The Future Made in Australia Innovation Fund is a major Australian Government initiative designed to accelerate Australia’s transition to a net zero economy by supporting innovative projects in clean energy manufacturing and low emissions industries. Delivered by the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA), the program provides funding to help businesses develop, commercialise and deploy breakthrough technologies that strengthen Australia’s manufacturing capability, supply chains and clean energy future. With a total program value of up to $1.5 billion, this fund represents one of Australia’s largest investments in industrial innovation and decarbonisation.
Who is this for?
State:
Australia-wide
Industry:
Clean Energy, Renewable Energy, Advanced Manufacturing, Green Metals, Low Carbon Fuels, Renewable Energy Technology Manufacturing, Research & Development
Funding Available
Funding is available through a total program allocation of up to $1.5 billion.
Grant amounts vary depending on the relevant Technology Focus Area and project type. Most projects are expected to provide matched co-contributions, with higher co-investment generally viewed more favourably during assessment.
Eligibility: You can apply if you:
- Hold a valid Australian Business Number (ABN).
- Are an Australian entity incorporated under the Corporations Act.
- Are a Commonwealth entity, government business enterprise, state or territory body, local government, university, research institution or Cooperative Research Centre (CRC).
- Are proposing a project that will primarily be undertaken in Australia.
- Can demonstrate your project has reached at least Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 3 (proof of concept).
- Are developing renewable energy, energy efficiency or electrification technologies aligned with one of the program’s Technology Focus Areas.
- Meet all compliance requirements, including Workplace Gender Equality obligations where applicable.
What can the grant be used for?
Funding supports innovative projects that help commercialise and deploy technologies across three priority areas:
- Green metals production, including low and net zero emissions iron, steel, alumina and aluminium.
- Renewable energy technology manufacturing.
- Low carbon liquid fuels.
Projects may include:
- Feasibility studies
- Front-End Engineering Design (FEED)
- Research and development
- Pilot projects
- Prototype development
- Demonstration projects
- Commercialisation activities
- Large-scale technology deployment
Northmore Gordon can assist eligible organisations with:
- Grant strategy and project planning
- Feasibility study funding applications
- Commercialisation and innovation grant applications
- Research and development funding
- Business case development
- Project budgeting and financial modelling
- End-to-end grant application preparation and management
What can’t the grant be used for?
Projects are generally not suitable if they:
- Do not align with one of the eligible Technology Focus Areas.
- Are below Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 3.
- Primarily occur outside Australia.
- Cannot demonstrate the need for grant funding to proceed.
- Do not satisfy the program’s eligibility or merit criteria.
Key Dates
Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis through ARENA’s assessment process.
Applicants must first obtain ARENA endorsement before submitting an application. Depending on the project, applications may involve:
- Expression of Interest (EOI)
- Full Application
Some Innovation Stream projects may be eligible to proceed directly to a Full Application following ARENA approval.
Apply through Northmore Gordon
The Future Made in Australia Innovation Fund is highly competitive and requires applicants to demonstrate strong technical capability, commercial potential and clear alignment with Australia’s clean energy priorities.
Northmore Gordon has extensive experience preparing complex government grant applications and can guide your business through every stage of the process—from assessing eligibility and developing your project strategy through to preparing a compelling application that maximises your chances of success.
If you’re developing innovative clean energy technologies or advanced manufacturing capabilities, contact Northmore Gordon to discuss your eligibility and prepare your application.
