Grant Expectations: Recently announced grants and funding policies to have on your radar
For Australian businesses innovating and commercialising in medical research, manufacturing and clean technology, there are several funding opportunities currently open, with further programs and policy developments worth preparing for.
Considering non-dilutive funding during project development can provide more flexibility to align project timing, expenditure and partnerships with available programs.
Open now
1. Transforming Queensland Manufacturing Grants Program - Round 2
Round 2 of the Queensland Government’s Transforming Queensland Manufacturing Grants Program (TQMGP) is open, with $12.5 million available to support technology and capability investments by Queensland manufacturers.
Eligible manufacturing SMEs can apply for matched grants of $100,000 to $1.5 million, covering up to 50% of eligible project costs for advanced manufacturing equipment and software.
Applications close 1pm on 25 November 2026.
2. NSW Innovative Manufacturing Adoption Fund
The NSW Government’s $6 million Innovative Manufacturing Adoption Fund supports manufacturers adopting advanced manufacturing technologies.
Stage 1 offers matched grants of $10,000 to $50,000 for feasibility studies, business cases, pilot projects and technology assessments. Eligible applicants generally need a NSW manufacturing facility, annual turnover of at least $1 million and 10-100 FTE staff.
Applications close 5pm on 6 October 2026.
3. AMGC SME Industrial Decarbonisation Fund
The AMGC SME Industrial Decarbonisation Fund supports Australian SME manufacturers replacing fossil fuel powered industrial processes with electrified or lower emissions alternatives.
The $10 million fund supports projects of $400,000 to $1 million, with AMGC contributing up to 50% of eligible project costs. Priority areas include surface treatment, process steam and metals processing.
Applications remain open until 31 December 2027 or until funding is exhausted.
4. ARENA Launchpad - Startup Funding Round
ARENA Launchpad is a new $30 million program supporting early stage clean energy startups to build the technical and commercial readiness of emerging technologies.
The Startup Funding Round has up to $15 million available, with grants of $500,000 and up to a further $500,000 for projects involving significant capital expenditure.
Applications close 4pm AEDT on 28 October 2026.
5. Biointelect Venturer - Round 2
Biointelect Venturer Round 2 provides non-dilutive funding and commercialisation support for Australian innovators developing technologies to prevent infectious diseases.
Projects at TRL 3-4 can receive up to $1.5 million, while projects at TRL 5-6 can receive up to $3 million. Funding can support product development, manufacturing, regulatory strategy, early-phase clinical studies and commercialisation.
Eligible technologies include prophylactic vaccines, preventative therapeutics and vaccine platform or enabling technologies. Applicants must generally be Australian SMEs with fewer than 200 employees, although eligible university and medical research institute researchers may also apply.
Expressions of Interest close 16 October 2026.
Upcoming opportunities
6. Cooperative Research Centres Projects - Round 20
The Cooperative Research Centres Projects (CRC-P) program provides matched funding for short-term, industry-led collaborative R&D.
Grants of $100,000 to $3 million are available for projects of up to three years, led by an Australian SME with industry and research partners. Round 20 is expected to open November 2026, making now a useful time to develop project scope, partnerships, IP arrangements and budgets.
7. Export Market Development Grants - Round 5
The Export Market Development Grants (EMDG) program supports Australian SMEs undertaking marketing and promotional activities to enter, expand within or diversify into overseas markets.
Round 4 is closed and Austrade has advised that timing and settings for the next round are still to be confirmed with the expectation being late 2026 or early 2027. Businesses considering export growth can use this period to prepare their export strategy, target-market rationale and planned expenditure.
8. MRFF - 2026 Clinical Trials Activity
The Medical Research Future Fund’s Clinical Trials Activity initiative supports Australian clinical research and improved access to clinical trials.
The broader initiative provides $750 million over 10 years from 2024-25, including support for rare cancers, rare diseases, unmet clinical needs and international investigator led trials. The 2026 Clinical Trials Activity opportunity is forecast for Quarter 3 of 2026.
Funding Policy Developments
New South Wales - $150 million Science and Innovation Fund
The NSW Government has announced a new $150 million Science and Innovation Fund aimed at improving research commercialisation and links between universities, industry, investors and government.
The fund is scheduled to begin operating from 1 July 2027, initially co-investing with NSW public universities before expanding across the broader innovation ecosystem.
Horizon Europe
Australia and the European Commission concluded negotiations in June 2026 for Australia to associate with Pillar II of Horizon Europe from 2027, subject to completion of the treaty process.
Association would allow eligible Australian organisations to access Pillar II funding and participate in or lead international research consortia across areas including health, climate and energy, digital technologies, industry, space, food and bioeconomy.
What should innovative businesses be doing now?
The current funding landscape spans capital investment, technology adoption, decarbonisation, collaborative R&D, clinical development, export growth and commercialisation. Businesses considering significant projects over the next 12-24 months should review their pipeline early to identify activities that could align with current or upcoming funding opportunities.
At Intellect Labs, we work with innovative Australian businesses to map available government funding opportunities, assess project and eligibility alignment, and manage competitive grant applications. If your business is considering a technology, R&D, manufacturing, commercialisation, decarbonisation or growth project and would like to understand which programs may be relevant, please reach out.
