AMCRC CORE Project Funding Program

Purpose and Program Overview

The AMCRC CORE Project Funding Program is a collaborative initiative designed to bring industry partners and research organizations together, fostering a sense of shared purpose and mutual benefit in advancing additive manufacturing in Australia.

The program aims to deliver long-term economic and community benefits, strengthening Australia’s sovereign industrial capability and inspiring confidence in the impact of your project.

Projects supported under this program must address a specific industry problem, align with at least one AMCRC research program, and commence at Manufacturing Readiness Level (MRL) 4 to 7, with a clear pathway to advance by at least one MRL level over the life of the project.

Key Grant Details

• Grant amount: Minimum AMCRC matching cash contribution of $250,000; maximum of $5,000,000
• Investment per annum: Minimum $100,000; maximum $1,000,000
• Application close date: 5:00 pm (AEST), Friday, 17 July 2026
• Eligible businesses: Australian-registered companies and manufacturers, particularly those supporting the Australian additive manufacturing supply chain
• Co-contribution required: Yes — matched cash funding plus in-kind contributions
• Location/applicability: Open to businesses across Australia, undertaken in partnership with eligible AMCRC research organisations nationally

Priority Sectors

The guidelines identify the following priority sectors:

• Defence
• Aerospace
• Energy
• Resources
• Medtech
• Transport
• Advanced industrial manufacturing

Funding Scope

• Minimum AMCRC matching contribution: $250,000
• Maximum AMCRC matching contribution: $5,000,000
• Minimum investment per annum: $100,000
• Maximum investment per annum: $1,000,000
• Funding model: AMCRC matches eligible industry cash contributions dollar-for-dollar and co-funds up to 50 percent of the total cash value of the project
• In-kind requirement: Combined research and industry in-kind contributions must be no less than 1.5 times the total project cash contribution
• Project duration: Activities are expected to run for 2 to 5 years
• Commercialisation timeframe: Expected within two years of project completion, with exceptions considered on a case-by-case basis
• Research program alignment: Projects must align with at least one AMCRC research program, covering sustainable manufacturing, application and materials development, technology and certified process development, and surface technologies and post-processing

Eligibility Criteria

• Applicant must be an Australian-registered company or manufacturer with the financial capacity to sustain multi-year cash contributions
• Companies that signed a Partnership Agreement with AMCRC by 1 July 2025 are prioritised for funding
• New companies may apply, subject to funding availability, with a particular focus on supporting the Australian additive manufacturing supply chain
• Projects must be delivered in collaboration with one or more eligible AMCRC research partner organisations, including Charles Darwin University, CSIRO, Curtin University, Deakin University, Flinders University, Griffith University, Monash University, RMIT, Swinburne University of Technology, Adelaide University, University of Queensland, University of Technology Sydney, or University of Western Sydney
• Projects must commence at MRL 4 to 7 and demonstrate a clear pathway to advance by at least one MRL level
• Applications may only be submitted during an active funding round advertised on the AMCRC website
• Only complete and compliant applications, including supporting documentation and a financial budget, are assessed after the round closes
• Projects cannot be funded for activities or costs already funded through other government sources
• Successful applicants must enter into a formal Project Funding Agreement with AMCRC and the relevant project parties

Eligible Activities and Expenses

• Research salary costs, including up to 30 percent on-costs, where directly attributable to the project
• Consumables, materials, prototypes, and prototype tooling
• Software licences
• Rental or hire of dedicated tools or systems
• Energy and utilities are directly related to the project
• Project management operating costs and directly related out-of-pocket expenses
• Travel, marketing, and communications operating costs are directly related to the project
• A proportion of facilities’ access charges is directly attributed to conducting the research
• Research and technology development activities aligned with AMCRC’s research programs, including sustainable manufacturing, materials development, smart additive manufacturing technologies, validation and certification, and post-processing and surface technologies

Assessment Process

This grant is competitive, with applications assessed by a judging panel against weighted selection criteria. Key evaluation areas include:

• Problem and opportunity
• Project outcomes
• Strategic fit with AMCRC’s objectives
• Collaboration between industry and research partners
• Broader manufacturing and community benefits
• Commercial potential
• Adoption strategy and market opportunity

Recent Program Updates

• The current round is open, with applications closing at 5:00 pm (AEST) on Friday, 17 July 2026
• Companies that signed a Partnership Agreement with AMCRC by 1 July 2025 continue to be prioritised, though new applicants may still be considered, subject to available funding
• Applicants should monitor the AMCRC website directly, as the program is delivered through structured, sequential funding rounds rather than continuous intake

Application Tips

• Confirm eligibility against all structural, financial, and collaborative requirements before applying
• Identify and engage a suitable AMCRC research partner organisation early in the planning process
• Prepare a clear project plan demonstrating MRL progression, commercial potential, and industry benefit
• Develop supporting financial documentation, including budgets and cash flow forecasts, well ahead of the closing date
• Align the application with AMCRC’s strategic objectives and the program’s priority sectors
• Ensure all required supporting documentation is complete, as incomplete applications will not be assessed

Where to Get Help

Consider consulting a grant specialist like Pattens Group for a personalised eligibility assessment and expert assistance in preparing a strong, compliant, and competitive application. Contact us today and get connected with Australia’s best grant specialist, boasting over 35 years of experience in the industry and a 100% success rate. For official guidelines, application details, templates, and further information, visit the official website of the AMCRC CORE Project Funding Program and other associated Australian government websites.