South Australian manufacturers are being encouraged to adopt advanced technologies through a $1 million State Government grant program designed to boost local competitiveness and efficiency.
The Manufacturing Technology Adoption Program (MTAP), delivered through the Department of State Development’s Research and Innovation Fund, is aimed at helping small and medium-sized manufacturers offset upfront costs when integrating innovative technologies.
According to the South Australian Government, the initiative is intended to support businesses in improving productivity and strengthening their ability to compete in both domestic and global markets.
Officials said adopting technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning and additive manufacturing is key to ensuring local firms can streamline operations, enhance sustainability and create growth opportunities.
In the first round of funding earlier this year, the State Government awarded almost $500,000 across 10 South Australian businesses.
Among the recipients was satellite technology company Inovor Technologies, based at Lot Fourteen, which is using the grant to construct the Helmholtz Cage, a device to test satellite instruments in a uniform magnetic field.
“As we expand into building more larger and complex spacecraft, strengthening our in-house testing capabilities is critical,” said Dr Zebb Prime, Inovor Technologies Manager – Mechanical and Modelling and Simulation Engineering.
“The Helmholtz Cage will allow us to conduct rigorous tests on a larger scale, improving both reliability and efficiency. This investment directly supports our mission to deliver world-class, Australian-made space technology with precision, reliability and speed.”
Other businesses to receive funding in the first round include McLaren Vintners, PakPot, ATi Laboratories, Foil Drive, MyModular, Bickford’s Australia, MGA Macro Group, Gelista and Silver Fleece.
Applications for the second round of MTAP are now open and will close on 29 September 2025.
