The NT government has announced that it will invest $8.75 million over five years with the Federal Government’s Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre (AMGC) which will 'fast-track innovation projects and generate millions of dollars in co-investment'.
AMGC co-funds industry projects to lead to commercialisation, with a goal of driving innovation, productivity and competitiveness across Australia’s manufacturing industry.
The new partnership aims to fast-track research, pilot projects and commercialisation of advanced manufacturing opportunities in minerals processing, agribusiness and carbon across the Territory.
Successful applicants through the partnership will be required to match funding dollar-for-dollar.
This partnership will see a permanent AMGC Territory Director appointed to build connections between local manufacturers and interstate research institutions and accelerate new opportunities; AMGC establish an office in Darwin, which will house the dedicated Territory-based Director who will be supported by AMGC’s existing national team; and a competitive co-funded grant program for industry stakeholders which will be managed by AMGC.
“We are backing innovation and local business, because we know how exciting this space is for the Territory and for our economic comeback," NT Chief Minister Michael Gunner said. “We want to make things in the Territory, lock in more local projects and get them off the ground.
“This announcement is Kickstarter on steroids – and it will turn Territorians’ ideas into reality.”
“The Northern Territory sits at the intersection of innovation and opportunity," AMGC Managing Director, Dr Jens Goennemann said. "AMGC believes that by leveraging the Territory’s rich natural resources and convenient access to international markets, the Top End has the opportunity to create smart jobs for Territorians and spur a new era of innovation and prosperity for the region."