Queensland Manufacturing Grants 2026: Round 2 Now Open
Published on 23 September 2026
Are you a Queensland manufacturer planning to invest in robotic welding, automation or advanced manufacturing equipment? You may be eligible for funding through Round 2 of the Transforming Queensland Manufacturing Grants Program.
The latest round of Queensland manufacturing grants has $12.5 million available, with eligible businesses able to apply for grants from $100,000 to $1.5 million, covering up to 50% of eligible project costs. Applications close at 1:00pm on 25th November 2026.
For manufacturers considering robotic welding, the Round 2 guidelines specifically include advanced robotics, cobotics and equipment used to automate existing manufacturing processes.
The Transforming Queensland Manufacturing Grants Program is a three year, $79.1 million Queensland Government program for Queensland manufacturing businesses investing in advanced manufacturing equipment and systems.
Six competitive funding rounds are planned between 2026 and 2028, with 50% of Round 2 funding allocated to projects located solely in Regional Queensland.
Can robotic welding qualify?
Eligible costs can include robotic and cobotic equipment, manufacturing automation, simulation technology, manufacturing software, system integration, installation, commissioning and training associated with the new equipment.
Eligible freight and electrical upgrades can also be included within certain limits.
This means a robot welding cell and associated implementation costs may qualify, provided the business and project meet the full program requirements.
Who can apply for the Queensland manufacturing grants?
Applicants generally need to:
- have manufacturing as the majority of business turnover
- have between 5 and 200 full time equivalent employees
- have a project site in Queensland
- have at least five full time equivalent employees located in Queensland
- have operated in Queensland for at least three consecutive years
- be purchasing eligible advanced manufacturing equipment or manufacturing systems
- be registered for GST and hold an active ABN
- demonstrate the financial capacity to complete the project
Different requirements apply where the applicant is part of a wider group structure, so businesses should review the full Round 2 guidelines before applying.
What will applications be assessed on?
Round 2 is a competitive grant process. Applications are assessed against the expected improvement in productivity, international competitiveness and profitability, export opportunities, manufacturing activity returning to Queensland, employment outcomes, project planning and value for money.
Applicants will also need to provide evidence around the proposed investment, including supplier quotations, project costs, financial information, expected outcomes and a project timeline.
For a robotic welding project, having a clearly defined system and realistic production data can make this process easier.
How Autoa Robot Welding can help
If robotic welding forms part of your proposed investment, Autoa can help develop the technical and commercial side of the project.
Our team can assist with:
- reviewing your current welding process
- assessing products for robotic welding
- developing the robot welding cell concept
- selecting robot, welding and positioning equipment
- completing welding trials
- preparing cycle time and production capacity estimates
- providing equipment pricing and technical documentation
- planning installation, commissioning and training
This gives your business a defined robotic welding project and the technical information needed to prepare the equipment portion of the grant application.
Round 2 key dates
- Applications are open now.
- Round 2 information webinar will be held on Thursday 8th October 2026 at 12:00pm AEST.
- Applications close on Wednesday 25th November 2026 at 1:00pm.
Manufacturers should also note that project costs incurred or paid before the grant agreement is executed are not eligible. Projects must not commence before the agreement has been executed.
Full program details, eligibility requirements and application information are available through the Business Queensland Transforming Queensland Manufacturing Grants Program page.
hello@autoaweld.com | AU: 1800 573 228 | NZ: 0800 37 55 66
Share this article
