Launched in partnership with the Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre, the Northern Territory Advanced Manufacturing Ecosystem Fund will provide dollar matched co-investment grants of between $25,000 and $500,000 for advanced manufacturing that uses innovative technologies to improve processes to create cutting edge products.
Critical minerals and resources and technology projects are among those eligible for the fund.
Projects can include early-stage small scale and pilot research projects between industry and technology innovators and collaborations that create distribution pathways and supply chains.
To be eligible for funds each project requires a local collaborator and has to be linked to a research institution.
AMGC NT director Charmaine Barrett said the launch of the AMEF came at a time when public sentiment was high and government focus on the critical industry strong.
"The NT has significant opportunity to leverage its vast natural resources, research talent, and manufacturing base to grow its impact both locally and abroad," she said.
Major projects commissioner Jason Schoolmeester said collaboration between local businesses, industry leaders and research partners to test, trial and then scale manufacturing techniques and technology in the Territory would grow local jobs, industry capability and continue the transition into the economy of the future.
"The Territory has a proud history of smart innovation and the Advanced Manufacturing Ecosystem Fund provides a pathway for accessing co-investment to grow the jobs, skills and industry of tomorrow, today," he said.
Chief minister Michael Gunner said the NT was Australia's comeback capital but also wants to be Australia's innovation capital.
"Advanced manufacturing will be a major jobs driver of the future, and this new partnership will provide local manufacturers with the ability to turn their dreams into realities," he said.
"By building up the Territory capabilities in advanced manufacturing, we are expanding industries and export opportunities, and creating new and exciting job opportunities."
