Up to $1.5 billion supporting pre-commercial innovation, demonstration and deployment of renewable energy and low-emissions technologies, accelerating Australia’s transition to a net zero economy nationwide.
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What is the Future Made in Australia Innovation Fund?
The Future Made in Australia (FMA) Innovation Fund is a major, ongoing funding program administered by the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA). The program will provide up to $1.5 billion in grant funding to support pre-commercial innovation, demonstration and deployment of renewable energy and low-emissions technologies that accelerate Australia’s transition to a net zero economy.
The FMA Innovation Fund officially launched in December 2025 and will remain open on an ongoing basis until funding is exhausted or the program is closed by ARENA.
Applications will be assessed under one of two streams:
Innovation stream
Suitable for early-stage and pre-commercial activities, including:
- Prototyping and pilot projects
- Pre-commercial demonstrations
- Small-scale deployment
- Feasibility studies
- Front-End Engineering and Design (FEED) and engineering studies
Deployment stream
Suitable for scale-up and commercial readiness activities, including:
- Large-scale deployment
- Scaling technologies proven at pilot or demonstration scale
- Testing technologies under real-world commercial conditions
Future Made in Australia Innovation Fund level of support
- Total funding available: up to $1.5 billion (AUD)
- Funding will be allocated on a rolling basis until exhausted
- Grant amounts will vary depending on project scope, scale and alignment with program priorities
Future Made in Australia Innovation Fund important dates
- The Future Made in Australia Innovation Fund is an open, non-competitive program with no fixed closing date. Applications may be submitted at any time, subject to available funding.
- Early engagement with ARENA is mandatory prior to applying.
- Register your interest with GrantHelper.
Future Made in Australia Innovation Fund priority areas
Grant funding is available across three priority areas:
- $750 million – Green Metals
Including iron, steel, alumina and aluminium production using low-emissions pathways. - $200 million – Renewable Energy Technology Manufacturing (RETM) (initial tranche)
Supporting technologies that alleviate critical clean energy supply chain challenges and enable domestic manufacturing capability. - $250 million – Low Carbon Liquid Fuels (LCLF)
Including sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) and renewable diesel.
Projects eligible for Future Made in Australia Innovation Fund support
Eligible projects must align with the program priorities and outcomes and may include activities focused on:
- Renewable energy technologies
- Low-emissions manufacturing and processing
- Clean fuel production
- Supply chain development
- Workforce capability and skills development
Full eligibility requirements are detailed in Part 2 of the Program Guidelines.
Other Future Made in Australia Innovation Fund important details that you will need to know
Organisations eligible for Future Made in Australia Innovation Fund support
Eligibility extends to a range of organisations, including:
- Australian businesses
- Industry participants and manufacturers
- Research organisations and consortia
Applicants must meet the eligibility requirements outlined in the Program Guidelines.
Future Made in Australia Innovation Fund assessment criteria
Assessment criteria are outlined in the Program Guidelines and focus on:
- Alignment with program priorities and outcomes
- Contribution to Australia’s net zero transition
- Commercialisation potential and scalability
- Economic, industry and supply chain impact
- Capability and capacity of the applicant and project team
How do I get the Future Made in Australia Innovation Fund?
Applicants should show how their project directly aligns with one or more of the three priority areas:
- Green Metals
- Renewable Energy Technology Manufacturing (RETM)
- Low Carbon Liquid Fuels (LCLF)
Clear alignment with the stated program outcomes is critical.
Successful applications will demonstrate how the project:
- Reduces emissions or enables low-emissions production
- Accelerates the uptake or commercialisation of clean energy technologies
- Supports Australia’s long-term net zero objectives
Applicants should evidence:
- A credible pathway from innovation to commercial deployment
- Market demand and end-user uptake
- The ability to scale beyond pilot or demonstration stage
Projects are more competitive when they:
- Build domestic manufacturing capability
- Strengthen Australian or regional supply chains
- Reduce reliance on critical imports
- Deliver long-term industry capability, not one-off outcomes
Applicants should clearly demonstrate:
- Appropriate technology readiness for the selected stream (Innovation or Deployment)
- A well-defined project plan, milestones and risk management approach
- Access to the right skills, partners and infrastructure
Strong proposals articulate:
- Broader economic benefits for Australia
- Job creation and workforce skills development
- Knowledge sharing and capability uplift across the sector
Applicants should show:
- Efficient use of grant funding
- Appropriate co-contributions or leveraged investment (where applicable)
- Outcomes that justify public investment
Given early engagement is mandatory, applicants should:
- Engage with ARENA early to refine scope and fit
- Demonstrate responsiveness to ARENA feedback
- Clearly reflect ARENA’s guidance in the final proposal
Information to prepare for the Future Made in Australia Innovation Fund application
Applicants should be prepared to provide:
- A clear project description and objectives
- Evidence of alignment with program priorities
- Technical, commercial and delivery capability
- Project budget, funding request and co-contributions (if applicable)
- Expected outcomes and benefits
Applying for the Future Made in Australia Innovation Fund
Applicants must contact ARENA to discuss their proposal and seek endorsement before submitting an application.
Register your interest with GrantHelper to explore your alignment with this grant and how we can assist you to increase your chances of success.
Future Made in Australia Innovation Fund resources
- Source
- Industry, science and technology powering a Future Made in Australia
- A future made in Australia
- Investment To Deliver Future Made In Australia
- Federal Budget Analysis 2024 – 2025
- New battery strategy to make more batteries here
- National Battery Strategy
- Register your interest
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