In this episode, we take a practical look at the grants, incentives, and support programs that manufacturers can access in 2026. This isn't a boring deep dive into every scheme in detail, we step back and talk about the broader landscape, what is changing this year, and how businesses can use these opportunities to accelerate ther 2026 plans. 

We explore the trends we are seeing across federal and state programs, the increasing emphasis on R&D, innovation, clean tech, and capability building, and the difference between funding that helps you scale and funding that can distract you. We also share our experience on how to approach applications, where businesses often get stuck, and how to decide which programs actually make sense for your strategy. 

If you are mapping out your investment priorities for the year, this conversation will help you understand where the real opportunities are, how to think about timing and eligibility, and how to use support programs to drive meaningful progress rather than creating extra noise in the business. 

Useful Links

In this episode, we reference a range of grants, incentives, tax tools, and support programs that manufacturers can use to reduce risk and accelerate growth in 2026. You can explore more detail using the links below.

Manufacturing and Technology Funding

Made in Queensland Grant Program

https://www.business.qld.gov.au/industries/manufacturing/queensland-manufacturing/grants-assistance/made-in-queensland

Queensland Sovereign Industry Development Fund

https://www.statedevelopment.qld.gov.au/industry/industry-support/sovereign-industry-development-fund

Tasmania Advanced Manufacturing Productivity Grant

https://www.business.tas.gov.au/grants/advanced-manufacturing-productivity-grant

Industry Growth Program (IGP)

https://www.business.gov.au/grants-and-programs/industry-growth-program

National Reconstruction Fund (NRF)

https://nrf.gov.au

Research, Innovation, and R&D Support

AgriFutures Australia RD&E Investment Program

https://agrifutures.com.au/investment-and-funding/

CSIRO Innovate to Grow (free 8 week program)

https://www.csiro.au/en/work-with-us/funding-programs/SME/Innovate-to-Grow

CSIRO Kick-Start (matched R&D funding)

https://www.csiro.au/en/work-with-us/funding-programs/SME/CSIRO-Kick-Start

R&D Tax Incentive

https://www.business.gov.au/grants-and-programs/research-and-development-tax-incentive

Clean Tech and Energy Transition

ARENA Solar SunShot

https://arena.gov.au/programs/solar-sunshot/

Future Made in Australia Innovation Fund (ARENA)

https://arena.gov.au/programs/future-made-in-australia/

Victorian Circular Economy Recycling Modernisation Fund

https://www.vic.gov.au/circular-economy-recycling-modernisation-fund

Victorian Energy Upgrades for Business

https://www.energy.vic.gov.au/for-business/victorian-energy-upgrades-businesses

Skills, Workforce, and Capability

Victorian Digital Jobs Program

https://www.vic.gov.au/digital-jobs

Australian Government Wage Subsidies

https://www.workforceaustralia.gov.au/employers/wage-subsidies

Self Employment Assistance Program

https://www.workforceaustralia.gov.au/individuals/coaching/self-employment

Cost Reduction and Non Grant Support

Certain Inputs to Manufacture (CIM) Program

https://www.abf.gov.au/importing-exporting-and-manufacturing/manufacturing/certain-inputs-to-manufacture

Instant Asset Write Off

https://www.ato.gov.au/businesses-and-organisations/small-businesses-and-self-employed/concessions/instant-asset-write-off

Finding Grants and Getting Help

GrantConnect (Australian Government grants platform)

https://www.grants.gov.au

Business.gov.au Grants and Programs Finder

https://business.gov.au/grants-and-programs

AusIndustry Business Grants and Assistance Finder and Newsletter

https://www.industry.gov.au/science-technology-and-innovation/industry-innovation/ausindustry

In this episode of Manufacturing Tech Australia, we sit down with Murali Sastry to cut through the hype around AI and focus on what really matters for manufacturing. How AI can augment people, not replace them. 

We explore what vibe coding actually means in practice, and why it is opening the door for operators, engineers, and frontline workers to build dashboards, troubleshoot issues, and create job aids without waiting months for IT support. Murali shares real world examples from manufacturing and beyond, including learning in the flow of work, low risk augmentation use cases, and why human in the loop governance is critical. 

We also unpack the risks, from shadow IT to security and ownership, and discuss where AI should absolutely not be used in high-risk manufacturing environments. Murali finishes with clear, practical steps manufacturers can take tomorrow to get started safely, build capability, and create real ROI from AI. 

If you are navigating AI adoption in manufacturing and want a grounded, human-centred perspective, this episode is for you. 

Warehouses have not changed much in 20 to 30 years, and even when businesses look modern from the outside, the reality behind the scenes is often chaos, spreadsheets, and a heap of decisions operators never expected to be making. 

In this episode, we sit down with Rob O’Dea from ShelfBot to unpack the real industry blockers that stop warehouses from taking the first step into automation, including fear of massive projects, over-engineered solutions, and the “consultant trap” of trying to solve 100% of the problem all at once. 

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• Why complexity and integration risk (hello, SAP) can kill projects before they start 

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• The human reality of picking, including the 10 to 15 km a day many pickers walk 
• The hidden costs and safety risks people miss, including fire suppression and lithium-ion concerns 

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Marcus also shares powerful insights into the skills shortage, why the sector struggles to attract and retain talent, and how manufacturers can rethink engagement by hiring in cohorts and supporting slow retirement models. We also dig into emerging risks, strategic blind spots, shifting consumer markets, and how technology and AI will influence the sector over the next few years.

We sit down with Harry and Paul from Inturing to move past the AI buzzwords and get practical about automation in Australian manufacturing. We talk about the real opportunities, the common traps, and how to use AI as an enabler for better processes instead of chasing the latest shiny tool. 

We walk through how manufacturers can connect the dots between CRMs, ERPs, finance and project systems, and we look at simple ways to free people from low value admin so they can spend more time with customers and on strategy. From sales call transcription to purchase order processing and accounts receivable, we show how small, targeted automations can add up to serious savings and better cash flow.

Harry and Paul also share the mistakes they see all the time, why “AI first” thinking often backfires, and a simple way to get started without blowing the budget or creating a data security mess.

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• Why culture is about how we show up, not just what we say 

• The biggest mistakes leaders make when trying to build strong teams 

• What family-owned businesses often get right (and where they go wrong) 

• How to create clarity around purpose and priorities 

• What survival training teaches us about leadership and direction 

Mike has worked with everyone from founders to frontline teams, and his stories bring a fresh perspective on leadership in complex, competitive environments. If you’re trying to attract great people—or keep the good ones you’ve got—this episode is for you. 

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We explore how Dennis went from dreaming about motorbikes at age 14 to designing modular electric bikes with bold performance specs. He shares the story of navigating startup life, building a brand named after his family, and doing it all without the deep supply chains of Europe or Asia. 

We talk about product strategy, lessons from his time at Ford, and what it takes to push through doubt when the odds are stacked against you. If you’ve ever wondered what kind of grit and drive it takes to build something from nothing, this one’s for you. 

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In this episode of Manufacturing Tech Australia, we're joined by James Deck from Clevvi, a seasoned expert in digital transformation with over two decades of experience. James shares practical insights on overcoming common hurdles manufacturers face when leveraging data, including capturing the right data, ensuring data accuracy, and aligningdata-driven decisions with real business objectives. From eliminating data silos to the accessible technologies transforming small-to-medium manufacturing, James highlights how businesses can unlock significant productivity and profitability improvements. Discover what 'good' truly looks like when data meets manufacturing, and learn actionable steps to propel your business forward.

In this episode, we dive deep into Australia's booming MedTech sector with Zeno Helm from Schott MiniFab. Discover why Australia is uniquely positioned for advanced medical device manufacturing, how agile processes help navigate regulatory hurdles, and the exciting innovations happening right here in Melbourne. We discuss everything from diagnostic technologies to the importance of collaboration across the industry, providing practical advice for businesses looking to innovate and scale in a competitive global market.