Businesses can now apply for the second round of the Automotive Innovation Lab Access Grants (AILAG).
The $4.5 million in funding can be used by applicants to conduct automotive product design, development, and testing at specialised facilities.
According to Minister for Industry, Science and Technology, Karen Andrews, the grants are designed to allow businesses to invest in advanced manufacturing equipment.
“The grants will help businesses advance their technical capabilities and get their products to market sooner, enabling Australian businesses to grow and create new jobs.”
Although Australia no longer assembles cars, many manufacturers still form part of the automotive supply chain across the world.
“Automotive manufacturing is a massive industry, supported by complex international supply chains. In such a fast-paced global market, it only takes a small innovation from an Aussie business to generate a huge opportunity,” said Andrews.
In the first round of funding, fourteen businesses shared in grants of up to $200,000 in matched funding for projects such the design of automotive components and storage solutions.
“We know there are some great businesses working on new automotive products, and these grants will help them access the expertise and facilities to bring those product ideas to life,” said Andrews.
The grants can cover costs such as design, prototype, and testing activities, at established commercial and research facilities, and Automotive Innovation Labs.
Applications close on February 24, 2020.