What Government Will Be Funding in 2026
Janine Owen · 8 January 2026
Last reviewed: July 03, 2026
2026 is shaping up to be a big year for Australian businesses seeking funding support. Both federal and state governments have signalled strong investment in innovation, clean energy, digital capability, and regional development.
But with more money also comes more competition. The real advantage goes to businesses that understand where government priorities sit and prepare early.
Here’s what’s driving funding decisions in 2026 and how to get access to the grants that are on your radar.
Key takeaways
Six sectors dominate government funding in 2026: clean energy, R&D and commercialisation, digital capability, manufacturing and critical minerals, workforce development, and regional growth.
The R&DTI remains a key national funding mechanism and is expected to remain a stable source of support for eligible R&D activities.
Co-funding requirements are increasing. More programs are expected to require matched contributions from applicants.
Outcomes matter more than ever. Governments are increasingly prioritising projects that demonstrate jobs growth, economic impact, emissions reduction and export opportunities.
Competition is intensifying. Growing demand and capped budgets mean businesses need to be prepared to act quickly when opportunities arise.
Preparation is the real advantage. Businesses that align projects with government priorities and prepare early are better positioned for funding success.
Where the money goes: an industry breakdown
1 - Clean energy and decarbonisation
Achieving net zero remains a national priority. Expect strong funding for clean energy projects, emissions reduction, electrification, and circular economy solutions. This includes everything from battery manufacturing to energy-efficient infrastructure.
2 - R&D and commercial innovation
Innovation continues to be a core pillar of Australia’s productivity push. Programs that support R&D, commercialisation, prototypes and pilot trials will remain active. The R&D Tax Incentive continues to anchor this space and is expected to stay stable.
3 - Digital capability and cybersecurity
Cyber threats and digital adoption gaps remain major risks for SMEs. Governments are likely to support initiatives that help businesses adopt new technologies, improve resilience, and lift digital productivity.
4 - Manufacturing and critical minerals
Federal and state governments want more value-adding done in Australia. High-tech manufacturing, critical minerals processing, and advanced materials are key areas where funding is expected to grow.
5 - Workforce and skills development
Skills shortages aren’t going away. Funding for apprentices, traineeships, workforce retraining and clean energy skills development will remain strong in 2026.
6 - Regional and export development
Regional funding continues to help businesses expand, innovate and hire locally.
Top 4 funding trends for 2026
1 - More co-funding requirements
Expect more programs to require matched contributions. It ensures businesses share the risk and are invested in the project.
2 - Stronger focus on outcomes
Governments want measurable impact. Jobs, economic uplift, emissions reduction and export growth are high on the list.
3 - Competition is increasing
With more demand and capped budgets, programs are becoming more competitive and sometimes first-come, first-served. Preparing early is critical.
4 - Integrated advisory support
More grants now come with mentoring or capability-building components. This builds stronger businesses and increases project success.
How to get grant ready for 2026
Step 1 | Align your projects with priority areas
Frame your work in a way that connects clearly to government priorities like net zero, digital transformation or advanced manufacturing.
Step 2 | Organise your documents now
Have your financials, business plan, project plan and budget ready. When a grant opens, you want to move fast.
Step 3 | Track announcements and timelines
Follow federal and state updates. Subscribe to business.gov.au, GrantConnect, your state’s business email updates, and FundFindrs newsletter.
Step 4 | Build relationships and seek advice
Connect with industry groups, funding bodies, accelerators and universities. A strong partner can elevate your application.
The bottom line
2026 will offer some solid opportunities for businesses that prepare early. Governments are funding innovation, clean energy, digital capability and economic growth, but competition will be strong.
If you know what you need, align with the right priorities, and stay ready, grants can help you move faster and with far less risk.
Start planning now, build your funding roadmap, and you’ll be in a strong position to apply with confidence in 2026.
About Grant’d
Grant’d is Australia’s first intelligent, end-to-end funding ecosystem for startups, SMEs and purpose-led organisations.
The platform helps you:
find the right grants in under a minute
understand eligibility instantly
build a proactive funding roadmap
track deadlines and manage applications in one place
Grant’d takes the guesswork out of grants so you can focus on building, scaling and delivering impact. Learn more at grantd.com.au.
About the author
Janine Owen
Founder of Grant’d — Australia’s first AI-powered grants platform, built to help businesses, charities and community organisations find and win funding faster. With over 20 years’ experience in fundraising and more than $100 million raised for some of Australia’s most impactful organisations, Janine now leads Grant’d with a mission to make grants more accessible, strategic, and human.
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