Grants in Research & Development

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.

The Green Iron Investment Fund – National Development Stream supports early movers in establishing commercial-scale green iron production facilities across Australia. Its objectives are to de-risk early capital investments in green iron production, attract private investment into the industry, generate economic and employment benefits, and deliver community outcomes aligned with the Future Made in Australia Community Benefit Principles. The intended outcomes include transforming national, regional or local economies through the development of green iron capabilities, and contributing to emissions reduction across the steel value chain in line with Australia’s decarbonisation goals.

The Collaborative Research Grant (CRG) is a competitive funding initiative co-funded by the Western Australian Government and the Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG). It supports cross-disciplinary collaboration between WA-based industry and academic institutions to develop technologies that are relevant to Defence and aligned with national strategic priorities.

The Rural Financial Counselling Service (RFCS) offers free and independent financial counselling to eligible farmers, fishers, foresters, and small rural enterprises who are experiencing, or at risk of, financial hardship. The program is designed to support individuals and businesses in navigating financial challenges and building long-term resilience. Its core objective is to help clients transition out of immediate financial crisis, assess the viability of their business to make informed decisions about its future, and improve overall financial wellbeing. This is achieved through financial education, skill-building, and referrals to relevant professional services.

CRC-P Grants facilitate short-term research collaborations led by industry, effectively bridging the gap between researchers and industry. The initiative focuses on driving research and development efforts towards viable commercial applications.

ARENA is continuing its support for research and development (R&D) and commercialisation of Australian solar PV, with a new $60 million funding round to push innovation and take solar to ultra low-cost levels.

The NSW RNA Pipeline Grants (RPG) is a $6M, single round, competitive technology development and commercialisation program supporting RNA therapeutics, vaccines, and tech development.

Offers up to $500,000 in funding for later-stage projects that are closer to market and require support to scale or commercialise.