The SCRI is part of the Australian Government’s $1.5 billion Modern Manufacturing Strategy. It will support businesses to establish or scale a capability that addresses a supply chain vulnerability. This will strengthen Australia’s ability to access critical products necessary for our health, safety and well-being.
Funding opportunity
$50 million in grants is now available under the first round of SCRI, supporting Australian businesses to build their manufacturing capabilities through co-investing in new equipment, technology, skills and processes. Eligible projects should address supply chain vulnerabilities outlined in a Sovereign Manufacturing Capability Plan in the key product categories of:
- medicines
- agricultural production chemicals.
Eligible projects can receive grants of between $50,000 and $2 million, with the applicant required to match the grant funding amount.
Targeting critical products and supply chain vulnerabilities
The Sovereign Manufacturing Capability Plan sets out the types of activities that could be funded under the SCRI to address vulnerabilities for identified critical products or inputs.
We engaged broadly with Australian industry and sector experts to identify and analyse critical products. The initial analysis identified personal protective equipment (PPE) as a sector of focus. However, the government has already worked with industry and significantly invested in scaling up Australia’s ability to make PPE locally. This has delivered tangible results. Therefore the plan doesn’t recommend further funding through SCRI.
Applying for SCRI funding
Find out more about the grants and how to apply on business.gov.au
Funding closes 12 August 2021.