Building national capability
The Australian Government is building capability in areas of national priority defined by the Critical Technologies Statement, Defence Industry Development Strategy, and the National Reconstruction Fund (NRF). Australian Government programs are available to support capability build in these priority areas. As a technological enabler across the economy, the space sector can help diversify and transform Australian industry and may be eligible for support through several of these programs.
On this page:
Key Australian Government grant and support programs
Australian Government grants and support are available for the space sector through the national capability-build programs listed below.
National Reconstruction Fund
National Reconstruction Fund
This program provides finance for projects that diversify and transform Australia’s industry and economy in seven priority areas.
Industry Growth Program
Industry Growth Program
This program provides advice and matched grant opportunities to SMEs to help them commercialise their innovations in seven priority areas.
Defence Industry Development Grants Program
Defence Industry Development Grants Program
This program funds SMEs to build Australia’s sovereign capability, global competitiveness, technical superiority, and national security.
Critical Technologies Challenge Program
Critical Technologies Challenge Program
This program aims to drive greater awareness and uptake of quantum technologies in Australia.
Responsible AI Adopt Program
Responsible AI Adopt Program
This program aims to support SMEs without Artificial Intelligence (AI) expertise to adopt AI technologies.
SmartSat CRC Program
SmartSat CRC Program
Funded by the Australian Government’s Cooperative Research Centres (CRC) Grants program, this program aims to drive space industry growth.
Australian space innovations making an impact
INDUSTRY SHOWCASE
Australian space innovations making an impact
Learn about the country’s unique, cutting-edge space technologies through our industry case studies and Space Spotlight series.
Australian space innovations making an impa
Other grant programs and opportunities
In addition to the key national capability-build grant programs, there are several other grant programs and opportunities that could be relevant to the space sector. These include space-focused programs, research programs, programs for start-ups, and programs for Indigenous businesses.
Space-focused programs
This program aims to grow Australia’s capability to support NASA’s endeavour to return to the Moon and then on to Mars.
Visit the program webpage for more details.
This program encourages the transfer of technology and expertise by providing duty-free tariff on eligible imported goods.
Visit the program webpage for more details.
Research programs
This program aims to develop research alliances to apply advanced knowledge and/or acquire new knowledge.
Visit the program webpage for more details.
This program helps companies innovate and grow by offsetting some of the costs of eligible research and development.
Visit the program webpage for more details.
Programs for start-ups
This program aims to accelerate reform in the higher education sector for the commercialisation of research.
Visit the program webpage for more details.
This program supports start-ups and small businesses to pursue R&D activities.
Visit program webpage for more details.
Programs for Indigenous businesses
This program helps organisations undertake projects or activities which promote opportunities for First Nations Australians.
Visit the program webpage for more details.
This program provides more opportunities, connections and networks to improve economic opportunities for First Nations people and communities.
Visit the program webpage for more details.
Other opportunities
This program helps Australian SMEs grow their exports in international markets.
Visit the program webpage for more details.
This program provides more opportunities, connections and networks for local businesses.
Visit the program webpage for more details.
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