Innovation Grants in Australia (All States) — 2026

A scheme that supports academic researchers in establishing careers in industry and industry-based researchers working in university settings. Provides salary contribution for up to 5 years and project costs to foster two-way mobility and skill-building in research collaboration, translation and commercialisation.

Supports research projects that initiate or develop long-term strategic research alliances between higher education organisations and research end-users (business, industry, community organisations, or publicly funded research agencies). Projects must apply advanced knowledge to problems, acquire new knowledge, and secure commercial or other benefits of research.

A scheme that supports academic researchers in establishing careers in industry and industry-based researchers working in university settings. Provides salary contribution for up to 4 years and project costs to strengthen industry collaboration skills, develop research with HDR students and early-career researchers, and deliver actionable outcomes for industry partners.

This program provides funding to female-founded Queensland businesses to help them scale and build business capacity. It supports female founders to close early-stage investment rounds with government backing and grow innovative businesses across a wide range of industries.

A scheme that supports academic researchers in establishing careers in industry and industry-based researchers working in university settings. Provides salary contribution for up to 3 years and project costs up to $150,000, with the aim of increasing two-way mobility and skill-building in research collaboration, translation and commercialisation.

This program provides funding and procurement opportunities for organisations able to solve challenges set by the NT government. Successful applicants receive $100,000 seed funding upon finalisation of a procurement contract with the NT government, along with the opportunity to negotiate that contract.

CSIRO Kick-Start provides matched funding for start-ups and small to medium enterprises to access CSIRO's research expertise and capabilities. Funding supports research activities including testing new ideas with commercial potential, developing novel or improved products or processes, and testing novel materials. Eligible businesses can receive between $10,000 and $50,000 in matched funding.

This $70 million competitive funding round supports the development and deployment of two or more large-scale renewable hydrogen production projects in Australia. The initiative aims to fast-track the commercialization of renewable hydrogen technology and build a competitive hydrogen industry aligned with the National Hydrogen Strategy.

The MRFF Clinical Trials Activity Initiative provides grants to support medical research projects conducting clinical trials for rare cancers, rare diseases, and unmet health needs across four streams: feasibility pilots, targeted clinical trials, health technology assessment evidence trials, and prevention trials. The grant aims to improve evidence-based healthcare delivery and increase patient access to high-quality clinical trials in Australia.

This $25 million competitive funding round supports research and development activities in renewable hydrogen production, storage, and distribution technologies. The program aims to commercialize renewable hydrogen through innovative R&D across two streams: Hydrogen and Hydrogen Vector Production, or Hydrogen Storage and Distribution.

The Renewable Energy Venture Capital Fund (REVC) provided management expertise and equity investments in early-stage renewable energy companies to help them overcome capital constraints, develop technologies, and increase skills. The fund operated between January 1, 2012 and December 31, 2019, and was managed by Southern Cross Venture Partners with up to $120 million in available capital.

ARENA is allocating up to $7 million in funding for demonstration projects that provide proof-of-concept of power system security and strength services using innovative, non-traditional methods or technologies. Projects must be applicable to electricity systems with high shares of renewable energy and deliver results by 31 December 2019.

ARENA is allocating up to $10 million to fund activities focused on 5-minute ahead self-forecasting for wind and solar farms operating in the National Electricity Market (NEM). In partnership with AEMO, this funding supports wind and solar farms in developing accurate forecasting technologies to submit their own output predictions to AEMO's central dispatch system, replacing centralized forecasts.

ARENA is allocating up to $12.5 million in funding for pilot projects and studies to integrate Distributed Energy Resources (DER) into the electricity system. The initiative supports demonstration projects that manage high DER penetration in distribution networks and studies that help startups, networks, retailers, and system operators develop solutions to technical, regulatory, and commercial challenges of managing grids with high DER penetration.

ARENA's $60 million funding round supports research and development to accelerate cost reductions in Australian solar PV technology, aiming to achieve a Levelised Cost of Electricity under $20 per MWh. The program funds projects across two streams: cells and modules (targeting over 30% module efficiency and costs below 30 cents per watt) and balance of systems/operations and maintenance (reducing deployment and operational costs through innovation including AI, robotics, and novel construction approaches).

ARENA's Research and Development program funds emerging renewable energy technologies, particularly solar solutions, that require investment not typically available in the commercial market. The program supports local companies and research institutions in developing world-leading renewable energy solutions through research, development, and demonstration projects.

A free executive education program that supports startup founders to design effective teams and make high-quality hiring and leadership decisions as their company scales. The program combines structured learning, specialist HR and peer engagement, as well as applied work to help founders build the capability, systems, and judgement required to hire and lead effectively.

The Industry Growth Program awards matched funding grants to support high growth potential Australian businesses commercialise their innovative projects and build Australian manufacturing capability. Grant amounts range from $50,000 up to $5 million, with applications assessed on merit by an independent committee. The program has awarded 96 grants totalling $142 million to date.

This grant helps businesses undertake steps necessary to establish the commercialisation viability of an innovative product, process or service, including feasibility studies, proof-of-concept, and prototyping. Grants support projects that improve commercialisation capabilities, further develop innovative products and services, and improve capability to seek and attract investment.

A grant program that supports female founders and entrepreneurs in expanding and growing their startups and businesses in Australia. The initiative provides funding to help women-led businesses scale operations and achieve business growth.

One Business provides Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander entrepreneurs and business owners with access to training, support and advice to help them create pathways to participate in Queensland's innovation economy. The program includes online specialised content, face-to-face workshops, online support and networking forums, one-on-one coaching, and showcasing opportunities.

StartSpace VIC supports early-stage founders in Victoria with access to coworking space, learning, networking and funding opportunities. The program offers both free and paid memberships as part of an open and inclusive community powered by State Library Victoria.

A tax incentive program that provides financial support to eligible companies conducting research and development activities in Australia. Companies can claim tax deductions or offsets based on their eligible R&D expenditure. The program is self-assessed, with applicants responsible for determining the eligibility of their activities.