Up to $50,000 to support South Australia’s manufacturing SMEs by funding transformative technologies like AI and robotics, driving innovation, productivity, market entry, and product development.
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What is the Manufacturing Technology Adoption Program (MTAP)?
The Manufacturing Technology Adoption Program (MTAP) supports small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to adopt transformative technologies — including artificial intelligence, robotics, additive manufacturing, data analytics, and other Industry 4.0 solutions.
By accelerating the integration of these advanced technologies into core manufacturing operations, the program enables SMEs to develop new or enhanced products, enter new markets, and build more resilient, future-ready businesses.
Round 2 is now open, with $532,864 in funding available, following the successful allocation of $467,136 in Round 1.
Manufacturing Technology Adoption Program level of support
Total Pool for Round 2: $532,864 (from $1 million total pool).
- Minimum Amount of Funding: Not specified by the funder.
- Maximum Amount of Funding: Grants are available for up to $50,000 per project.
Co-Contribution Requirements: Applicants must provide a financial co-contribution on a 1:1 basis, meaning the grant will cover up to 50% of eligible project costs. In-kind contributions cannot be used as part of the required co-contribution. Funds from other government sources (state or federal) cannot be used for co-contribution.
Manufacturing Technology Adoption Program important dates
- Applications for Round 2 are now open, closing 29 September 2025.
- Funded projects must commence within 1 month of executing the Grant Deed and be completed by 30 May 2026, unless otherwise agreed.
- Applicants may begin incurring eligible project costs using their own matched funding, at their own risk, from the date they receive written approval from Department of State Development (DSD) — even if the Grant Deed has not yet been executed.
- Register your interest with GrantHelper.
Manufacturing Technology Adoption Program objectives
This program seeks to:
- Increase the development of new or enhanced products by South Australian SME manufacturers.
- Support SME manufacturers entering new markets.
- Improve productivity and competitiveness through advanced manufacturing technologies.
Projects, activities, and expenditure eligible for Manufacturing Technology Adoption Program support
Eligible projects must involve adopting advanced manufacturing technologies to develop new products, enter new markets, or increase productivity. Examples of technologies include, but are not limited to:
- Artificial intelligence
- Augmented and virtual reality
- Additive manufacturing
- Advanced composite materials
- Robotics and automation
- Machine learning and data analytics
- Internet of Things
- Blockchain
- Optics and photonics
- Quantum technologies
- Advanced composite materials
- Technologies that enable new manufacturing processes for decarbonisation or circular economy/closed-loop systems
Applicants can access support from research and innovation facilities such as the Flinders Factory of the Future, UniSA’s Industry 4.0 Testlab, the Australian Institute for Machine Learning (AIML), and others. These centres provide industrial-scale testing, expert guidance, and innovation services to assist in adopting advanced manufacturing technologies.
Ineligible Expenditure
The following expenses will not be funded under MTAP:
- Salaries and general overhead costs
- Routine equipment replacement
- Solar panels and battery storage
- Operational expenses (e.g., utilities, office supplies)
- Marketing and promotional activities
- Travel unrelated to the project
- Feasibility studies and business plans
- Retrospective funding for activities commenced before the funding agreement
- Regulatory costs and intellectual property fees
- Building websites, marketing, sales and promotional activities
- Travel expenses not directly related to the project
- Routine training costs
- Entertainment costs
- General software upgrades (e.g. Microsoft Office)
- Land acquisition
- Business plans
- Costs related to preparing the grant application, project reports, and variations
Other Manufacturing Technology Adoption Program important details that you will need to know
Organisations eligible for Manufacturing Technology Adoption Program support
To be eligible to apply for this grant program, applicants must:
- be an organisation comprised of one or more legal entities (not a person); incorporated or established in Australia;
- be an SME, defined as having fewer than 200 full-time equivalent employees;
- have an Australian Business Number (ABN) and be registered for GST;
- be carrying on an active manufacturing business located in South Australia, demonstrated by undertaking manufacturing activities at a premises located in South Australia, and employing staff based in South Australia;
- have been carrying on a business for more than one full financial year;
- be able to enter into a legally binding Funding Agreement with the South Australian Government;
- be willing to provide information and data, including financial information as required;
- commit to the required finances co-contribution (minimum $1 for every $1 in grant funding applied for); and
- must not have received State or Federal funding for the same project.
See the guidelines for full details of organisational requirements.
Manufacturing Technology Adoption Program assessment criteria
Applications will be assessed against three merit criteria:
1. Alignment with Program Objectives
- The project’s potential to enhance innovation, productivity, or market competitiveness.
2. Applicant Capability and Capacity
- Evidence of resources, expertise, and a track record to successfully deliver the project.
3. Government Financial Support Rationale
- The demonstrated need for public funding and the potential economic or social benefits.
How do I get the Manufacturing Technology Adoption Program?
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.
- Demonstrate a strong alignment with the fund’s objectives.
- Provide complete information requirements.
Information to prepare for the Manufacturing Technology Adoption Program application
The following supporting documentation must be attached to the online application:
1. A Project Plan for the proposed project, which should include:
- A description of the Project and expected project outcomes;
- Any forecasted financial outcomes from the project (increased revenues, profits, exports);
- Key personnel, milestones and deliverables;
- A risk assessment;
- A project schedule or Gantt chart;
- The internal and external expertise required to successfully implement the project;
- A workforce training plan; and
- A project budget, including quotes for eligible expenditure for the total project cost.
2. Audited or accountant-prepared financial statements, including Income Statement/Profit & Loss and Balance Sheet, for the last two (2) financial years;
3. Evidence of the availability of the required financial co-contribution, such as:
- Evidence of support from the applicant’s board or parent company that the applicant can undertake the project and meet its cash co-contribution obligation; and
- An approved debt finance facility from an Australian bank (including loan amount);
- Cash at bank (current bank statement from an Australian bank); or
- Management accounts demonstrating satisfactory cash flow or liquid assets.
Applying for the Manufacturing Technology Adoption Program
Applications must be submitted online via the Department of State Development’s website.
Note: The South Australian Government will publicly disclose details of all successful grant recipients, including the applicant’s name, project description, and amount of funding awarded.
Register your interest with GrantHelper to explore your alignment with this grant and how we can assist you to increase your chances of success.
Manufacturing Technology Adoption Program resources
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