Deadline: 28-Feb-2025
Applications are now open for the Manufacturing Technology Adoption Program to help South Australian manufacturers improve their productivity and competitiveness in global markets.
The Manufacturing Technology Adoption Program (the Program) is designed to increase the number of small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) in the manufacturing sector adopting innovative technologies, such as Industry 4.0, artificial intelligence, machine learning and data analytics, blockchain, augmented and virtual reality, additive manufacturing, Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), optics and photonics.
Program Objectives
- The objectives of this Program are to accelerate the adoption of transformative technologies relevant to advanced manufacturing, as outlined in South Australia’s Advanced Manufacturing Strategy under the Capability Strategic Priority, in order to:
- increase the development of new or enhanced products by South Australian SME manufacturers;
- support SME manufacturers to enter new markets; and
- support SME manufacturers to improve their productivity and competitiveness.
Funding Information
- The total amount of Program funding is $500,000 in 2024-25 and $500,000 in 2025-26. There will be one single round of funding in 2024-25, and a further single funding round in 2025-26.
- Eligible Applicants (Applicants) can apply for a grant of up to $50,000 (excluding GST) for Eligible Projects.
- Funded Projects must be completed by 30 September 2025, unless otherwise agreed by DSD.
Eligible Projects
- Eligible Projects must be a discrete technical project which involves the adoption of a technology relevant to advanced manufacturing into the operations of the Applicant’s business, with the objective of enabling the development of new or enhanced products, supporting entry into new markets and/or increasing the productivity and competitiveness of the business.
- Relevant technologies may include, but are not limited to:
- Artificial intelligence
- Augmented and virtual reality
- Additive manufacturing
- Advanced composite materials
- Robotics and automation
- Machine learning and data analytics
- Internet of Things
- Blockchain
- Optics and photonics
- Quantum technologies
- other Industry 4.0 technologies
- technologies which enable new manufacturing processes for decarbonisation or circular economy/closed loop systems.
Eligibility Criteria
- To be eligible to apply for this Program, applicants must:
- be an organisation comprised of one or more legal entities (not a person); incorporated or established in Australia;
- be an SME, defined as having fewer than 200 full-time equivalent employees;
- have an Australian Business Number (ABN) and be registered for GST;
- be carrying on an active manufacturing business located in South Australia, demonstrated by undertaking manufacturing activities at a premises located in South Australia, and employing staff based in South Australia;
- have been carrying on a business for more than one full financial year;
- be able to enter into a legally binding Funding Agreement with the South Australian Government;
- be willing to provide information and data, including financial information as required;
- commit to the required finances co-contribution (minimum $1 for every $1 in grant funding applied for); and
- not have previously received grant funding from the State or Federal Government for the same project.
For more information, visit Department of State Development.