Funding to accelerate sovereign capability in Defence, Biomedical, and Biofuels by supporting high-impact, investment-ready projects that drive innovation, strengthen industry, and boost Queensland economic growth.
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The Sovereign Industry Development Fund
The Sovereign Industry Development Fund (SIDF) is a major Queensland Government initiative designed to accelerate the development of sovereign capability in the state’s Defence, Biomedical, and Biofuels industries. With a total allocation of $180.6 million, the SIDF seeks to unlock investment-ready, high-impact projects that foster innovation, bolster industry strength, and generate regional economic benefits.
What is the Strategic and Catalytic Investment Partnerships stream?
This stream – Strategic and Catalytic Investment Partnerships (SCIP) – provides tailored financial incentives for projects that are strategic (accelerating development in a priority industry) and catalytic (generating regional or industry-wide impact).
Strategic and Catalytic Investment Partnerships level of support
Funding is available on a case-by-case basis. No fixed minimum or maximum is specified.
- Co-contribution required: Yes
- The Queensland Government will typically fund up to 50% of eligible project costs.
- Applicants must co-contribute the remaining project funding, which may include equity, debt, or other third-party cash sources. In-kind contributions are not eligible.
Financial assistance may be offered in various forms including:
- Cash reimbursement grants
- Loans
- Payroll tax reimbursements or reimbursements of other State charges
Strategic and Catalytic Investment Partnerships important dates
- Applications are open now and will remain open until funds are fully allocated.
- Projects must commence within 12 months of signing an Assistance Agreement (unless otherwise agreed).
- Register your interest with GrantHelper
Strategic and Catalytic Investment Partnerships objectives
The Fund is designed to:
- Build Queensland’s sovereign industry capability
- Leverage the state’s existing industry strengths
- Drive regional economic development across Queensland
These objectives will be achieved by supporting projects that create or significantly expand manufacturing or service capabilities in the priority sectors of Defence, Biomedical, and Biofuels.
Projects and expenditure eligible for Strategic and Catalytic Investment Partnerships support
Eligible projects must:
- Be based in Queensland
- Align with Defence, Biomedical, or Biofuels sectors
- Be investment-ready and able to commence within 12 months
- Demonstrate clear economic benefits to Queensland
- Support or increase local employment
- Not reduce the applicant’s existing Queensland-based employment
- Deliver strategic and catalytic outcomes (e.g., activate a regional location, support common-use infrastructure, enable technology transfer)
Projects can include:
- New or expanded sovereign capabilities (manufacturing or services)
- Common-use infrastructure and shared precinct facilities
- Technology transfer, innovation, and advanced capabilities
- New export pathways and import replacement opportunities
The following costs will not be funded:
- In-kind contributions
- Payments to related entities (unless otherwise agreed)
- Costs incurred prior to Assistance Agreement (unless otherwise agreed)
- Feasibility studies, early-stage concept work, legal and tendering costs
- Success fees, performance bonuses, and executive incentives
- Travel, accommodation, and entertainment
- Proof-of-concept funding
- Operating costs funded by other government programs
- Land or business acquisition (unless otherwise agreed)
- Insurance-recoverable costs
- Excessive salaries, depreciation, taxes, and other operating expenses as deemed by the State
Only capital and operational expenditure that are approved and considered eligible by the Department will be reimbursed.
Other Strategic and Catalytic Investment Partnerships important details that you will need to know
Organisations eligible for Strategic and Catalytic Investment Partnerships support
To be eligible, applicants must:
- Be a legal entity with an active ABN or ARBN
- Be technically and financially capable of delivering the project
- Have no unsatisfied judgements, court actions or major regulatory breaches
- Demonstrate a record of compliance with environmental, planning, corporate and employment laws
Ineligible applicants include:
- Local governments
- Government Owned Corporations
- Family partnerships
- Not-for-profit organisations
Consortiums are welcome, provided the lead applicant meets the eligibility requirements and enters into the Assistance Agreement.
Strategic and Catalytic Investment Partnerships assessment criteria
Applications will be assessed using the following framework:
1. Building Sovereign Capability
- Does the project create or significantly expand sovereign manufacturing or service capability?
- Will it support onshoring or development of essential capabilities?
- Does it activate a precinct or establish common-use infrastructure?
- Does it promote technology transfer or innovation?
- Will it create export opportunities and cost-competitive products?
- Will it upskill the workforce or develop new training partnerships?
2. Drawing on Queensland’s Strengths
- How does the project leverage Queensland’s industrial advantages (e.g., research institutes, resources)?
- Does it build supply chain partnerships with Queensland businesses?
- Will it enhance value chains or regional precincts?
- Does it utilise Queensland’s export access to Asia-Pacific markets?
3. Growing All Our Regions
- What level of capital and operational investment will the project generate?
- How many new skilled and indirect jobs will it create?
- What supply chain value will be retained within Queensland or Australia?
- Will the project generate revenue, boost exports, or displace imports?
- Will other regions benefit from the project’s implementation?
4. Project Feasibility
- Is there a viable and approved site with required permits?
- Is there a sound construction and operations plan?
- Are there confirmed or advanced negotiations with customers?
- Are offtake and input supply agreements in place or under negotiation?
- Is there a robust financial and risk management strategy?
- Does the applicant or consortium have the capacity to deliver?
Note: No specific assessment weightings are listed. Decisions will be based on overall merit and alignment with government priorities.
How do I get the Strategic and Catalytic Investment Partnerships?
Applicants must:
- Read and understand the guidelines.
- Ensure eligibility for the funding. Applicants that do not meet all the eligibility criteria will not be considered.
- Deliver the project/s as outlined in the application.
- Provide complete information requirements.
Projects must be commercially viable, with a sound financing strategy and evidence of market demand (e.g., offtake or purchase agreements).
Applicants must:
- Show evidence of board/management-level commitment
- Address any native title and land ownership issues prior to applying
- Confirm all regulatory and environmental approvals are in place or progressing
- Submit a detailed project plan, risk register, and governance structure
Assistance is highly competitive, and funding will only be awarded where there are measurable and tangible benefits to Queensland.
Information to prepare for the Strategic and Catalytic Investment Partnerships application
Prepare the following documents and evidence:
- Financial statements (last 3 years)
- 10+ year financial projections
- Detailed project plan and schedule
- Project governance and management structure
- Risk register and mitigation strategies
- Market and competitor analysis
- Confirmation of approvals (land, planning, environmental)
- Details of co-contributors and funding sources
- Customer engagement, offtake or purchase agreements
All information must be up-to-date, clearly referenced, and supported by documentation.
Applying for the Strategic and Catalytic Investment Partnerships
Once you’ve received the application form, submit your completed proposal within 30 business days via email to: sidf@dsdilgp.qld.gov.au.
Register your interest with GrantHelper to explore your alignment with this grant and how we can assist you to increase your chances of success.
Sovereign Industry Development Fund resources
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