Grants in Defence

Early-stage commercialisation projects encompass the entire process, starting from feasibility studies and proof-of-concept development, all the way to producing and testing early prototypes in simulated or theoretical settings. The grants support projects and business activities aimed at validating the commercial potential of your innovative products, processes, or services.

The Defence Ready Initiative (DRI) aims to financially support SMEs in Western Australia engaged in the Defence sector, enhancing their business capability, capacity, and competitiveness. The goal is to enable these businesses to serve as suppliers for products, services, and works aligned with Defence requirements.

NSW MVP 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 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.

The 2024 Strategic Policy Grants Program's (SPGP) is designed to enhance public discourse on Australia's strategic landscape, foster stronger defence partnerships, and provide informed strategic policy recommendations to the Defence. Through the funding of independent initiatives, the SPGP seeks to delve into the core aspects of Defence's purpose, mission, and priorities. The 2024 SPGP is scheduled to take place over a duration of up to three years, commencing in July 2024 and concluding in June 2027.

The Advanced Manufacturing Ecosystem (AME) Fund's primary objective is to enhance advanced manufacturing capabilities, stimulate investment and productivity in the Northern Territory's advanced manufacturing sector, and bolster the number of advanced manufacturing jobs within the region. This funding opportunity is specifically tailored to small and medium-sized manufacturing enterprises seeking to advance their capabilities in the Northern Territory. Eligible businesses can access funding support of up to 50 percent of their project costs, with grant amounts ranging from $25,000 to $500,000.

The Industry R&D Infrastructure Fund will encourage businesses in Victoria to invest in new or improved R&D infrastructure to support the expansion of Victoria’s R&D capability across important industry sectors and increase company R&D spending. The funding with grants up to 50% of project costs, ranging from $250,000 to $2 million can benefit a business, an industry, or both. However, it must demonstrate how the project will increase Victoria’s business expenditure on R&D in the medium to long term.

The Defence Innovation Partnership Activator Fund intends to enable the State to initiate and participate in larger-scale innovation activities aligned with Defence's most pressing challenges. The Fund expects to have ongoing impacts on the South Australian innovation ecosystem by creating opportunities for follow-on investment from national and international R&D programs, spinoffs into the local industry and elevating local industry to supply into international defence/space programs.

The Australian Government's Defence Global Competitiveness Grants Program aims to build a strong, sustainable and globally competitive Australian defence industry by supporting eligible Australian Small to Medium Enterprises to build export capability.