Manufacturing Tech Australia

In this episode, we take a practical look at the grants, incentives, and support programs that manufacturers can access in 2026. This isn't a boring deep dive into every scheme in detail, we step back and talk about the broader landscape, what is changing this year, and how businesses can use these opportunities to accelerate ther 2026 plans.  We explore the trends we are seeing across federal and state programs, the increasing emphasis on R&D, innovation, clean tech, and capability building, and the difference between funding that helps you scale and funding that can distract you. We also share our experience on how to approach applications, where businesses often get stuck, and how to decide which programs actually make sense for your strategy.  If you are mapping out your investment priorities for the year, this conversation will help you understand where the real opportunities are, how to think about timing and eligibility, and how to use support programs to drive meaningful progress rather than creating extra noise in the business.  Useful Links In this episode, we reference a range of grants, incentives, tax tools, and support programs that manufacturers can use to reduce risk and accelerate growth in 2026. You can explore more detail using the links below. Manufacturing and Technology Funding Made in Queensland Grant Program https://www.business.qld.gov.au/industries/manufacturing/queensland-manufacturing/grants-assistance/made-in-queensland Queensland Sovereign Industry Development Fund https://www.statedevelopment.qld.gov.au/industry/industry-support/sovereign-industry-development-fund Tasmania Advanced Manufacturing Productivity Grant https://www.business.tas.gov.au/grants/advanced-manufacturing-productivity-grant Industry Growth Program (IGP) https://www.business.gov.au/grants-and-programs/industry-growth-program National Reconstruction Fund (NRF) https://nrf.gov.au Research, Innovation, and R&D Support AgriFutures Australia RD&E Investment Program https://agrifutures.com.au/investment-and-funding/ CSIRO Innovate to Grow (free 8 week program) https://www.csiro.au/en/work-with-us/funding-programs/SME/Innovate-to-Grow CSIRO Kick-Start (matched R&D funding) https://www.csiro.au/en/work-with-us/funding-programs/SME/CSIRO-Kick-Start R&D Tax Incentive https://www.business.gov.au/grants-and-programs/research-and-development-tax-incentive Clean Tech and Energy Transition ARENA Solar SunShot https://arena.gov.au/programs/solar-sunshot/ Future Made in Australia Innovation Fund (ARENA) https://arena.gov.au/programs/future-made-in-australia/ Victorian Circular Economy Recycling Modernisation Fund https://www.vic.gov.au/circular-economy-recycling-modernisation-fund Victorian Energy Upgrades for Business https://www.energy.vic.gov.au/for-business/victorian-energy-upgrades-businesses Skills, Workforce, and Capability Victorian Digital Jobs Program https://www.vic.gov.au/digital-jobs Australian Government Wage Subsidies https://www.workforceaustralia.gov.au/employers/wage-subsidies Self Employment Assistance Program https://www.workforceaustralia.gov.au/individuals/coaching/self-employment Cost Reduction and Non Grant Support Certain Inputs to Manufacture (CIM) Program https://www.abf.gov.au/importing-exporting-and-manufacturing/manufacturing/certain-inputs-to-manufacture Instant Asset Write Off https://www.ato.gov.au/businesses-and-organisations/small-businesses-and-self-employed/concessions/instant-asset-write-off Finding Grants and Getting Help GrantConnect (Australian Government grants platform) https://www.grants.gov.au Business.gov.au Grants and Programs Finder https://business.gov.au/grants-and-programs AusIndustry Business Grants and Assistance Finder and Newsletter https://www.industry.gov.au/science-technology-and-innovation/industry-innovation/ausindustry