Transforming Queensland Manufacturing Grants Program, Round 1

Round funding pool: $12.5 million (Round 1).
Per‑applicant cap: Funding up to $1,500,000 is available.

The Transforming Queensland Manufacturing Grants Program (TQMGP) supports Queensland manufacturers to adopt advanced technologies, boost innovation and create high‑value jobs. The three‑year, $79.1 million program runs across six competitive rounds, with Round 1 offering $12.5 million and closing on 16 April 2026 at 1pm AEST.

Eligible manufacturers can apply for matched funding (up to 50% of costs) between $100,000 and $1.5 million for advanced manufacturing equipment or integration software that improves productivity and competitiveness. Projects must align with objectives such as supporting export pathways, reshoring/ onshoring, and stimulating private investment and job creation.

The program is administered by the Department of Natural Resources and Mines, Manufacturing and Regional and Rural Development, with 50% of Round 1 funding allocated to regional Queensland. Applications follow a single‑stage competitive process, and payments are made in arrears. Successful applicants must sign a Grant Agreement, which may require security (e.g., bank guarantee or PPSR).

Assessment takes up to 16 weeks after closing, with 10 business days to accept an offer and up to three months to finalise grant arrangements.

Key Requirements

  • Facilitate export pathways. Projects should open or strengthen access to interstate and international markets for Queensland‑made products.
  • Reshore or onshore activity. Support returning manufacturing currently done interstate or overseas back into Queensland operations.
  • Lift productivity and competitiveness. Invest in advanced equipment and digital systems that materially improve productivity, quality, and cost performance.
  • Stimulate private investment and jobs. Projects should catalyse business co‑investment and generate or sustain skilled manufacturing employment.

What is eligible for funding?

 

  • Advanced equipment: robotics, automation, cobotics, autonomous equipment, energy‑efficient equipment, simulation or digital twin.
  • Systems and integration software: ERP, MRP, MES, big data, AI, IoT, digital twin; carbon monitoring, sustainability management, supply/value chain integration.
  • Process improvement: Lean initiatives, value stream mapping, error and downtime reduction.
  • Associated costs critical to delivery: servers, up to 12 months of required software licensing, training for implementation, freight, cybersecurity, and electrical upgrades specific to the new equipment (capped as per guidelines).

 

What companies are eligible for funding?

Eligible entities (must meet all):

  • Queensland‑based manufacturing SME with majority manufacturing turnover (ANZSIC Division C).
  • 5–200 FTE employees (with ≥5 FTE in Queensland) and operating in Queensland for ≥3 consecutive years.
  • Project site in Queensland and the manufacturing entity will own the equipment.
  • GST‑registered with an active ABN, financially able to co‑fund the project; payments are in arrears.
  • Request is for eligible items (advanced equipment and/or integration software) with valid quotes.
  • Not insolvent; not a government entity, statutory authority, charity, partnership or not‑for‑profit; and not concurrently delivering another active TQM project.
  • Cumulative cap across all rounds per group structure is $1.5m.

Other considerations: A Grant Agreement is required and may include security arrangements; confirm bank/financier accepts these before applying.

Is this grant competitive or entitlement based?

Competitive. Your application will be assessed among other applications by a judging panel.

How can I increase my chances of winning this grant?

By engaging an accredited government grants consultant, such as Avant Group.

Competitive grants often require significant business case development and project analysis to support the application, this may include detailed presentations supporting the project’s merit, projected sales, cost-benefit analysis and more.

As part of your engagement with Avant Group, your account manager will assess the required documents and will provide the following as needed to support your grant submission.

Grant application writeup including a detailed presentation illustrating how the grant funding will contribute to your project, how the funding will contribute to the project’s budget, a project milestone plan, delivery timeline, impact on employment if applicable and a breakdown of the management and leadership team for the project

  • Industry analysis presentation
  • Competitor Analysis Presentation
  • Marketing and Sales Analysis Presentation
  • 3-5 year Cashflow Forecast
  • 3-5 year Balance Sheet Forecast
  • Cost-Benefit Analysis of Grant Funding
  • End-to-end grant application including information collating, analysis and application writing
  • CAPEX (Capital Expenditure) cost-benefit analysis
  • Stakeholder relations and Risk Mitigation Plans
  • Any other relevant forecasting that will support your application

How can I get help with my application? Or know if I’m likely to win funding?

Avant Group offers a no-obligation assessment of your eligibility for funding and will assess your likelihood of a successful grant application.