The Transforming Queensland Manufacturing Grants Program helps small-to-medium Queensland manufacturers adopt advanced technology, boost innovation and create high-value jobs. Part of a $79.1 million, three-year commitment delivered across six competitive rounds, the TQMGP offers matched funding grants of up to $1.5 million for projects that modernise operations and strengthen global competitiveness.
What the grant offers
- Funding size - $100,000 to $1.5 million on a matched-funding basis (up to 50% of eligible project costs)
- Total program pool - $79.1 million over three years, with $12.5 million available in Round 1
- Eligible spend - advanced equipment, robotics, cobotics, autonomous systems, digital twins, ERP/MRP/MES integration, AI and IoT systems, energy-efficient equipment, carbon monitoring tools, and staff training on newly acquired technology
- Project length - 12 months preferred, with assessment taking up to 16 weeks after the round closes
- Regional allocation - 50% of each round's funding is exclusively reserved for regional Queensland manufacturers
- Assessment criteria - Productivity, Competitiveness and Profitability (25%); Alignment with Program Objectives (25%); Jobs and Skills Outcomes (20%); Strategic Alignment and Project Delivery (20%); Value for Money (10%)
Who should apply
- Queensland-based manufacturers that have operated in Queensland for at least three consecutive years
- Small-to-medium enterprises with an active ABN and GST registration
- Businesses that will own and operate the funded equipment or technology at a Queensland project site
- Companies with demonstrated financial capacity to co-fund the project (payments are generally made on a milestone basis, though an upfront payment of up to 20% may be available subject to security requirements)
- Firms that are not insolvent, not a government entity, statutory authority, charity, partnership or not-for-profit, and not concurrently delivering another active TQM project
- Cumulative cap of $1.5 million per group structure across all rounds
Why it is worth your time
- Halve your capital outlay - matched funding covers up to 50% of eligible project costs, cutting the upfront investment needed for advanced equipment and digital systems
- Tap into a dedicated regional pool - half the funding in every round is ring-fenced for regional Queensland, giving manufacturers outside South East Queensland a stronger chance of success
- Accelerate Industry 4.0 adoption - fund robotics, digital twins, AI analytics and autonomous systems that lift output quality and reduce waste
- Strengthen export pathways - higher productivity and new capabilities position you to compete in interstate and international markets
- Reshore and onshore production - the program rewards projects that bring manufacturing activity back to Queensland from interstate or overseas
- Create and retain skilled jobs - funding covers workforce training on new technology, aligning with Queensland's manufacturing strategy and job-creation priorities
- Build grant track record - a successful TQMGP project improves your credibility for future state and federal programs
How Grant Savvy helps
Eligibility clarity We confirm your ABN, GST registration, operational history, financial capacity and group structure so you know you qualify before investing effort. We also check that your financier or bank is comfortable with the Queensland Government's security arrangements under the grant agreement.
Project framing We translate your technical upgrade into the five weighted assessment criteria that TQMGP assessors score against, ensuring your application clearly addresses productivity uplift, export growth, reshoring, job creation and value for money.
Full application drafting Narratives, cost summaries, project milestone plans, delivery timelines, risk management plans and employment impact statements, all written in plain English and cross-checked against the program guidelines.
Budget and matched-funding evidence We align supplier quotes, capital expenditure schedules and cash-flow proofs so there is no doubt you can co-fund the project. We also prepare milestone payment schedules that reflect the program's arrears-based payment structure.
Stakeholder coordination We source letters of support from local partners, industry bodies and training organisations to strengthen your case, particularly around regional economic impact and workforce development.
Submission and follow-up We lodge through the SmartyGrants portal, confirm receipt and respond to any clarifications during the assessment period (up to 16 weeks after close). If you receive an offer, we help you execute the grant agreement within the required 10 business days.
Our process
- Discovery call - 15 minutes to confirm eligibility, deadlines and alignment with TQMGP objectives.
- Scope and quote - fixed price, detailed timeline, defined deliverables.
- Data gathering - collect financials, supplier quotes, project plans, workforce data and operational history.
- Drafting - complete narrative addressing all five assessment criteria, plus budgets, milestones and attachments.
- Review and refine - one consolidated feedback round, compliance audit against program guidelines.
- Lodgement - SmartyGrants portal upload with timestamp confirmation.
- Post-award support - milestone reporting templates, variation assistance and grant agreement execution support.
Standard turnaround: 4 to 6 weeks. Rush options available subject to capacity.
Round 1 closes Thursday 16 April 2026 at 1pm AEST. Late applications will not be accepted.
Ready to transform your Queensland manufacturing operation?