Investing in robotics? Automation, machine vision, advanced manufacturing equipment, and Industry 4.0 can deliver major productivity gains. But.. it pays to play smart when organising your upfront capital investment.
Fortunately, Australian manufacturers and tech businesses have support. Access a range of government grants, incentives, co-investment programs, and industry support schemes to unlock better return on investment.
The funding landscape in 2026 is broad but fragmented. Opportunities range from $2,000 innovation vouchers through to industrial grants worth $50 million, covering factory automation, advanced manufacturing, R&D, commercialisation, defence capability, industrial decarbonisation, mining technology and workforce development.
This guide brings together the major federal, state and territory opportunities relevant to Australian manufacturers, robotics companies, automation integrators, mining businesses and industrial technology developers. If you’re considering this kind of investment and want to:
- Check your eligibility
- Assess the funding mix (matched, reimbursement, etc.)
- Prepare a winning application
- Evaluate projected costs, ROI, and timelines
- Align your project to the grant’s criteria
…just reach out. Click Here. Our team is very happy to support you through the process, from concept to grant signing. Let’s upgrade your capability, reduce your financial load, and unlock next-level performance.
Mid Year applications closing soon: Several important programs close between 25 August and 11 September 2026, including major NSW manufacturing grants, WA exploration co-funding, NT business and innovation funding, Defence Industry Development Grants and SA PACE Minerals.
🌏 Australia-Wide Federal Funding
Defence Industry Development Grants – DIDG
Funding: Up to $1 million, depending on stream
Co-contribution: Generally up to 50% of eligible expenditure
Status: 🟢 Open in current batches
Key deadlines: 31 August, 30 September and 31 October 2026 depending on stream
Best for: Defence manufacturing, robotics, automation, autonomous systems, production equipment and skills
The Defence Industry Development Grants Program supports Australian defence SMEs and eligible industry organisations developing sovereign industrial capability.
Link https://business.gov.au/grants-and-programs/defence-industry-development-grants-program
There are four principal streams:
- Sovereign Industrial Priorities: up to $1 million
- Skilling: up to $250,000
- Exports: up to $250,000
- Security: up to $100,000
Current deadlines include 31 August 2026 for Sovereign Industrial Priorities and Security, 30 September for Skilling, and 31 October for Exports.
This is one of the strongest federal opportunities for defence manufacturers investing in manufacturing plant, automation, autonomous systems, MRO, munitions, shipbuilding and sustainment, land systems, testing and evaluation, or workforce capability.
🌏Powering the Regions Fund – Safeguard Transformation Stream Round 2
Funding: $500,000–$50 million
Government contribution: Up to 50%
Round funding: Approximately $321 million
Status: 🟢 Open
Final deadline: 6 May 2027
Best for: Major factories, smelters, mineral processors and energy-intensive industrial facilities
This is one of Australia’s largest currently available industrial transformation programs.
Link: https://business.gov.au/grants-and-programs/powering-the-regions-fund-safeguard-transformation-stream-round-2
It supports eligible trade-exposed Safeguard Mechanism facilities undertaking projects that reduce industrial emissions. Approximately $321 million is available through Round 2.
Eligible projects can involve technologies such as:
- process automation and controls
- electrification
- energy optimisation
- heat recovery
- low-emission production equipment
- associated workforce training.
For large industrial sites, automation doesn’t necessarily need to be the sole purpose of the project. Robotics, process control and intelligent equipment can form part of a broader plant transformation that materially reduces emissions.
🌏Future Made in Australia Innovation Fund
Funding: Priority-specific, with very large program pools
Status: 🟢 Open / ongoing while funding remains available
Best for: Renewable-energy manufacturing, green metals, low-carbon fuels and enabling supply chains
The Australian Renewable Energy Agency’s Future Made in Australia Innovation Fund is supporting pre-commercial innovation, demonstration and deployment in strategic industries.
Link: https://arena.gov.au/funding/future-made-in-australia-innovation-fund/
Initial allocations include:
- up to $200 million – Renewable Energy Technology Manufacturing
- up to $750 million – Green Metals
- up to $250 million – Low Carbon Liquid Fuels.
Low Carbon Liquid Fuels projects can seek between $1 million and $15 million.
Highly relevant where automation enables renewable-energy manufacturing, green-metals processing, low-emissions manufacturing, new production technology or industrial demonstration projects.
🌏ARENA Powering the Regions – Industrial Transformation Stream
Funding: Project-specific
Round 3 pool: $180 million
Broader program: $400 million
Status: Check current ARENA intake arrangements
Best for: Regional manufacturers and industrial decarbonisation
The Industrial Transformation Stream targets regional industrial facilities undertaking industrial decarbonisation projects.
Link: https://arena.gov.au/funding/powering-the-regions-industrial-transformation-stream/
Round 3 was launched with $180 million available under the broader $400 million program.
Relevant projects can include electrification, renewable heat, storage, process optimisation and associated automation. It is particularly relevant to regional manufacturers, mineral processors, food processors and other industrial facilities seeking to modernise energy-intensive operations.
🌏R&D Tax Incentive – R&DTI
Funding: Tax offset rather than a cash grant
Status: 🟢 Ongoing
Best for: Robotics R&D, machine vision, AI, autonomous systems, controls and new manufacturing processes
The R&D Tax Incentive remains one of Australia’s broadest ongoing support mechanisms for companies developing genuinely new industrial technology.
Link: https://business.gov.au/grants-and-programs/research-and-development-tax-incentive
Potentially eligible work includes:
- robotics
- machine vision
- control algorithms
- industrial AI
- autonomous systems
- new manufacturing methods
- advanced materials.
The activities must satisfy the statutory R&D tests.
For companies below $20 million aggregated turnover, the refundable R&D tax offset is currently the company’s corporate tax rate plus 18.5 percentage points.
Important
This is not an upfront robot or equipment grant. It supports qualifying R&D expenditure through the tax system.
R&D activities generally need to be registered within 10 months after the end of the relevant income year.
🌏Industry Growth Program – IGP
Early-stage commercialisation: $50,000–$250,000
Commercialisation and growth: $100,000–$5 million
Status: 🔴 Paused to new applications as at August 2026
Best for: Innovative Australian SMEs developing proprietary industrial technology
The Industry Growth Program targets innovative startups and SMEs undertaking commercialisation and growth projects in National Reconstruction Fund priority areas.
Projects must involve a genuinely innovative product, process or service rather than ordinary business expansion.
Link: https://business.gov.au/grants-and-programs/industry-growth-program
Why monitor it?
When available, the program is an excellent fit for Australian robotics, machine-vision, automation, industrial AI and advanced-manufacturing companies developing proprietary technology.
🌏Cooperative Research Centres Projects – CRC-P Grants
Funding: $100,000–$3 million
Funding model: Generally matched
Project duration: Up to three years
Status: 🟠 Latest round closed — monitor future rounds
Best for: Collaborative industrial R&D
CRC-P supports industry-led collaborations converting research into commercial outcomes.
Link: https://business.gov.au/grants-and-programs/cooperative-research-centres-projects-crcp-grants
A typical collaboration includes an SME lead, another Australian industry participant and an Australian research organisation.
Robotics opportunities
CRC-P is particularly well suited to collaborative projects involving:
- robotics
- autonomous mining
- sensing
- artificial intelligence
- advanced materials
- manufacturing cells
- university-industry technology pilots.
Round 19 closed in May 2026, with future rounds expected through the CRC program.
🌏Cooperative Research Centres Grants
Funding: Commonwealth support can cover up to 50% of eligible costs
Duration: Typically 3–10 years
Status: 🟠 Round 27 has progressed beyond initial applications; Round 28 expected in 2027
Best for: Large, sector-wide industrial research partnerships
CRC Grants are designed for substantial, long-term collaborations between Australian industry and research organisations.
Link: https://business.gov.au/grants-and-programs/cooperative-research-centres-crc-grants
Round 28 is expected in 2027 and is expected to include an AI Accelerator allocation while remaining open to other eligible disciplines and sectors.
Why it matters
This is more appropriate for major sector-scale robotics, automation, AI and advanced-manufacturing research partnerships than for an individual company’s equipment purchase.
🌏Australian Apprenticeships Incentive System
Funding: Employer incentives up to $5,000 for eligible Key Apprenticeship Program apprenticeships; Priority Hiring Incentive up to $2,500
Status: 🟢 Ongoing under current settings
Best for: Trades and technical workforce development
The program supports employers engaging eligible Australian apprentices in priority occupations and qualifications.
Get the Facts https://www.dewr.gov.au/australian-apprenticeships/resources/australian-apprenticeships-incentive-system-factsheet
Current 2026 settings include incentives of up to $5,000 for eligible apprenticeships and up to $2,500 under the Priority Hiring Incentive.
Why it matters
Factories expanding automation frequently need electricians, fitters, engineering tradespeople and other technical workers alongside the technology investment.
🌏Export Market Development Grants – EMDG
Funding: Indicative annual funding bands include $20,000–$80,000, depending on tier, with separate arrangements for representative bodies
Status: 🔴 Current round closed.. monitor next round
Best for: Australian robotics, machinery and mining-equipment exporters
EMDG assists eligible Australian SME exporters with international marketing, promotion and export-market development.
Link https://www.austrade.gov.au/en/how-we-can-help-you/grants/export-market-development-grants
Why it matters
It can be valuable to Australian robotics integrators, machinery manufacturers and mining-equipment suppliers expanding internationally ..but it does not fund the factory automation itself.
🌿 New South Wales
NSW currently has some of Australia’s largest state-level manufacturing grants, particularly through its Net Zero Manufacturing Initiative.
Clean Technology Innovation Grant
Funding: $500,000–$5 million
Government contribution: Up to 50%
Status: 🟢 Open
Deadline: 8 September 2026, noon AEST
Best for: Clean-tech robotics, industrial automation, pilots and demonstrations
Eligible projects can include technology development, prototypes, testing infrastructure, demonstration, deployment, FEED and feasibility work. Projects generally need to be at TRL 6–9 and below CRI 4.
Robotics fit
Very strong where robotics or automation materially enables industrial emissions reduction, smart energy use, clean manufacturing or clean-tech production.
🌿 Low Carbon Product Manufacturing Grant
Funding: $5 million–$30 million
Government contribution: Up to 50%
Status: 🟢 Open
Deadline: 25 August 2026, noon AEST
This supports new or expanded commercial-scale NSW manufacturing facilities producing eligible low-carbon products.
Applicants require a viable commercial strategy and at least 50 per cent of funding from non-NSW Government sources.
Robotics fit
Exceptional for major factories where robotics, automated production, process control and material handling form part of a new low-carbon manufacturing facility.
🌿 Renewable Manufacturing Grant
Funding: $5 million–$30 million
Government contribution: Up to 50%
Total program: Up to $100 million
Status: 🟢 Open
Deadline: 25 August 2026, noon AEST
The program supports new or expanded NSW manufacturing capacity for components used in grid-scale renewable generation, energy storage and transmission.
Robotics fit
A high-value opportunity for automated production lines and manufacturers supplying Australia’s renewable-energy equipment supply chain.
🌿 Emerging Technology Commercialisation Fund – ETCF 2026
Funding: $500,000–$2 million
Status: 🔴 Latest round closed 29 April 2026
Best for: Robotics startups, autonomous systems, sensing and advanced manufacturing
ETCF supports NSW companies progressing physical technology and product prototypes through approximately TRL 3–7.
Eligible work can include prototyping, product development, piloting, manufacturing and scaling, and specialist equipment.
The funding is structured as a repayable grant subject to defined commercial-success conditions.
Why monitor it?
It is an excellent future-round opportunity for robotics hardware, autonomous systems, sensing and advanced-manufacturing startups.
☕ Victoria
Digital Jobs Program
Funding: Fully funded training rather than a cash grant
Status: 🟢 Ongoing / Round 3 applications open
Best for: AI, CAD/CAM, digital manufacturing and Industry 4.0 skills
Victorian advanced-manufacturing and construction businesses can access digital training for leaders and employees.
Link https://business.vic.gov.au/grants-and-programs/digital-jobs-program
Training areas include:
- AI and machine learning
- CAD/CAM
- cybersecurity
- data analytics
- emerging technologies
- related digital skills.
Round 3 applications are open, with training commencing from August 2026.
Why it matters
It is an excellent workforce-development option for companies implementing automation and Industry 4.0 technology.
☕ EnergyTech Market Ready Support 2026
Funding: Six grants of $50,000
Status: 🔴 Closed 14 August 2026
Best for: Energy-management technology, sensors, controls and electrification
The program supports Victorian EnergyTech startups undertaking short commercialisation projects with measurable market outcomes.
EMRS https://www.vic.gov.au/energytech-market-ready-support-emrs-2026
It is relevant to suppliers developing industrial energy-management, automation, sensing, control and electrification technologies.
☕ Made in Victoria – Industry R&D Infrastructure Fund
Funding: Latest structure approximately $250,000–$2 million matched
Program: $15 million initiative
Status: 🔴 Latest competitive round concluded
Best for: R&D infrastructure, testing rigs, prototyping and advanced manufacturing equipment
The fund has supported Victorian companies investing in new or enhanced R&D infrastructure.
Why monitor it? https://business.vic.gov.au/grants-and-programs/industry-r-d-infrastructure-fund
A future round would be highly relevant to R&D cells, testing rigs, prototyping facilities, advanced equipment and shared manufacturing R&D infrastructure.
☕Skills Solutions Partnerships Round 3
Status: 🔴 EOI closed
Latest funding: Four projects funded with $1.2 million total
Best for: Industry-designed automation, AI and advanced-manufacturing training
The program connects industry partners with TAFEs or dual-sector universities to develop and pilot short courses and on-the-job training for priority sectors.
It remains a worthwhile future-round watch for robotics, AI, batteries and advanced-manufacturing workforce development.
Link: https://business.vic.gov.au/grants-and-programs/skills-solutions-partnerships-round-3
🌞 Queensland
Transforming Queensland Manufacturing Grants Program
Program funding: $79.1 million over three years
Rounds: Six competitive rounds
Round 1 funding: Up to $1.5 million matched
Status: 🟠 Round 1 closed; Round 2 announced as “open soon” on the reviewed official page
Best for: Robot cells, automation, Industry 4.0 and production upgrades
The program supports Queensland manufacturers undertaking projects that increase innovation, advanced-technology adoption, productivity, competitiveness and jobs.
The Queensland Government intends to run approximately one new round every six months.
Read more https://industrial-robotics.com.au/news/transforming-queensland-manufacturing-grants-tqmgp/
Important
Round 2 terms should not be assumed to match Round 1 until the new guidelines are published
Robotics fit
Excellent. The program directly aligns with robot cells, automation, Industry 4.0 plant and production upgrades.
🌞Ignite Ideas Fund
Funding:
Tier 1: Up to $100,000
Tier 2: More than $100,000 to $200,000
Status: 🔴 Current applications closed
Best for: Robotics OEMs, industrial software, sensing, AI and mining technology
Applicants are Queensland-headquartered innovative SMEs with no more than 50 FTEs and a product or service at MVP stage or beyond.
Cash co-contribution requirements apply.
Link https://innovation.qld.gov.au/grants-and-programs/ignite-ideas-fund
A future round would be highly relevant to proprietary robotics and automation technology companies moving towards commercialisation.
🌞Business Growth Fund
Latest funding: $50,000–$75,000
Co-investment: Applicant at least 50% of total project cost
Status: 🔴 Latest round closed
Best for: SME automation equipment and production machinery
The program supports high-growth small and family businesses purchasing specialised equipment to improve productivity, efficiency and growth.
Why monitor it? https://www.business.qld.gov.au/running-business/support-services/financial/grants/growth-fund
The BGF is one of Queensland’s strongest future-round prospects for SMEs wanting to invest directly in automation equipment and production machinery. Not to be confused with the BFG.
🌞Skills and Workforce Development Subsidy – Manufacturing Skills Queensland
Support: $2,000 worth of specialist workforce and HR assistance
Status: 🟢 Available to eligible small Queensland manufacturers
Best for: Workforce planning, skills development, recruitment, onboarding and preparing employees for automation
Manufacturing Skills Queensland’s Skills and Workforce Development Subsidy gives eligible small Queensland manufacturers access to $2,000 worth of specialist workforce support. The assistance is delivered through pre-approved specialists and is aligned with a workforce plan developed with an MSQ Industry Workforce Advisor.
Support can include training and skills-development plans, employee onboarding and development programs, performance-management frameworks, workforce retention and engagement strategies, recruitment planning, position descriptions, workplace policies and business-owner coaching.
Why it matters for robotics
While the subsidy does not fund robotics equipment directly, it can help manufacturers prepare their workforce for automation, digitisation and new production methods. This may include identifying future skills requirements, developing existing employees for higher-value roles and establishing the workforce structures needed to get more value from a technology investment.
Read more here https://industrial-robotics.com.au/news/msq-subsidy/
🌞Catalyst Manufacturing Benchmark Program
Funding: Fully subsidised – no participant cost
Status: 🟢 Ongoing EOI
Best for: Manufacturers planning an automation or productivity investment
Queensland manufacturers receive performance benchmarking, tailored reporting, action planning and follow-on government support.
It isn’t a cash grant, but it can be an excellent first step for identifying production bottlenecks and building the business case for automation.
🍇 South Australia
PACE Minerals
Funding: Up to $350,000 per proposal
Government contribution: Up to 50% of eligible direct costs
Status: 🟢 Open
Deadline: 11 September 2026, 11:59pm ACST
PACE Minerals supports exploration drilling, geophysical and geochemical work, remote sensing, spatial analytics, groundwater projects and research or technology collaboration accelerating mineral discovery.
Link https://energymining.sa.gov.au/industry/minerals-and-mining/pace-minerals
Robotics and mining-tech fit
Excellent for exploration technology, analytics, sensing and related mining technology. Further annual rounds are planned through FY2029 to 2030.
🍇Manufacturing Technology Adoption Program – MTAP
Funding: Up to $50,000 matched 1:1
Status: 🔴 Latest round closed
Best for: Robotics and Industry 4.0 adoption
MTAP is one of the most directly robotics-aligned manufacturing grants in Australia.
Link https://statedevelopment.sa.gov.au/manufacturing/technology-adoption-program
Eligible technology includes:
- robotics and automation
- AI
- machine learning and data analytics
- IIoT
- additive manufacturing
- AR/VR
- advanced composites
- photonics
- quantum technologies.
Round 2 closed in September 2025, but this program deserves close monitoring for another round.
🍇Manufacturing Growth Accelerator
Funding: Project/program specific
Broader investment: $4 million
Status: Program-based support
Best for: Advanced-manufacturing technology adoption and technical validation
Delivered with Flinders University’s Factory of the Future, the Manufacturing Growth Accelerator assists SA manufacturing SMEs through demonstrations, tailored technology-adoption support and applied research.
Link https://statedevelopment.sa.gov.au/manufacturing/manufacturing-growth-accelerator
Robotics fit
Very strong where a manufacturer needs technical validation, research collaboration or expert assistance before implementing automation or another advanced manufacturing technology.
🍇Powering Business Grants
Latest funding: $2,500–$75,000
Latest program pool: $20 million
Status: 🔴 Latest round closed
Best for: Energy-efficient industrial equipment, motors, drives and controls
The latest round supported eligible SMEs and organisations investing in energy-efficient equipment and process improvements.
Link https://business.sa.gov.au/programs/powering-business-grants
A future round could be useful for energy-efficient motors, drives, controls and other factory efficiency upgrades.
🌊 Western Australia
Exploration Incentive Scheme – Co-funded Drilling Round 34
Funding: Competitive category-specific co-funding
Status: 🟢 Open
Deadline: 28 August 2026, 4pm AWST
EIS budget: $18 million per year
The program supports innovative mineral and energy exploration drilling in greenfield, under-explored and eligible brownfield areas.
Robotics and mining-tech fit
Important to drilling, sensing, autonomous equipment and mining-services supply chains.
🌊Local Capability Fund – Digital Transformation Round
Funding:
Stream 1: Up to $25,000
Stream 2: Up to $50,000
Contribution: Up to 50% of eligible costs
Status: 🔴 Closed / program under review
Best for: Robotics, IoT, predictive maintenance and digital transformation
The advanced-technology stream has specifically covered:
- additive manufacturing
- IoT warehousing
- predictive maintenance
- robotics
- automation.
Link https://www.wa.gov.au/government/publications/local-capability-fund-digital-transformation-round
This is one of WA’s strongest programs to monitor for manufacturers and industrial supply-chain SMEs.
🌊Innovation Booster Grant
Funding: Up to $50,000
Status: 🔴 2026 applications closed
Best for: Robotics startups, mining technology and industrial software
The program supports early-stage WA founders and innovation-driven SMEs undertaking activities such as MVP testing, validation, certification, specialist expertise and technical problem-solving.
Link https://business.gov.au/grants-and-programs/innovation-booster-grant-wa
🌊Made in WA Energy Affordability Investment Program
Funding: Proposed low-interest loans up to $15 million
Overall commitment: $153.3 million
Status: 🟠 Program design being finalised at review date
Best for: Energy-efficient infrastructure and advanced manufacturing equipment
This is finance rather than a grant, but it deserves attention because advanced-manufacturing equipment is expressly within scope.
🌊Clean Energy Future Fund
Latest funding: $100,000–$4 million
Contribution: Generally up to 25% of eligible project cost
Status: 🔴 Round 4 closed
Best for: Factory electrification, industrial energy technology and clean manufacturing
The program has targeted clean-energy and emissions-reduction projects including industrial decarbonisation, mineral value-adding and manufacturing energy productivity.
It remains a strong future-round opportunity for industrial energy and clean-manufacturing projects.
Link https://www.wa.gov.au/service/environment/environment-information-services/clean-energy-future-fund
🌲 Tasmania
Industry Partnerships Program 2026
Funding: $500–$250,000
Status: 🟢 Open
Deadline: 31 December 2026 or until funding is allocated
Best for: Industry-led automation and technical workforce training
Eligible organisations can collaborate on training initiatives addressing Tasmanian industry and workforce needs.
This is particularly valuable for manufacturing and automation partnerships seeking customised technical training rather than machinery funding.
Link https://www.skills.tas.gov.au/funding/industry_prtnerships_program
🌲Advanced Manufacturing Productivity Grant Program
Funding: $1,500–$20,000, with the financial-year cap potentially reaching $40,000 across two distinct projects
Co-contribution: 50:50
Status: 🔴 Latest round closed
Best for: Automation planning, productivity and capability development
The program supports advanced manufacturers undertaking productivity-enhancing activities including expert advice, accreditation and staff or business capability development.
It remains a useful future-round opportunity for automation planning, certification and workforce capability.
Link https://business.gov.au/grants-and-programs/advanced-manufacturing-productivity-grant-tas
🌲Exploration Drilling Grant Initiative – EDGI
Latest funding: Up to $100,000 for drilling, plus up to $20,000 helicopter support where applicable
Status: 🔴 Round 12 closed; initiative funded through 2028
Best for: Mining and exploration technology
Round 12 awarded $540,000 across five projects. Because the initiative is funded through 2028, it remains an important recurring mining-sector opportunity.
Link https://www.mrt.tas.gov.au/exploration/exploration_drilling_grant_initiative_edgi_results
🌲Apprentice and Trainee Training Fund
Funding: Depends on training arrangements
Status: 🟢 Current program period through 31 December 2026
Funding is primarily directed through eligible RTOs to subsidise approved apprenticeship and traineeship training, assessment and support.
It can indirectly support manufacturers developing the skilled workforce required for automation and advanced production.
Link https://www.skills.tas.gov.au/funding/2026-apprentice-and-trainee-training-fund
🏛️ Australian Capital Territory
Innovation Connect – ICON
Funding: $10,000–$30,000 matched
Status: 🟢 2026 program active; check current closing date
Best for: Early-stage robotics and hardware companies
ICON supports early-stage Canberra entrepreneurs and startups undertaking market testing, prototype development, proof-of-concept work, technical and commercial feasibility, IP work and related commercialisation.
Robotics fit
Very good for prototype robotics, autonomous systems, sensors and industrial technology validation.
Link https://cbrin.com.au/programs/icon
🏛️ACT Prototype Voucher Pilot
Support: $10,000 worth of access to specialised prototyping equipment, facilities and expert advice
Status: Check current intake
Best for: Robotics hardware and physical prototyping
The voucher helps early-stage entrepreneurs and businesses gain access to specialised prototyping facilities and expertise.
Robotics fit
Excellent for mechatronics, fixtures, enclosures, proof-of-concept machinery and other hardware where specialised equipment would otherwise be expensive to access.
Link https://cbrin.com.au/programs/pvp
🏛️Sustainable Business Program
Support: Up to $13,000 in rebates
Status: Check current eligibility
Best for: Factory and workshop energy upgrades
Support can include up to $10,000 for eligible energy or water efficiency measures and up to $3,000 for an eligible EV charger.
This is more relevant to the facility around the production equipment than to purchasing robots themselves.
Link https://www.climatechoices.act.gov.au/policy-programs/sustainable-business-program
🏛️Energy Innovation Fund
Technology Demonstration: up to $10 million
Policy Challenge: $3.75 million
Innovation Ecosystem: $3.25 million
Status: Project/focus-area dependent
Best for: Industrial electrification, controls, storage and energy technology
These figures represent program envelopes rather than standard grants to individual applicants.
Potential applications include smart energy, industrial electrification, controls, storage and commercialisation of energy-related hardware.
Link https://www.climatechoices.act.gov.au/policy-programs/energy-innovation-fund
🏜️ Northern Territory
Ignite Program
Stream A: $2,000 voucher plus mentoring
Stream B: Up to $15,000
Status: 🟢 Open
Round 1 deadline: 7 September 2026
Best for: Early-stage robotics, mining technology, sensing and industrial software
The program supports NT businesses developing innovative products, services, processes, technologies or business models.
Stream B supports validated concepts progressing towards MVP and commercialisation.
Robotics fit
Good for smaller robotics, automation, mining-tech, sensing and industrial-software ventures at an early commercialisation stage.
Link: https://nt.gov.au/industry/business-grants-funding/ignite-program
🏜️Business Growth Program
Funding: $2,000–$10,000
Support: 50% of eligible approved-provider costs
Status: 🟢 Open
Current deadline: 30 August 2026
Eligible Territory enterprises can receive support for approved professional services and systems designed to improve business performance, sustainability and profitability.
Robotics fit
Potential uses include automation strategy, process improvement, productivity consulting and digital-transformation advice, subject to provider and activity eligibility.
Link https://business.gov.au/grants-and-programs/business-growth-programs-nt
🏜️Geophysics and Drilling Collaborations – GDC
Latest co-funding: Up to 50%, with activity caps of approximately $50,000–$200,000
Status: 🔴 Round 19 closed; recurring program
Best for: Mining and exploration technology
The program supports mineral exploration proposals involving drilling, geophysics and eligible innovative exploration activities.
Round 19 closed in April 2026, but the broader Resourcing the Territory program operates on an ongoing annual basis, making future rounds worth monitoring.
Link https://dme.nt.gov.au/geoscience/geophysics-and-drilling-collaborations-programs
🏜️Skills NT Grant
Funding: Project-dependent
Program window: Through 30 December 2028
Best for: Industry-led technical and automation skills development
The program supports eligible RTOs, peak bodies and associations delivering upskilling, reskilling, apprenticeship innovation and workforce initiatives for high-demand industries.
It can provide an indirect pathway for developing robotics, automation and technical workforce capability.
Link https://business.gov.au/grants-and-programs/skills-nt-grant
⚠️ Before You Order Equipment
This is important.
Do not assume you can order a robot, pay a deposit, or begin your project and then claim the grant afterwards.
Many competitive government programs exclude retrospective expenditure or require an executed funding agreement before expenditure becomes eligible. Every program has different commencement rules.
Also check whether assistance is actually a cash grant. Instead some programs provide:
- tax offsets
- subsidised consulting
- training
- vouchers
- access to facilities
- concessional finance
📅 Grants Closing Soon
If you’re considering a project now, these are some of the most important dates to put in your calendar:
💡 Turn Government Funding Into an Automation Investment
There is no single Australian Government grant that simply pays for any business to “buy a robot”.
But there are many funding pathways where robotics and automation can form an important part of a broader project — improving manufacturing capability, developing proprietary technology, reducing emissions, building defence capability, commercialising innovation or strengthening the industrial workforce.
The key is matching your project, location, business and expenditure to the right program.
Before applying:
- Check whether the program is currently open.
- Confirm your business and project meet the eligibility criteria.
- Check the required cash co-contribution.
- Confirm whether equipment and integration costs are eligible.
- Check whether expenditure can begin before approval.
- Build the productivity, innovation, emissions or capability case required by the program.
- Check the official guidelines again immediately before committing expenditure.
Funding rounds can open, close or exhaust their allocations quickly. This guide was reviewed as at 17 August 2026, so always confirm the live status with the relevant government agency before proceeding.
Want to discuss your robotics project?
If you’re considering investing in robotics, automation, machine vision or advanced manufacturing equipment, contact Industrial Robotics to discuss your application and the technology required for your project.
The right combination of automation, project planning and available government support can substantially change the economics of an advanced-manufacturing investment.
Phone 07 34173473
