9 September 2026
Defence Industry Development Grants (DIDG) **Extended
The program provides funding for small to medium enterprises to build Australia’s sovereign capability, global competitiveness, technical superiority and national security. The Grant opportunity provides:
- between $100,000 and $1 million for eligible businesses
- up to 50% of the project cost
Stream closing dates
- Exports stream – Saturday 31 October 2026, 11:59 pm AEDT
- Security stream – Saturday 31 October 2026, 11:59 pm AEDT
- Skilling stream – Wednesday 30 September 2026, 11:59 pm AEST
- Sovereign Industrial Priorities stream – Monday 30 November 2026, 11:59 pm AEDT
Fact Sheet: Defence Industry Development Grants
Regional University Industry Collaboration Program
RUIC connects Queensland businesses with regional universities, including QDSA member universities James Cook University, University of the Sunshine Coast, and University of Southern Queensland, to help solve technical challenges, accelerate R&D and commercialise new ideas.
Eligible SMEs can access:
- Up to $50,000 in matched funding
- Research expertise and project support
- Networking and collaboration opportunities
- Free R&D training
- Applications are open year-round
To connect with our member universities involved in RUIC, contact info@qdsa.au
Accelerator Program Providers
Accelerator Program Providers – a Queensland Government program managed by Queensland Investment Corporation, which seeks to accelerate, develop and enhance the venture capital industry in Queensland.
SME Industrial Decarbonisation Fund
The SME Industrial Decarbonisation Fund has been designed to help small-to-medium sized Australian manufacturers reduce their direct greenhouse gas emissions by switching from fossil fuel powered processes to electric alternatives.
The Fund supports businesses through co-investment to upgrade or replace equipment and processes, train their workforce, attain updated certification or compliance and share successful deployment across the manufacturing industry through knowledge sharing activities.
The Fund has three focus areas – Surface Treatment, Process Steam and Metals Processing – and Projects must clearly demonstrate a pathway to achieving commercial viability and the ability to deliver a measurable reduction in emissions.
- Eligible project size: $400k – $1M
- Applications close 31 December 2027 or when fully allocated
- Find out more
Concessions on goods for space projects
Space Concession helps companies wanting to develop high technology for the space sector. It encourages the transfer of technology and expertise by providing duty-free tariff on eligible imported goods.
- You can apply at any time
- Find out more
National Reconstruction Fund
The National Reconstruction Fund Corporation (NRFC) provides debt finance, equity finance and guarantees for businesses with compelling proposals in one of the seven priority areas, including defence capabilities. The NRFC may invest in proposals that are solely or mainly Australian-based. Applicants must:
- demonstrate a positive return on investment or an ability to repay debt
- have completed Australian Industry Participation Plan.
Manufacturing Skills Queensland (MSQ)
A $2,000 Skills and workforce subsidy for manufacturers provides small manufacturers access to specialist support to implement their workforce strategies.
From now until 30 November 2026,the subsidy is available to small manufacturing businesses across Queensland who have completed a workforce plan through the MSQ Industry Workforce Advisor Program.
CSIRO Kick-Start
Matched funding between $10,000 and $50,000 for start-ups and small business to access CSIRO support to undertake research activities that will enable your business to:
- research a new idea with commercial potential
- develop a novel or improved product or process
- test a novel product or material
- Maximum length of project – 12 months
- Apply anytime
- Find out more
MBSE and Digital Twin training – MEMKO, in collaboration with iLAuNCH, offers Digital Engineering Micro-Credentials for Industry.
These courses will run in‑person at the UniSQ Springfield campus and online, giving learners flexible access to industry‑built MBSE and Digital Twin training. Whether you’re upskilling individually or developing teams across aerospace, defence, space or advanced manufacturing – this is your opportunity to gain practical, industry‑validated digital engineering capability.
- MBSE Fundamentals for Systems Engineering | Micro credential I MEMKO (4 contact days – in-person)
- Introduction to Digital Twin | Micro credential | MEMKO (24 contact hours – online)
Defence and Strategic Exports
Visit Defence’s Outreach and training page to explore upcoming Defence Export Controls webinars.
Defence Trailblazer
Combat Systems Engineering Micro credentials Find out more
Australian Submarine Agency Industry Uplift Programs
Defence Industry Vendor Qualification program, Australian Submarine Supplier Qualification Progra, ASC BAE Supply Chain Qualification Program ,Accelerating pre-qualification, Defence Industry Factsheet
ARM Hub
Accelerator Programs are designed to drive sovereign capability, commercial readiness, and global competitiveness, particularly in sectors where transformation is critical to Australia’s economic resilience including Biomedical, Veteran and Female Founders.
Subscribe to the ARM Hub newsletter here.
The University of the Sunshine Coast delivers micro-credential courses, funded by the Queensland Government, to upskill Queensland’s small and family businesses. Register your interest in an available business planning course.
New courses are being developed – register your interest for when they become available:
- artificial intelligence
- cyber security
- procurement.
TAFE – Certificate IV in Leadership and Management – 2027 – EOI
Delivered through Toowoomba Manufacturing Hub
Starting Date – April 2027
Toowoomba Manufacturing Leadership Program – BSB40520 – Certificate IV in Leadership and Management
What’s included:
- 6-month program
- 1 x day per month face to face workshop
- Empower your leadership skills unlocking growth, innovation and lasting success
Please register your interest by Friday, 25 September 2026, if you are interested or have employees that are interested in attending the Certificate IV Leadership and Management.