Joint media release with the Minister for Industry, Science and Technology, The Hon Karen Andrews MP

Manufacturers in Tasmania with good ideas that are ready to be turned into world-beating realities can now apply for a slice of a new $30 million fund from the Morrison Government.

Assistant Minister for Industry Development Jonno Duniam said the Commercialisation Fund could help manufacturers around the state to carry out projects that bring industry and researchers together to commercialise new products and processes. 

“Tasmania has a rich manufacturing history and the Morrison Government is determined to build on that to create local jobs for the future,” Assistant Minister Duniam said.

“This fund is designed to help our small and medium sized manufacturers to access research know-how that can help them grow their businesses and become more competitive on both a domestic and global stage.”

Minister for Industry, Science and Technology Karen Andrews said making science and technology work for industry is one of the central pillars of the Morrison Government’s $1.5 billion Modern Manufacturing Strategy.

“The Morrison Government is positioning Australia’s manufacturing industry at the cutting edge of innovation and this fund will help bring together the best of research and manufacturing capability to generate commercial outcomes,” Minister Andrews said.

“We know that by making our manufacturers more competitive and helping them to take on the world, we will create jobs for Australians – both for the COVID-19 recovery and for generations to come.”

Consistent with all programs under the Modern Manufacturing Strategy, this fund will support projects within the Government’s six National Manufacturing Priorities.

These priorities are: Medical Products, Food and Beverage, Resources Technology and Critical Minerals Processing, Recycling and Clean Energy, Defence, and Space.

Commercialisation Fund grants will be between $100,000 and $1 million and must be matched by industry. These smaller-sized grants will complement the larger projects that will be supported through the $1.3 billion Modern Manufacturing Initiative.

Projects must include collaboration with a research partner and a minimum of one industry partner.

The fund will run over an 18-month period. The first round of funding, which opens today, will provide $20 million while a subsequent round will deliver the remaining $10 million. 

For more information and to apply for a grant go to https://www.amgc.org.au/projects/ 

Media contacts:

Minister Andrews' office: 02 6277 7070

Assistant Minister Duniam's office: 02 6277 3034