New manufacturing network aims to help Aussie businesses

The Australian Manufacturing Capability Network (AMCN) is now actively collaborating with small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to help them commercialise products and services.

Officially announced by the Australian Government in May 2024, the AMCN serves as an Industry Partner Organisation to the government’s new Industry Growth Program (IGP), an initiative under the National Reconstruction Fund aimed at building the future of Australian manufacturing.

The AMCN is a national collaborative effort between industry, government and universities, and is led by the Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing (ARM) Hub in Queensland.

Over the past three months, AMCN partners have been developing specialised services to support startups and SMEs applying for the IGP, offering technical expertise in critical areas such as robotics, artificial intelligence and autonomous systems.

Professor Cori Stewart, Founder and CEO of ARM Hub, expressed her enthusiasm for the AMCN’s role in this vital program.

“It is gratifying to now see the network in action, providing crucial technical support that enables SMEs and startups to become global innovation leaders,” Stewart said.

“We are thrilled to be partnering with the Industry Growth Program and thank the Australian Government for this opportunity. The network is committed to strengthening sovereign manufacturing capability and growing the national economy.”

Minister for Industry and Science Ed Husic announced that four not-for-profit organisations, including AMCN, will work with the IGP to assist participating SMEs in bringing new products and services to market.

The IGP offers expert advice on commercialisation and early-stage business growth, particularly for businesses in the priority areas identified by the National Reconstruction Fund. The first five companies to receive IGP funding were announced this month.

“Small businesses, which make up 96% of all Australian businesses, often struggle with low levels of free cash flow and limited human resources, which can hinder their ability to invest in and scale innovation,” Stewart said.

The AMCN addresses these challenges by providing SMEs with access to a comprehensive network of technology experts and essential commercialisation services.

The network’s members include institutions such as CSIRO, Flinders University, Swinburne University of Technology, the Queensland Government, University of Technology Sydney and Western Sydney University. It is further supported by technology partners, specialist providers and venture capital investors.

Image credit: The Australian Manufacturing Capability Network