Government grants are available for Australian businesses in the research and development sector. Programs span federal and state governments, offering funding for growth, innovation, infrastructure and workforce development.
What these grants can fund
- Business expansion and capital investment
- Equipment and infrastructure upgrades
- Workforce training and skills development
- Technology adoption and innovation
- Export and market development
Common eligibility requirements
- Registered Australian business with a valid ABN
- Must be operating in the relevant sector
- Matching co-contribution may be required
- Some programs have employee or turnover thresholds
Eligibility varies by program. Always check the official source before applying.
Open programs
Showing 12 of 15A 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.
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.
A legislated program that supports companies to invest in eligible research and development (R&D) by offsetting some of the associated costs through a tax offset. The program is open to all industry sectors and company sizes, helping businesses conduct R&D they might not otherwise undertake.
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 research and development support program for start-ups and small businesses to progress an R&D idea. The program provides help with articulating research questions, connects businesses with relevant CSIRO research expertise, shares project costs through matched funding, and supports advancement of prototypes, feasibility studies, or product development.
Start-ups and small businesses who need help with research and development (R&D) expertise to develop ideas and explore opportunities. Matched funding from $10,000 to $50,000 per eligible Kick-Start project. Ongoing
Eligible companies conducting eligible R&D activities. Tax-offset for eligible R&D activities. Ongoing
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.
ARENA is providing $60 million in competitive funding to support research and development and commercialisation of Australian solar PV technology. The program seeks to accelerate cost reductions and achieve a Levelised Cost of Electricity (LCOE) for utility-scale solar PV of under $20 per MWh through innovations in cells, modules, and balance of systems.
A competitive funding round under the Transformative Research Accelerating Commercialisation (TRAC) Program seeking R&D projects to accelerate cost reductions in solar PV generation and help meet the Australian Government's stretch goal of $15 per MWh for utility scale solar PV. The round has two streams: cells and modules efficiency improvements, or balance of system and operations and maintenance cost reductions.
The fourth round of the mRNA Victoria Research Acceleration Fund (mVRAF Program) will provide $1.7 million to support mRNA-based medicines r... Grants of up to $500,000 for mRNA-based prophylactic or therapeutics projects that can show a pathway to translation or secure devel... Closed on 1 Nov 2024
One-off of grants up to $500,000 are now available to support research into the development new RNA and mRNA-based vaccines and therapeutics... Grants of up to $100,000 (Tier 1) for early-stage RNA-based therapeutic research projects, including discovery, early-stage and pre-... Closed on 15 Dec 2023
Grant information is sourced from official government websites and updated regularly. Program details, eligibility and closing dates change — always verify with the official source before applying. Last data update: February 2026.