Tracking the Industry Growth Program Outcomes.
Industry Growth Program Update
The Industry Growth Program (IGP) has quickly become one of Australia’s most in-demand innovation support initiatives. Since its launch in 2023, the program has awarded 96 grants totalling $143million to a range of SMEs — representing the allocation of just over 50% of the original funding pool.
This ‘halfway point’ provides a perfect moment to reflect on the outcomes and distribution of IGP grant funds to date. We’ve reviewed the available data and provided a detailed summary. The analysis highlights the urgency needed for any SMEs that are interested in the program but yet to apply, particularly given that grants can’t be accessed until an initial business advisory process is completed.
Strengthening Sovereign Capability: Inside Queensland’s $180 Million Industry Development Fund
The Queensland Government has launched the $180.6 million Sovereign Industry Development Fund (SIDF) to strengthen the state’s capacity to manufacture, supply and sustain key goods and services locally. The program supports strategic and catalytic projects in defence, biomedical and biofuels sectors to boost innovation, jobs and regional growth. To learn more read the full article here.
A National Conversation: Strategic Examination of Research and Development
The Australian Government Department of Industry, Science and Resources (DISR) has released a series of six Issues Papers written by the independent Strategic Examination of Research and Development (SERD) panel and follow analysis of a published discussion paper and public submissions feedback on how to maximise the value of existing investment in R&D, strengthen linkages between research and industry, support the achievement of national priorities, drive greater R&D investment by industry and boost innovation, and uplifting Australia’s overall R&D intensity.
R&D Tax Facts – 2025 Issue #4
Summary of the previous quarter of developments in the world of the R&D Tax Incentive (R&DTI) program.
What the Global Innovation Index Reveals About National and Industry Performance in R&D Progress and Potential
The World Intellectual Property Organization has released its 2025 Global Innovation Index, ranking 139 economies across 80+ indicators from R&D spending to VC activity and IP filings. This year’s theme, “Innovation at a Crossroads,” calls for smarter policy, deeper collaboration, and more inclusive growth.
Why Success Fees Don’t Belong in the R&D Tax Incentive
The R&D Tax Incentive is projected to reach $4.6B in public funding in 2026, and 86% of claimants rely on advisors to access it. That means our industry collectively helps steward almost $4B in taxpayer-funded innovation support each year. With that responsibility comes the need for practices that build confidence in the system, including clear and transparent fee models that align with the intent of the program.
Australia’s Next Research Infrastructure Roadmap: Highlights from the Issues Paper
The Australian Government has released the 2026 National Research Infrastructure Roadmap Issues Paper, setting priorities that will shape research investment over the next decade. This process will directly influence future MRFF and NHMRC infrastructure funding, with a strong focus on translation, digital capability, sovereign manufacturing and the research workforce.
Overview of the ‘Transforming Queensland Manufacturing Strategy 2025-30’
The State Government’s Transforming Queensland Manufacturing Strategy 2025–30 was recently announced and sets out a five-year roadmap to drive innovation, investment, and regional growth. We’ve summarised the key announcements and what it means for Queensland manufacturers of all sizes.
R&D Tax Incentive Expenditure: What's In & What's Out?
The R&D Tax Incentive (RDTI) program is a popular, broad-based funding program that covers a diverse range of industries and experimental work. It allows companies to offset certain costs incurred on eligible research and development activities each year. However, not all expenditure can be claimed, and there are a range of expenses that are excluded from being eligible R&D expenditure under the program.
Bringing Forward the R&D Tax Incentive and The Role of R&D Financing
For many Australian innovators, research and development is both the lifeblood of their business and one of its largest expenses. The R&D Tax Incentive (R&DTI) is designed to offset some of these costs, returning up to 48.5% of eligible expenditure to small and medium enterprises as a refundable tax offset. However, the timing of this refund can present a challenge. R&D financing has emerged as a way to address this timing gap.
Measuring Australia’s Manufacturing Innovation
Australia’s manufacturing sector has a proud history, quietly over-achieving in terms of R&D investment and innovation activity over many years.
In our latest analysis, we deep-dive into recent data from ABS reports and government programs to provide a snapshot on where Australia’s manufacturing sector currently stands in the face of emerging local and global challenges.
Updated R&D Tax Application Form
A significantly updated version of the R&D Tax Incentive (R&DTI) application form was officially released on 15 August 2025. The new form is now available (and is mandatory) when you are seeking to register your R&D activities via the R&DTI portal for FY25 and beyond.
Green Lights Ahead: How ARENA Can Fund Your Path to a Sustainable Future
Positioning Your Business for Grant Funding Success
Non‑dilutive funding can accelerate your innovation without giving up equity but navigating the grant landscape is tricky. A clear grant strategy helps you identify the right programs, prepare competitive applications, and avoid chasing grants that don’t fit.
R&D Tax Facts – 2025 Issue #3
Our R&D Tax Facts is a summary of important developments in the world of the R&D Tax Incentive (R&DTI) over the last 3 months.
Life Sciences R&D Tax Checklist
The R&D Tax Incentive is a vital source of funding for Australia’s life sciences sector, but getting it right requires careful planning and consideration. From grant interactions and IP cost eligibility to capital raises and foreign ownership, we’ve outlined 10 critical issues to think about before you lodge.
Insights from the 2025–26 Queensland State Government Budget
The Queensland Government’s 2025–26 Budget was handed down this week, representing the first Budget under the new Crisafulli LNP Government. We’ve prepared a sector by sector overview of what’s in store for your business.
What the Latest CSIRO Data Tells Us About Making Research Work for Business
Australia has long grappled with the so-called "commercialisation gap”, a persistent disconnect between the quality of our research and the extent to which it’s translated into economic impact. A new report from CSIRO provides an up to date picture of what outcomes can (and can’t) be expected from government programs designed to support it.
What the 2025 Election Means for Australian Business: Policy and Funding Highlights
From the $22.7B Future Made in Australia agenda to the promise of new funding for innovation, manufacturing, and SMEs, the re-election of the Albanese Labor government is expected to see a raft of programs and policies implemented to support Australian businesses. We've summarised what the next term has in store with a focus on the already announced support for its national industry priorities, as well as policies and programs that might further R&D and innovation.
R&D Tax: Excluded Activities
The R&D Tax Incentive expressly excludes certain activities from qualifying as ‘core R&D activities’. However, these excluded activities can still qualify as supporting R&D activities if a sufficient nexus to the conduct of the core R&D activity can be established. A recent Administrative Review Tribunal ruling has helpfully clarified that medical and health related research, even when involving behavioural aspects, is not excluded and is capable of being registered as an eligible core R&D activity.