Funding to boost South Australian manufacturers advanced tech

The South Australian government has launched a new, $1 million program to accelerate manufacturers uptake of advanced tech.

The Manufacturing Technology Adoption Program, run over two rounds, plans to awards grants of up to $50,000 to South Australian manufacturers, providing it on a competitive basis with businesses required to match each dollar invested.

The program is targeting the adoption of artificial intelligence, additive manufacturing, data analytics, blockchain, augmented and virtual reality, the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) applications, and optics and photonics.

“Accelerating the uptake of technology is critical to driving innovation and productivity and is one of the key objectives of South Australia’s Advanced Manufacturing Strategy,” South Australian Deputy Premier and Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science Susan Close said.

“Through this program, South Australian manufacturers have an opportunity to adopt transformative technologies, which will significantly bolster South Australia’s industrial competitiveness and economic complexity.

“The flow-on effects will be new or enhanced products that need new markets and position manufacturers favourably for revenue and export growth.”

As part of the state’s Advanced Manufacturing Strategy, it plans to grow the industry from 6 per cent to 10 per cent of South Australia’s economy and expand it to account for around 8 per cent of the state’s employment.

The South Australian government stated that is has “ambitions to restore the state’s status as a manufacturing powerhouse and grow the local manufacturing sector”.