The Australian government has taken a significant step in supporting the country’s emerging small and medium manufacturers with the announcement of the first grants from the $392 million Industry Growth Program (IGP).
Among the recipients, Li-S Energy, a Brisbane-based manufacturer, has secured a $1.7 million grant to accelerate the development of next-generation batteries.
Li-S Energy is at the forefront of battery innovation, manufacturing low-weight and highly durable batteries suitable for unstaffed aviation and defence industries.
The company’s groundbreaking technology has caught the attention of the Australian government, leading to this substantial grant.
- Li-S Energy will use the funding to build Australia’s first lithium metal foil manufacturing line.
- The company’s high-tolerance lithium foil battery manufacturing process aims to produce ultra-light, next-generation batteries.
Dr Lee Finniear, CEO of Li-S Energy, emphasised the significance of this development: “With Australia mining 52 per cent of the world’s lithium ore, this new sovereign manufacturing capability for lithium foil gives Australia an opportunity to position itself as a leading player in this growth market.”
The IGP is designed to help small and medium businesses overcome scaling barriers, enhance manufacturing capabilities, strengthen supply chains, and create secure, well-paid jobs.
The program offers two funding streams:
- Early-Stage Commercialisation grants: Matched funding from $50,000 to $250,000
- Commercialisation and Growth grants: Matched funding from $100,000 to $5 million
While Li-S Energy’s battery technology is a highlight, the IGP’s first round of funding supports a diverse range of innovative projects:
| Company | Grant Amount | Project |
|---|---|---|
| Cauldron Molecules | $4.3 million | Automated hyper-fermentation technology |
| Electrogenics Laboratories | $1 million | Patient radiation dose measurement system |
| Brandsec | $231,000 | Malicious phishing content removal tool |
| Forager Automation | $157,943 | Robotic blueberry-picking device |
Minister for Industry and Science Ed Husic emphasised the government’s commitment to fostering innovation and strengthening domestic manufacturing: “Making more things here, strengthening supply chains and keeping our know-how and talent onshore where it belongs — that’s what a Future Made in Australia is all about.”
The IGP grants align with the seven priority areas of the $15 billion National Reconstruction Fund, aiming to scale up early-stage businesses for potential future co-investment.
As Australia positions itself as a leader in advanced manufacturing and clean energy technologies, the support for Li-S Energy and other innovative companies through the Industry Growth Program marks a significant step towards realising the vision of a “Future Made in Australia”.
