projects for the Commercialisation Fund must still fall within the government’s manufacturing priority areas of medical, food and beverage, resource and minerals technology, recycling and clean energy, defence, and space.

advanced manufacturing
Commercial boost: Money through the AMGC’s $30 million fund about to flow

Ms Andrews said the fund would help boost commercial outcomes in manufacturing research and capability.

“We know that by making our manufacturers more competitive and helping them to take on the world, we will create jobs for Australians – both for the COVID-19 recovery and for generations to come.”

Commercialisation Fund grants will be between $100,000 and $1 million and must be matched by the industry. Projects must also include collaboration with a research partner and at least one other industry partner.

Grants will be distributed through two rounds over 18 months starting with an initial $20 million round. The remaining money will be delivered in a subsequent round.

The Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre (AMGC) is managing the Commercialisation Fund in collaboration with the government’s other growth centres, as well as the CSIRO.

“For the past five years, AMGC has been working with our manufacturers to identify and support promising manufacturing projects,” AMGC managing director Jens Goennemann said.

“These projects have resulted in an uplift in jobs, skills and Australia’s global competitiveness and the latest round of funding will allow us to continue the good work.

“This funding supports AMGC’s vision to transform Australian manufacturing to be internationally competitive, dynamic and thriving, with advanced capabilities and skills at its core – in short, we want to help Australia move from being a lucky country to a smart one.”

Do you know more? Contact James Riley via Email.

Leave a Comment

Related stories