Northern Territory, AMGC launch Advanced Manufacturing Ecosystem Fund

The Fund delivers on the recommendations from the Territory Economic Reconstruction Report, and will leverage AMGC’s experience in successfully increasing Australia’s manufacturing capability. With a focus on expanding manufacturing in the NT, co-investments will target local projects that seek to:

• Grow an advanced manufacturing ecosystem and capability in the NT across the Territory’s priority sectors.
• Increase investment in advanced manufacturing activity in NT, and secure a greater number of advanced manufacturing jobs located in the NT.
• Commercialise new products and processes, including transitioning a new product or process from pilot/prototype stage to full commercial operations.
• Support early-stage small-scale and pilot research projects in advanced manufacturing, allowing them to more quickly move to larger-scale commercialisation.

Funding will range from $25,000 up to $500,000 (or more based on scale and impact), and must be matched by industry. Projects should include collaboration with a research partner and a minimum of one industry partner.

“We are Australia’s comeback capital, but we also want to be Australia’s innovation capital,” said Michael Gunner, Chief Minister of the Northern Territory. “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.

“By building up the Territory capabilities in advanced manufacturing, we are expanding industries and export opportunities, and creating new and exciting job opportunities for Territorians and investors.”

AMGC’s Northern Territory Director, Charmaine Barrett added: “The NT has a significant opportunity to leverage its vast natural resources, research talent, and manufacturing base to grow its impact both locally and abroad. The launch of the Advanced Manufacturing Ecosystem Fund arrives at a time when public sentiment is high and the NT Government focus on the critical industry is strong, we look forward to getting to work and to helping build prosperity for Territorians.”

The launch of the Fund coincides with the latest AMGC research finding that appreciation of local manufacturing in the Northern Territory has risen the quickest of any Australian region. Comparing data collected in early 2019, before the COVID-19 pandemic, with today, AMGC contrasted the awareness and attitudes toward local manufacturing, revealing that pubic support is higher compared to pre-pandemic times. Territorians support for, and knowledge of, manufacturing is the highest of anywhere in mainland Australia, rising by 33% to 83% over the pre-pandemic survey.

Dr Jens Goennemann, Managing Director for AMGC, said: “The Northern Territory is certainly ahead of other jurisdictions, both in public perception and policy direction when it comes to investing in the potential of manufacturing. AMGC’s partnership with the Territory Government to grow the NT’s manufacturing ecosystem is a sound investment that will deliver secure jobs and higher growth to the Territory, helping to transform the local economy from a lucky one into a smart one,”

Further information regarding the Fund, the application process and grant guidelines are available at: www.amgc.org.au/projects