The Australian Government has announced $21.2 million in matched grant funding for 13 projects aimed at strengthening manufacturing capability, supporting small and medium enterprises and startups to commercialise new technologies through the Industry Growth Program.
According to the government, the funding will support projects aligned with national priority areas while helping businesses bring new manufacturing innovations to market.
Officials said the program is designed to assist emerging companies as they scale production and develop technologies with potential domestic and global applications.
Among the latest grants, Melbourne-based Xefco received $4,999,122 to manufacture its Ausora system and commercialise a process aimed at eliminating water and wastewater discharge from textile dyeing.
Textile manufacturing is typically water- and chemical-intensive, and the company says the technology is intended to reduce environmental impacts while offering a scalable solution for the global textile sector.
Lithium technology developer ElectraLith was awarded $2,105,746 to test a sustainable extraction and refining process for battery-grade lithium, with the funding supporting the establishment of a pilot test site.
Meanwhile, aerospace technology firm Mako secured $3,072,870 to develop in-house manufacturing for a shark-skin-inspired surface film designed to reduce drag on aircraft. The company says the product could reduce fuel consumption and emissions by up to four per cent.
Agricultural biotechnology company Number 8 Bio received $1,769,237 to expand manufacturing of BetterFeedPro, a feed supplement aimed at reducing methane emissions from livestock. The grant will also support field trials with beef and dairy operators.
Other projects include $1,055,758 for recycling technology developer Waglass to commercialise a new glass recycling process intended to divert up to 40,000 tonnes of additional waste from landfill each year.
Healthcare technology also featured among the recipients, with Eyeonic receiving $250,000 to enhance its artificial intelligence-powered glaucoma testing system designed for use outside traditional clinical settings. In addition, Smart Minds WA was awarded $249,620 to develop a blood-based diagnostic kit aimed at detecting early signs of Alzheimer’s disease.
The latest round of grants follows participation by applicants in the Industry Growth Program’s advisory service, through which more than 2,000 businesses have received guidance and tailored support aimed at helping them commercialise innovations and expand operations.
The government said businesses interested in innovating, scaling production and bringing new products to market can apply for the program’s advisory services and matched funding grants through business.gov.au.
