Future Made in Australia Innovation Fund

Funding program archive

This page preserves a dated funding-program record and links it to current project-planning guidance.

Publication date: December 16, 2025.

Status note: This archive does not confirm that applications are open, funds remain available or the earlier eligibility and co-funding settings still apply. Verify the current administrator page and guidelines.

What this article reported

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:

What can the grant be used for?

Funding supports innovative projects that help commercialise and deploy technologies across three priority areas:

Projects may include:

Northmore Gordon can assist eligible organisations with:

What can't the grant be used for?

Projects are generally not suitable if they:

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:

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.

How to use this information now

Before relying on a grant, confirm the current round, applicant and project eligibility, eligible expenditure, co-contribution, assessment process, closing date and evidence obligations. Build the technical case so the project remains understandable with grant support shown separately.

Separate source-reported facts from forecasts, targets and commentary. For a current project, retain the official source, version, effective date, assumptions and decision record in the evidence file.

What is the Future Made in Australia Innovation Fund?

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. It is delivered by the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) and provides funding to help businesses develop, commercialise and deploy breakthrough technologies that strengthen Australia's manufacturing capability, supply chains and clean energy future.

How much funding is available through the Future Made in Australia Innovation Fund?

The fund has a total program value of up to $1.5 billion, representing one of Australia's largest investments in industrial innovation and decarbonisation. 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. Early funding investigation helps clarify whether grant support is suitable before significant internal resources are committed.

When does the Future Made in Australia Innovation Fund open and close?

The program launched on December 16, 2025, and applications are accepted on an ongoing basis through ARENA's assessment process until funding is exhausted. Project timing decisions are critical for funding eligibility; applicants should carefully document feasibility approval, investment decisions, and purchase commitments before submitting applications, as certain project stages may affect eligibility under the scheme's newness and additionality requirements.

Who is eligible to apply for the Future Made in Australia Innovation Fund?

Applicants must hold a valid Australian Business Number (ABN) and be an Australian entity incorporated under the Corporations Act, Commonwealth entity, government business enterprise, state or territory body, local government, university, research institution or Cooperative Research Centre (CRC). Projects must be primarily undertaken in Australia, demonstrate Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 3 or above, develop technologies aligned with eligible focus areas, and meet all compliance requirements including Workplace Gender Equality obligations where applicable.

What can funding from the Future Made in Australia Innovation Fund be used for?

Funding supports innovative projects across three priority areas: green metals production (low and net zero emissions iron, steel, alumina and aluminium), renewable energy technology manufacturing, and low carbon liquid fuels. Eligible activities include feasibility studies, Front-End Engineering Design (FEED), research and development, pilot and prototype projects, demonstration activities, commercialisation, and large-scale technology deployment. We can assist with feasibility assessments and business case development to establish project readiness and investment requirements.

What types of projects are not suitable for the Future Made in Australia Innovation Fund?

Projects are generally unsuitable if they do not align with eligible Technology Focus Areas, are below Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 3, primarily occur outside Australia, cannot demonstrate the need for grant funding to proceed, or do not satisfy eligibility or merit criteria. Early assessment of scheme compatibility prevents unsupported promises in investment cases and helps identify whether a project's technical and commercial merits are sufficient without relying on unconfirmed funding.

What is the application process for the Future Made in Australia Innovation Fund?

Applicants must first obtain ARENA endorsement before submitting an application. Depending on the project, applications may involve an Expression of Interest (EOI) followed by a Full Application, though some Innovation Stream projects may proceed directly to Full Application following ARENA approval. Project briefs describing the decision, site, and available evidence help establish appropriate assessment scope and identify evidence gaps early.

How can Northmore Gordon help with Future Made in Australia Innovation Fund applications?

We can assist 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, and end-to-end grant application preparation and management. Our knowledge library covers investment case development, funding pathway assessment, and project timing decisions—all critical to presenting a compelling and scheme-compliant application to ARENA.

What is Technology Readiness Level (TRL) and why does it matter for this fund?

Technology Readiness Level (TRL) is a measure of technology maturity, ranging from basic research through to full commercial deployment. The fund requires projects to demonstrate at least TRL 3 (proof of concept). This threshold ensures applicants are proposing genuine innovations with demonstrable feasibility rather than early-stage research. Understanding your project's TRL and how to evidence it is essential for eligibility assessment and strengthens the credibility of your application and investment case.

Images on This Page