About Startup & Commercialisation Grants
Australian startups can access both Commonwealth and state funding programs. Accelerating Commercialisation provides up to $1M in matched funding for novel products or services. CSIRO Kick-Start offers up to $50,000 for research collaborations. State programs like LaunchVic (Victoria) and Advance Queensland provide ecosystem support for startups at various stages.
Featured Programs
Highest value firstThe Hydrogen Headstart program provides long-term revenue support to underwrite large-scale renewable hydrogen production projects in Australia. Funding is provided in the form of Headstart Production Credits (HPC), offering support per unit of production over a 10-year period of operations. The program aims to accelerate development of Australia's renewable hydrogen industry, support domestic decarbonisation, and help Australia connect to new global hydrogen supply chains.
A $1.5 billion grant program administered by ARENA that supports pre-commercial innovation, demonstration and deployment of renewable energy and low emission technologies. The program focuses on three priority areas: Green Metals ($750 million), Renewable Energy Technology Manufacturing ($200 million), and Low Carbon Liquid Fuels ($250 million), to support Australia's transition to a net zero economy.
The Future Made in Australia Innovation Fund provides up to $1.5 billion in grant funding focusing on renewable energy and low emission technologies critical to Australia's renewable energy transition. Grant funding is available across three priorities: Green Metals ($750 million), Renewable Energy Technology Manufacturing ($200 million initial tranche), and Low Carbon Liquid Fuels ($250 million).
A $1 billion Commonwealth program supporting the commercialisation of Australian solar photovoltaic (PV) innovations and enhancement of solar PV supply chains. The program funds innovative solar PV manufacturing facilities across the solar supply chain through multiple funding rounds.
An equity co-investment venture capital program that provides early-stage biomedical companies with investment to develop and commercialise biomedical discoveries. The fund supports therapeutic, medical, pharmaceutical products, processes, services, technologies and procedures that improve health and wellbeing through prevention, diagnosis and treatment.
The Biomedical Translation Fund provides capital to support groundbreaking innovation in Australia, helping commercialize research from universities and research organizations into commercial products. The fund pools $500 million in total capital ($250 million from the federal government and $250 million from private investors) to support venture capital managers in taking Australian biomedical innovations through the commercial pathway.
Eligibility Notes
Many startup programs require an incorporated company (Pty Ltd), though some accept ABN-registered sole traders at early stages. Programs like Accelerating Commercialisation require a demonstrably novel product/service. R&D Tax Incentive is available to any company conducting experimental activities — startups in a tax loss position receive a cash refund of 43.5% of eligible spend.
More Programs
14 additionalCommon Questions
Can very early-stage businesses (pre-revenue) access grants?
Yes — CSIRO Kick-Start, some Accelerating Commercialisation grants, and state startup programs are accessible pre-revenue. The R&D Tax Incentive refund is cash for loss-making companies.
Do startups have to give up equity to get government grants?
No — grants are equity-free. However, some government venture capital programs (through AVCAL or state equivalents) do involve equity investment.
What's the best single grant for an Australian tech startup?
R&D Tax Incentive first (43.5% back on eligible R&D spend, no cap), then Accelerating Commercialisation for commercialisation funding, then CSIRO Kick-Start for research collaboration.
Grant information is sourced from official government websites and updated regularly. Always verify details with the official source before applying.