Government grants are available for Australian businesses in the innovation sector. Programs span federal and state governments, offering funding for growth, innovation, infrastructure and workforce development.
What these grants can fund
- Business expansion and capital investment
- Equipment and infrastructure upgrades
- Workforce training and skills development
- Technology adoption and innovation
- Export and market development
Common eligibility requirements
- Registered Australian business with a valid ABN
- Must be operating in the relevant sector
- Matching co-contribution may be required
- Some programs have employee or turnover thresholds
Eligibility varies by program. Always check the official source before applying.
Open programs
Showing 9 of 9A legislated tax offset program that supports companies to invest in eligible research and development by offsetting some of the associated costs. The program provides refundable or non-refundable tax offsets based on company turnover and R&D expenditure proportions, with offsets up to $150 million.
The Energy Innovation Fund provides up to $17 million over five years in flexible, early-stage grants for energy innovation projects across three streams: Technology Demonstration, Policy Challenge, and Innovation Ecosystem. It aims to support new and emerging technologies while developing the ACT as an export-oriented hub for energy transition innovation to achieve net zero emissions by 2045.
This program provides funding to female-founded Queensland businesses to help them scale and build business capacity. It supports female founders to close early-stage investment rounds with government backing and grow innovative businesses across a wide range of industries.
A program that supports established Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander innovative businesses in Queensland to scale and grow. Recipients receive impact investment grants up to $100,000 and business strategic advisory services covering costs for essential business support in areas such as fundamental business skills, legal, finance, marketing, mentoring, and grant writing.
Supports research projects that initiate or develop long-term strategic research alliances between higher education organisations and research end-users (business, industry, community organisations, or publicly funded research agencies). Projects must apply advanced knowledge to problems, acquire new knowledge, and secure commercial or other benefits of research.
CSIRO Kick-Start provides matched funding for start-ups and small to medium enterprises to access CSIRO's research expertise and capabilities. Funding supports research activities including testing new ideas with commercial potential, developing novel or improved products or processes, and testing novel materials. Eligible businesses can receive between $10,000 and $50,000 in matched funding.
Provides delegate tickets and support for Queensland innovators and ecosystem leaders to attend the Circular Futures NQ – Innovation and Sustainability Summit in Townsville (12-14 May 2026). Successful applicants receive summit tickets, travel/accommodation support where required, access to networking spaces, and opportunities to connect with investors and industry leaders.
A tax offset program that provides financial support to eligible corporations conducting research and development activities in Australia. Companies can claim tax offsets based on eligible R&D expenditure, with different benefit rates depending on company size and expenditure levels.
A venture capital fund created through a partnership between the ACT Government and Epicorp to provide venture capital to ACT-based businesses. The Fund supports start-ups, commercialisation, the ACT's innovation ecosystem, and emerging sectors in the ACT.
Grant information is sourced from official government websites and updated regularly. Program details, eligibility and closing dates change — always verify with the official source before applying. Last data update: February 2026.