NSW manufacturers will receive support to adopt cutting-edge technologies, boost productivity and create the jobs of the future under a new $6 million Minns Labor Government initiative.
Applications are now open for the first stage of the NSW Government’s Innovative Manufacturing Adoption Fund, a key part of the Minns Labor Government’s plan to rebuild local manufacturing capability, strengthen supply chains and grow high-value industries across NSW.
The fund will help manufacturers invest in the technologies, skills and processes needed to compete in increasingly sophisticated domestic and global markets, supporting the government’s commitment to building a more productive, resilient and innovative NSW economy.
The fund will be delivered in two stages:
Stage 1 – Discovery and Feasibility (now open)
The first stage is a competitive grant program with $1 million in available funding.
Grants of between $10,000 and $50,000 are available to help manufacturers assess new technologies and manufacturing capabilities.
Projects may include feasibility studies, business case development, pilot projects, process testing, equipment assessments and certification activities.
Stage 2 – Implementation (opening early 2027)
Stage 2 will provide $5 million in competitive grant funding to help manufacturers implement new technologies and scale their operations.
The fund is open to manufacturers operating in NSW across a range of sectors, including construction, clean energy, transport, defence and aerospace, health and medtech manufacturing.
The fund is aligned with the local manufacturing mission of the NSW Industry Policy and the NSW Innovation Blueprint while building on a series of Minns Labor Government initiatives designed to strengthen advanced manufacturing and modern industrial capability, including the Housing Innovation in Construction Fund and Housing Innovation Network Grants Program.
Applications for Stage 1 of the Innovative Manufacturing Adoption Fund are open now and close on 6 October 2026, or earlier if funds are fully allocated.
For more information and to apply, visit: www.nsw.gov.au/imaf
Minister for Domestic Manufacturing and Government Procurement Courtney Houssos said:
“We are partnering with industry to encourage local manufacturers to create a stronger and more resilient industry that can compete on the global stage.
“The Innovative Manufacturing Adoption Fund will support local manufacturers with new ideas and help them transition to a secure future through innovation and technology.
“The Minns Labor Government is committed to rebuilding manufacturing in NSW to create more jobs, new opportunities, stronger supply chains and consistent growth into the future.”
Minister for Industry and Trade and Minister for Innovation, Science and Technology Anoulack Chanthivong said:
“The Minns Labor Government wants more products designed, built and made in NSW.
“This fund will help manufacturers take the leap from good ideas to real-world adoption of the technologies that are transforming industries around the globe.
“We know NSW has world leading research and innovation ecosystems and we’re excited to see how their work can be commercialised in the manufacturing sector.
“From the factory floor to the export market, we’re helping businesses become more productive, more competitive and better placed to grow.
“Backing local manufacturing isn’t just about supporting today’s businesses. It’s about building the industrial capability NSW will need for decades to come.”
Australian Industry Group Head of NSW Helen Waldron said:
“We welcome the government’s support in helping manufacturers expand, grow operations, and continue to innovate.
“Manufacturing is an engine of innovation, reinvesting 4.1% of value-added back into R&D – the highest rate of any industry in Australia.
“I would encourage the state’s manufacturers, who are a key lifeblood in the state, to take advantage of this recognition of their importance and partner in growth through this support.”
