Up to $1,500,000 to support SMEs to invest in advanced manufacturing equipment and Industry 4.0/5.0 technologies that drive innovation, create high-value jobs and support export.
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What is the Transforming Queensland Manufacturing (TQM)?
The Transforming Queensland Manufacturing (TQM) Grants Program – Round 1 is a Queensland Government initiative designed to strengthen the competitiveness, productivity and resilience of Queensland’s manufacturing sector. The program provides matched funding to eligible small to medium manufacturing enterprises (SMEs) to invest in advanced manufacturing equipment and Industry 4.0/5.0 technologies that drive innovation, create high-value jobs and support export, reshoring and onshoring opportunities.
Round 1 forms part of a broader $79.1 million, three-year program delivered through six competitive funding rounds.
Transforming Queensland Manufacturing level of support
Funding amount:
- Minimum grant amount: $100,000
- Maximum grant amount: $1,500,000
Funding under the TQM Grants Program is provided on a matched funding basis.
- Grant funding can cover up to 50% of eligible project costs
- Applicants must provide a minimum 50% cash co-contribution
- Grant payments are generally made in arrears, subject to milestone achievement
- An upfront payment of up to 20% may be available, subject to security requirements
Transforming Queensland Manufacturing important dates
- Applications close: 16 April 2026 at 1:00 pm (AEST)
- Assessment period: Approximately 16 weeks from closing
- Register your interest with GrantHelper
Transforming Queensland Manufacturing objectives
The key objectives of the Transforming Queensland Manufacturing Grants Program are to support projects that:
- Facilitate pathways for export opportunities
- Reshore or onshore manufacturing activities currently undertaken interstate or overseas
- Improve manufacturing productivity and competitiveness
- Stimulate private sector investment and generate high-value manufacturing jobs in Queensland
Projects must clearly demonstrate alignment with one or more of these objectives.
Projects and expenditure eligible for Transforming Queensland Manufacturing support
Eligible Projects
Eligible projects must involve investment in industry-leading manufacturing capability and may include:
Eligible Expenditure
- Advanced robotics, automation and Industry 4.0/5.0 manufacturing equipment
- Equipment purchase, installation, commissioning and critical training
- Simulation, digital twin and autonomous manufacturing systems
- Manufacturing-related AI systems and digital connectivity solutions
- ERP, MRP and MES systems directly linked to manufacturing processes
- Sustainability and carbon monitoring systems linked to production
- Lean manufacturing systems, value stream mapping and downtime reduction tools
- Freight and electrical upgrades directly related to new equipment (capped at 10% of equipment costs)
- Software licensing (up to 12 months) required to operate funded equipment
- Cybersecurity required to support new manufacturing systems
Ineligible Expenditure
The following costs are not eligible for funding:
- Building construction, renovations or infrastructure upgrades
- General business software unrelated to manufacturing processes
- Research and development activities
- Legal, accounting or advisory fees
- Staff salaries and on-the-job training
- Vehicle purchase or leasing
- Repair or like-for-like replacement of existing equipment
- Non-fixed or leased equipment
- Costs incurred before a grant agreement is executed
Other Transforming Queensland Manufacturing important details that you will need to know
Organisations eligible for Transforming Queensland Manufacturing support
To be eligible, applicants must:
- Be a Queensland-based manufacturing SME
- Have a majority of turnover derived from manufacturing activities (ANZSIC Division C)
- Employ between 5 and 200 full-time equivalent (FTE) employees (including group structures)
- Have operated in Queensland for at least three consecutive years prior to applying
- Have at least five FTE employees located in Queensland
- Be registered for GST and hold an active ABN
- Be the manufacturing entity that will own the funded equipment
Government entities, not-for-profits, charities and partnerships are not eligible.
Transforming Queensland Manufacturing assessment criteria
Eligible applications are assessed competitively against the following criteria:
1. Productivity, Competitiveness and Profitability (25%)
Applicants must demonstrate how the project will:
- Increase manufacturing productivity
- Improve international competitiveness
- Deliver measurable profitability improvements
Clear, quantifiable benefits (e.g. productivity gains, reduced lead times, increased output or margins) are strongly encouraged.
2. Alignment with Program Objectives (25%)
Assessment will consider how strongly the project supports:
- Export pathway development
- Reshoring or onshoring of manufacturing activity
- Improved manufacturing capability and competitiveness
Projects aligned with multiple objectives may score more strongly.
3. Jobs and Skills Outcomes (20%)
Applicants must demonstrate:
- Retention of existing manufacturing jobs
- Creation of new high-skilled manufacturing roles in Queensland
- Workforce upskilling aligned with advanced manufacturing technologies
4. Strategic Alignment and Project Delivery (20%)
Projects are assessed on:
- Alignment with the applicant’s strategic direction and business plans
- Readiness and feasibility of the project
- Clear project planning, timelines and risk management
Project delivery within 12 months is preferred, though longer timelines may be considered with justification.
5. Value for Money (10%)
Assessment considers:
- Cost-effectiveness of the project
- Competitive procurement processes
- Broader benefits to Queensland’s manufacturing sector and economy
How do I get the Transforming Queensland Manufacturing support?
To successfully secure funding under the TQM Grants Program, applicants should clearly demonstrate:
- Strong eligibility across all mandatory criteria
- A well-defined manufacturing project using industry-leading technology
- Clear productivity, competitiveness and profitability improvements
- Alignment with export, reshoring or onshoring objectives
- Job retention, creation and workforce upskilling outcomes
- Robust financial capacity and matched funding
- Detailed project planning, timelines and risk management
- Value for money and sound procurement governance
Early preparation and strong supporting evidence are critical to a competitive application.
Information to prepare for the Transforming Queensland Manufacturing support
Applicants should be prepared to submit:
- Three years of financial statements
- Detailed project plan and timeline (or Gantt chart)
- Quotes for all project items
- Five-year financial and production forecasts
- Workforce and job creation forecasts
- Strategic plans or business plans
- Evidence supporting productivity and competitiveness claims
- Insurance certificates and funding evidence
Applying for the Transforming Queensland Manufacturing support
Applications must be submitted online through the Queensland Government grants portal.
Register your interest with GrantHelper to explore your alignment with this grant and how we can assist you to increase your chances of success.
Transforming Queensland Manufacturing resources
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