Here’s a roundup of current grants and funding programs in 2025 that are suitable for advanced manufacturing or industrial robotics equipment to help you stay ahead.
Investing in automation, robotics, sensors, and smart manufacturing equipment is necessary, but those out of pocket costs can be high. Did you know there are numerous grant programs designed to reduce your risk, share the cost, and accelerate return on investment? For Australian small and medium sized business, the right grant can turn a 2–3 year payback into 12–24 months, opening doors to new markets and capabilities.
🌏 Australia-Wide Federal Grants
- Defence Industry Development Grants (DIDG) – Up to 50% matched funding for equipment and capability that supports Australia’s sovereign defence priorities. Perfect for high-precision robotics, metrology systems, and automation aligned to defence supply chains. Learn more
- Industry Growth Program (IGP) – Grants from $50,000 up to $5 million to help innovative SMEs commercialise and scale. Strong fit for robotics projects in advanced manufacturing, clean energy, and defence. Learn more
- Manufacturing Modernisation Fund (MMF) – Past rounds offered $100,000 to $1 million for modernisation projects (co-funding 25%). Keep this one on your radar for possible future rounds. Learn more
Why apply? Federal grants give you a national advantage, de-risking major equipment upgrades and positioning you as part of Australia’s priority industries.
🌞 Queensland
- Made in Queensland (MIQ) – Grants of $50,000 to $2.5 million, matched up to 50%. Supports robotics, automation, and Industry 4.0 upgrades to boost productivity. Learn more
- Manufacturing Hubs Grant Program (MHGP) – Grants from $10,000 to $500,000, also up to 50% matched funding. Available for regional manufacturers to adopt robotics, digital systems, and advanced tech. Learn more
Why apply? Queensland leads the way in supporting SMEs with large, practical grants that directly reduce the cost of new equipment.
🌿 New South Wales
- Innovative Manufacturing Adoption Fund – Supports NSW manufacturers to invest in advanced equipment and automation. Learn more
- Net Zero Manufacturing Initiative – Funding to modernise and decarbonise manufacturing, including low-emission production equipment. Learn more
Why apply? NSW grants encourage manufacturers to future-proof operations, with strong support for both innovation and sustainability.
🍇 South Australia
- Manufacturing Technology Adoption Program (MTAP) – Up to $50,000 in matched funding for SMEs adopting robotics, Industry 4.0, and automation. Learn more
Why apply? MTAP makes smaller automation projects viable by cutting your costs in half while boosting productivity and competitiveness.
☕ Victoria
- Made in Victoria – Manufacturing Growth Program – Past rounds offered matched grants for advanced equipment and technology adoption. New rounds are expected. Learn more
Why apply? Victoria’s programs back SMEs investing in productivity, new technology, and sustainable growth.
🌊 Western Australia
- Local Capability Fund & Industry Grants – WA offers targeted funding streams to build SME capacity in advanced manufacturing and supply chains. Learn more
Why apply? WA programs are often tied to resources and supply chains, making them a good fit for robotics and automation that improves capability.
🌲 Tasmania
- Advanced Manufacturing Accelerating Growth Grants – Support for SMEs investing in new equipment and productivity upgrades. Learn more
Why apply? Tailored for Tasmanian SMEs looking to modernise and compete nationally.
🏜️ Northern Territory
- Advanced Manufacturing Ecosystem Fund (AMEF) – Co-funding of 25–50% (from $25,000 up to $500,000+) for projects that build advanced manufacturing capability. Learn more
Why apply? Helps NT businesses add new robotics and smart equipment while sharing the upfront cost.
🏛️ Australian Capital Territory
- ICON & Prototype Voucher Programs – Smaller-scale innovation funding that can support equipment access, prototyping, and testing. Learn more
Why apply? Great for early-stage automation or prototyping projects in Canberra’s innovation ecosystem.
💡 These Grants Matter
Government grants slash your equipment costs, accelerate ROI, and give your robotics projects the backing of external validation. Whether it’s a half-million-dollar automation upgrade or a smaller technology adoption, these programs mean you don’t have to carry the full cost alone.
New grant rounds are opening up all time. Use these steps and keep up to date:
- Visit the links and bookmark the programs relevant to your state or sector.
- Check timing and rounds (some are open now, others closed but expected to reopen).
- Review eligibility, match requirements, and capex inclusion policies.
- Contact our team to help you assess which grants best suit your robotics or automation project, build your application strategy, and maximise your funding mix.
We’re keen to assist you from project scoping through to final grant agreement. If you’re ready to accelerate your robotics upgrade with government co-funding, please reach out
🔍 Notes & Tips for Use
- Match vs Reimbursement or Payment in Arrears: Most of these are matched-funding grants (you must contribute at least the same amount). Some reimburse you after milestones or expenditure. Always check the eligibility and payment conditions in the grant guidelines.
- Scope & Eligibility: Even when a grant allows equipment/robotics, it may require that the project also include systems integration, software, sustainability improvements, or productivity metrics.
- Timelines & Rounds: Many programs run in discrete rounds. For example, MIQ in QLD has just finished Stage 1 for Round 7. Don’t miss the opening windows.
- State Grants Depend on Location: Some grants only apply in regional or specific SA4 zones (e.g. MHGP in QLD). Always check whether your facility location is eligible.
✅ Want to Apply? Let Us Help
We love helping manufacturers access grants to transform their operations. If you’re considering a robotics or advanced manufacturing 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. 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.
📩 Contact Industrial Robotics today Click Here!
Phone 07 34173473
