NSW Innovative Manufacturing Adoption Fund Stage 1
NSW manufacturing grants: up to $50,000 for technology feasibility projects
NSW manufacturers looking to adopt advanced manufacturing technology may be eligible for funding of between $10,000 and $50,000 under Stage 1 of the Innovative Manufacturing Adoption Fund (IMAF).
The NSW Government program is designed to help manufacturers investigate new technologies before committing to a larger investment. Applications are now open and close at 5pm on 6 October 2026.
Key points
Grants range from $10,000 to $50,000
Funding covers 50% of eligible project expenditure
Businesses must provide at least a 50% cash co-contribution
Stage 1 covers feasibility, pilot and early testing activities
Applicants generally need annual turnover of at least $1 million and 10–100 full-time equivalent employees
Applications close 6 October 2026 at 5pm.
What can the funding be used for?
Stage 1 is focused on helping manufacturers determine if adopting new technology is technically feasible and commercially viable.
Eligible activities can include:
feasibility studies and business case development
pilot projects, prototyping and process testing
assessment of new equipment, software or systems
certification and compliance requirements.
At least 75% of the project budget must generally be spent on an external consultant or manufacturing service provider. Up to 25% may be allocated to eligible internal wages. Importantly, Stage 1 does not fund the purchase or lease of machinery and equipment, capital works or general operating expenses.
Who may be eligible?
Applicants must meet a range of requirements, including being an Australian corporation headquartered in NSW and operating a manufacturing facility in the state.
The fund targets manufacturers supplying, or intending to supply, sectors including construction and building products, clean energy products, transport and rolling stock, defence and aerospace, health and medtech, advanced electronics, mining services, agriculture, and food and beverage manufacturing.
Considering an application?
Applications are competitively assessed, so businesses should first check that they meet the eligibility requirements and that their proposed project aligns with the targeted technologies and sectors.
If you are considering applying for the Innovative Manufacturing Adoption Fund, contact Collins Hume to discuss the financial aspects of your project and the 50% co-contribution required before submitting your application.
