Grants in Aviation

The Defence and Research Teaming (DaRT) 2025 grant is a Western Australian Government initiative managed by the Defence Science Centre. It empowers defence personnel, academia and industry partners to collaborate on early-stage concepts within the Defence Capability Life Cycle. These projects must have participated in Exercise Western Dawn 2025 and align with defined innovation themes. Successful teams receive grants up to $200k to de‑risk technologies and mature ideas—ultimately enhancing ADF capability and building sovereign industry outcomes.

The AUKUS SME Readiness Fund is a competitive grant program administered by Defence West to support Western Australian small and medium enterprises in building the capacity and capability needed to secure work within the AUKUS supply chain. The program focuses on Pillar 1, which involves components for conventionally armed nuclear-powered submarines, and Pillar 2, which covers priority technologies such as artificial intelligence, robotics, quantum technologies, advanced cyber, and undersea capabilities.

This program supports Queensland SMEs to acquire recognised certification to help them participate in new or existing supply chains in the defence, aerospace and space industries. The Defence and Aerospace Industry Development Fund (DAID) has been established to support Queensland SMEs who are currently (or have previously) supplied to the defence, aerospace or space sectors, to acquire internationally recognised certification(s), which will assist them in undertaking new opportunities.

NSW MVP (Minimum Viable Product) Ventures Program is committed to supporting startups and innovative small and medium enterprises (SMEs) across the product lifecycle, bridging the gap between early-stage research and mature investment opportunities. The program offers grants designed to accelerate the commercialisation of highly innovative products or processes. The Program aims to: support businesses in increasing the commercialisation of innovative products and processes in NSW, and attract and retain commercialisation activities within the state. The Department of Enterprise, Investment and Trade will allocate up to $3 million annually for the Program until June 30, 2027.

The Ignite Ideas Fund offers funding for commercialising highly innovative products or services, at or beyond the minimum viable product stage. This fund serves as a companion program to the Advance Queensland Ignite Spark Program, which supports projects in advancing highly innovative products or services from prototype development through testing and validation to market readiness.

The Regional Airports Program aims to support the enhancement of aviation safety, accessibility and climate resilience. Up to $7.5 million in funding available for regional airports and aerodromes.

The Joint Strike Fighter Industry Support Program (JSF-ISP) Sustainment Grant offers funding opportunities to Australian businesses aiming to enhance their capabilities and secure contracts during the sustainment phase of the Joint Strike Fighter Program.

The JSF-ISP offers funding to Australian companies to develop or enhance capabilities that can improve their ability to win work in the production, sustainment, and modernisation phases of the Joint Strike Fighter Program.

The Industry Growth Program offers support to innovative small and medium enterprises (SMEs) engaged in commercialisation and/or growth projects within the priority areas of the National Reconstruction Fund (NRF). This program comprises Advisory Services and opportunities for matched grant funding. Businesses that have received Advisory Services through the program are eligible to apply for matched grant funding to enhance their projects.