Manufacturing and Automation Grants in Australia: Funding Your Robot Project
Queensland: Transforming Queensland Manufacturing Grants Program
The Transforming Queensland Manufacturing Grants Program (TQMGP) is the state's main grant for manufacturers buying advanced equipment. It has a $79.1 million commitment over three years and offers matched funding of $100,000 to $1.5 million to Queensland-based manufacturing SMEs investing in advanced manufacturing equipment. Half of all the funding is set aside for businesses in regional Queensland.
Round 1 opened in February 2026 and closed on 16 April 2026. Further rounds are expected over the life of the program, so now is a good time to plan a project and have quotes ready.
The program focuses on projects that lift productivity and competitiveness, drive digital and advanced manufacturing, strengthen sovereign capability and grow exports. Robotic welding, palletising, machine tending and automated production lines fit that description well.
Queensland: Made in Queensland
Made in Queensland (MIQ) has funded more than 150 manufacturing projects since 2017, with matched grants of $50,000 to $2.5 million for adopting industry-leading equipment and processes. Round 7 applications have closed, so check Business Queensland for any future rounds.
Federal: Industry Growth Program
The federal Industry Growth Program supports SMEs and startups that are commercialising new products, processes or services in national priority areas, which include advanced manufacturing and robotics. Businesses first go through the program's advisory service, then can apply for matched grants: $50,000 to $250,000 for early-stage projects and $100,000 to $5 million for commercialisation and growth.
This program suits businesses developing something new, such as a new product or an innovative process, rather than simply buying standard equipment.
Other states
New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia and Western Australia run their own manufacturing and productivity programs from time to time. The business.gov.au grants finder is the best place to check what's open in your state.
Typical eligibility
Rules vary by program, but most require you to:
Be a manufacturing business with an ABN, registered for GST.
Be a small or medium enterprise, often 5 to 200 employees.
Fund at least half the project yourself.
Not start the project or sign purchase orders before the grant is approved.
Show clear outcomes: jobs, productivity, exports or new capability.
That last-but-one point catches many businesses. Buying the robot first and applying later usually makes the project ineligible.
How to build a strong application
Start with a real project. A clearly defined automation project with a firm quote is far stronger than a general wish list.
Quantify the outcomes. Output per hour, jobs created or retained, export orders, work brought back from overseas.
Show you can fund your share. Finance approval or cash flow evidence.
Get a detailed quote. Itemised equipment, installation and training costs from a credible supplier.
Allow time. Assessment can take months, so line up delivery timelines accordingly.
How DPAC helps
DPAC Robotics & Automation provides detailed, itemised quotes, concept layouts, cycle times and productivity estimates for robotic welding, palletising and automation projects, the technical backbone a grant application needs. We're happy to work with you or your grant consultant to define a project that stacks up.
Planning to apply for the next round? Talk to us now so your quote and project scope are ready when applications open.
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