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Transforming Queensland Manufacturing Grants Program

  • $12.5 million available in Round 2
  • Grants between $100,000 and $1.5 million are available
  • Part of a three-year $79.1 million program delivering six rounds across 2026 to 2028
  • Round 2 applications close: 25 November 2026
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The Transforming Queensland Manufacturing Grants Program supports the Queensland Government's commitment to unlocking the full potential of the state's manufacturing industry by boosting innovation and creating high-value jobs.

Administered by the Department of Natural Resources and Mines, Manufacturing and Regional and Rural Development, the program provides funding to Queensland-based small to medium manufacturing enterprises to improve productivity and competitiveness through investment in advanced manufacturing equipment.

Round 2 delivers $12.5 million through a single-stage competitive process, with half the available funding reserved for projects located solely in Regional Queensland. Regional Queensland comprises all local government areas except Brisbane, Gold Coast, Ipswich, Logan, Sunshine Coast, Moreton Bay and Redlands.

The program supports projects that facilitate pathways for export opportunities, reshore or onshore manufacturing activity currently undertaken interstate or overseas, improve manufacturing productivity and competitiveness, and stimulate private sector investment and generate jobs.

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 robotics, automation and Industry 4.0 or 5.0 equipment

Equipment purchase, installation, commissioning and training including simulation or digital twin, advanced robotics or cobotics, equipment that automates existing processes, autonomous equipment, augmented or virtual reality equipment, and equipment promoting energy efficiency. Equipment should be integrated with existing systems, processes or workflow.

Sector-relevant technology, systems or processes
Introduction of Industry 4.0 or 5.0 technologies including big data, AI systems, digital connectivity, Internet of Things, digital twin, ERP systems, MES, MRP systems, carbon monitoring systems, sustainability management software, supply and value chain integration management systems, and Lean manufacturing activities including Lean audits, value stream mapping, error and downtime reduction and life cycle assessment. These must demonstrate a link to the manufacturing process rather than general business operations.

Associated project costs
Servers accommodating advanced systems and process connectivity, software licensing of up to 12 months where required to operate new equipment, training supporting implementation of new software or integrated technology, cybersecurity, and freight and infrastructure or electrical upgrades specific to the new equipment. Freight and electrical upgrades combined cannot exceed 10 per cent of equipment costs.

What companies are eligible for funding?

Eligible entities:

  • 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 a professional government grant writer consultant. Avant Group is Australia’s largest independent grants advisory firm. Find out more about our government grant writing and consulting service here. 

How can I get help understanding if I’m eligible for this grant? 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.