Australia hit new milestones for capital venture investments last year, with businesses raising $1.23 billion in funding, according to KPMG. That’s more than seven times the amount raised in 2012 and 2013.
So if you have a novel idea that can disrupt the market, there’s no reason why lack of funding should hold you back. Aspiring Australian entrepreneurs, inventors, and researchers can apply for a number of small business grants to jumpstart their latest projects.
The Accelerating Commercialisation Grant
Secure up to $1 million when you successfully apply for this grant, which is aimed at startups and other for-profit organisations looking to commercialise novel products and services.
Over $10 million in funding was distributed among 16 small businesses in January 2019, allowing them to take ground-breaking products and processes to market.
Since its inception, 363 grants amounting to $181.2 million have been awarded to businesses.
Benefits include:
- A grant of up to 50% of eligible project-related expenditures to facilitate the commercialisation of novel intellectual property
- Guidance from Commercialisation Advisers in meeting project objectives
- Access to the Expert Network via Commercialisation Advisers to help you make valuable business connections, raise capital, and expand to new markets
- Potential exposure to investors through roadshows
- Membership in the Portfolio of Australian Businesses
The support received will depend on whether you’re receiving grant assistance or Portfolio Services only.
Those receiving Accelerating Commercialisation grant assistance will work closely with Commercialisation Advisers who provide regular contact, follow-ups, and detailed guidance when time permits.
Those in the Portfolio category can expect to get facilitation, such as introductions to various Expert Network members, with Commercialisation Advisers serving as a sounding board instead of providing detailed guidance.
The Portfolio consists of grant participants, or businesses in the early stages of commercialisation, that have been brought together for increased visibility to investors, strategic corporations, and supply chains.
The Expert Network is made up of successful Australian entrepreneurs, investors, domain experts, and corporations with formidable experience in commercialisation, business management, business development, and capital markets. Members of the network will share their knowledge, insights, skills, and connections to help bring your product to market.
Accelerating Commercialisation Grant success stories
3RT Technologies received $1 million, the largest possible amount under the program, in 2018. Founded in 2010, the company spearheads technology that mimics the natural growth process of timber to convert locally sourced wood into high-value products on par with tropical hardwoods.
The Melbourne-based company runs the Innovation Centre in Adelaide and works with Flinders University researchers to integrate nanotechnology processes in the development of wood products.
Bangalow-based Hemp Foods Australia was awarded $589,337 in 2015. The funding went towards the purchase of new machinery and a processing plant to improve efficiencies in the production of hemp seed products.
Vantari VR, a doctor-led startup in Sydney, was recently offered $560,000 to develop its virtual reality anatomy teaching tool and cadaver technology for potential use in healthcare education and surgery planning.
Other companies that received Accelerating Commercialisation grants in July 2019 include:
- Victoria-based Spark Breweries and Technologies received $499,314 for its compact beer brewing machine prototype to be distributed to brewers, pubs, hotels, and retailers.
- Australian Capital Territory company Flex-G was awarded $200,000 to commercialise a coolant for electric and motorsports vehicles.
- South Wales startup Ubaryon will use $172,432 to develop and bring to market its metal separation technology, which offers environmental and economic advantages to end users.
Could you be next?
As you can imagine, the grant application process is highly competitive, with dozens of Australian businesses vying for exposure and financial assistance.
When applying for the Acceleration Commercialisation Grant, don’t forget that your submission must tell a compelling story, one that has defined objectives and clearly states the benefits of your novel product to the Australian economy.
Because grant applications are a highly competitive and time-consuming process, it’s advisable to work with an experienced consultant that specializes in the range of business grants.
Pattens are here to assist you. Our team has expertise in the Acceleration Commercialisation Grant and many other government grants, giving you every advantage in the application process. Get in touch with us today.
Achieve Competitive Growth with An Accelerating Commercialisation Grant Alternative
There are many businesses and organisations looking to commercialise their ideas and grow their operations, and since they need funding for it, they often look to the Accelerating Commercialisation Grant. After all, this was designed to help Australian businesses move innovative products and services closer to market, yet many organisations find the application process complex and time-intensive.
However, this program was closed back in May 2023. Thankfully, though, applicants still have other options and can instead transition to the Industry Growth Program.
Regardless of the specific program, though, understanding eligibility, preparing documentation, and demonstrating commercial viability can require careful planning. This is why many businesses seek assistance when they apply for reliable commercialisation support or alternative funding pathways that still deliver momentum toward competitive growth.
Without the right preparation for Australian commercialisation grants, applications can stall or miss key requirements. This is why working with experienced business advisers for grant applications can help clarify expectations, strengthen positioning, and improve readiness before submission.
Pattens Group focuses on guiding organisations through these funding landscapes with practical insight and structured support. With informed guidance, companies can pursue commercial progress confidently while identifying grant pathways, from the Industry Growth Program to other options, that are aligned with their long-term growth goals.
The Industry Growth Program, like the Accelerating Commercialisation Grant, is for market-ready innovations.
Businesses that are ready to scale a proven innovation often seek structured commercialisation funding programs that help move products or services into competitive markets. At this stage, practical planning, industry validation, and strong positioning become essential for successful market entry.
Thankfully, there are still options that provide you with that exact opportunity, even with the Accelerating Commercialisation Grant gone. In fact, many businesses who were gunning for this grant are now transitioning to applying for a grant under the Industry Growth Program.
Unlike R&D grants that are focused on the initial stages, the Industry Growth Program funds Australian SMEs that have already developed an innovative product, process, or service.
This program continues to provide business commercialisation support for initiatives that prioritise sectors linked to the Australian Government’s National Reconstruction Fund (NRF) and encourages businesses to scale operations, strengthen supply chains, and compete more effectively in emerging industries.
Just like how it was for the Accelerating Commercialisation Grant, the application process for this innovation commercialisation grant involves meaningful preparation. Businesses seeking funding through the Industry Growth Program typically must commit time, internal expertise, and supporting evidence to demonstrate readiness and potential impact.
Careful planning, realistic resource allocation, and clear commercial objectives can strengthen applications and position organisations for sustainable growth beyond the funding period.
Competitive applications require more than a good idea.
Experienced commercialisation advisers know that strong funding applications usually depend on more than a promising concept. Clear technical validation, credible market evidence, and a practical commercial strategy help demonstrate that an innovation is ready for growth. These elements give assessors confidence that the project can deliver measurable outcomes and sustainable impact.
When you’re applying for programs, whether it’s something similar to the Accelerating Commercialisation Grant or something else, decision makers typically expect solid proof of concept rather than early-stage ideas alone. Evidence may include performance data, customer validation, and a defined pathway to revenue.
Businesses seeking funding, be it novel technology funding or product commercialisation funding, often benefit from demonstrating both technical reliability and genuine market demand.
Competition for funding remains high, even for well-developed innovations. Projects that communicate value clearly and align with national priorities often stand out more effectively. This is especially relevant when pursuing process commercialisation support or other initiatives designed to strengthen Australia’s industrial capability and economic resilience.
Preparation also involves meeting documentation standards and coordinating internal expertise.
Applications for R&D government grants and commercialisation programs alike frequently require input from leadership, technical specialists, and financial teams. Allocating time early helps ensure submissions are complete, accurate, and strategically positioned for success.
We can support your business in finding alternative pathways to success.
We help businesses identify practical Australian government business grants that support sustainable commercial growth. Understanding which opportunities align with your stage of development can prevent wasted effort and allow you to focus on strategies that deliver measurable progress.
When considering programs, such as those similar to the Accelerating Commercialisation Grant, early eligibility assessment can make a significant difference. We work with businesses to evaluate their suitability, clarify requirements, and determine whether options like service commercialisation grants offer alignment with their goals.
Our team supports businesses from early strategy through to submission preparation. We help shape compliant applications, ensuring technical credibility, market readiness, and commercial potential are communicated clearly. By organising documentation and aligning supporting evidence, we reduce administrative pressure while allowing internal teams to stay focused on core operations.
With more than 35 years of experience assisting Australian businesses, we have built a strong record of securing grants and incentives across multiple industries. We focus on long-term partnerships rather than one-off applications, supporting businesses as they continue to grow, innovate, and adapt to changing market conditions.
Where appropriate, we may also recommend complementary funding mechanisms such as the research and development tax offset or cash refund. Exploring alternatives alongside traditional grants can strengthen a broader funding strategy and help ensure businesses access support that best fits their commercial objectives.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How competitive is the Industry Growth Program?
Just like the Accelerating Commercialisation Grant, the Industry Growth Program is quite competitive, with independent assessment panels reviewing technical credibility, market readiness, and strategic alignment with national priorities. Limited funding pools mean clear positioning and well-supported applications often make the difference.
We help assess your suitability early and can also explore options such as export commercialisation funding or other relevant pathways that may better fit your objectives.
What stage does my project need to be at to qualify for this grant?
Most commercialisation programs support innovations that have moved beyond early research and are approaching market expansion. This may include preparing for product launch, refining production processes, protecting intellectual property, or scaling operations nationally or internationally.
Some businesses also explore Australian government commercialisation grant support alongside complementary initiatives like tax incentives for research and development, which can help strengthen broader funding strategies.
What type of evidence is typically required in a grant application?
Applications for funding similar to the Accelerating Commercialisation Grant, such as the Industry Growth Program, generally require proof that the innovation works technically and has realistic commercial potential.
This can include performance data, customer validation, financial projections, and evidence of organisational capability. Structured documentation helps demonstrate readiness and reduces uncertainty for assessors.
Our specialists can assist in identifying relevant evidence, coordinating technical and commercial inputs, and preparing compliant submissions that minimise internal workload while improving application clarity.
Clear guidance for complex grant pathways
Missing potential government funding can slow progress, particularly when opportunities are competitive and requirements are detailed. Having structured guidance helps businesses approach funding decisions with confidence and clarity.
Pattens Group supports organisations in navigating programs, such as the Industry Growth Program and more, while also assessing relevance to other initiatives, like the Future Made in Australia Innovation Fund. We help interpret commercialisation grant eligibility criteria in Australia, ensuring applications reflect both technical credibility and commercial readiness.
The result is a supportive partnership built on informed advice, careful preparation, and a steady focus on helping businesses progress confidently toward market growth.
Book a free consultation now.
Disclaimer: Information provided is general in nature and does not constitute financial or tax advice. Eligibility for government grants and incentives is subject to program guidelines and assessment by relevant authorities.
