Nicci Rossouw, CEO of Robotics Australia Group, joins us again to unpack how Australia’s robotics ecosystem is evolving, and what’s changed since our last conversation.

We talk about the growth and momentum across the sector, the National Robotics Strategy, and why funding is only part of the story when the real challenge for Australian robotics companies is scaling.

We dig into what’s driving the most investable robotics businesses right now, including the common thread behind companies gaining traction: solving real problems with measurable outcomes. Nicci also shares why field robotics is accelerating, how physical AI is reshaping capability, and what Australian manufacturers should do first if they want to adopt robotics this year.

We also explore sovereign capability, keeping IP onshore, and why collaboration across startups, universities, and industry is essential in a market as small as Australia’s.

In this episode, we sit down with Nick Doyle from ANCA Manufacturing Solutions in Thailand. Nick is right in the centre of one of the most active manufacturing regions in the world, leading factory expansion and helping organisations across Australia and Southeast Asia understand what comes next.

We explore how global supply chains are shifting, why Thailand is becoming a major production hub, and how AI is already reshaping factories. Nick takes us from Industry 4.0 through to Industry 6.0, a future where agentic AI runs workflows, humanoid robots become general purpose labour, and micro factories operate close to customers.

We also dive into the practical side. Nick shares what his team is already doing with AI today, including press brake automation, welding projects, vibe coding, internal knowledge management, power monitoring, and university collaborations that accelerate innovation.

In this episode, we take a practical look at the grants, incentives, and support programs that manufacturers can access in 2026. This isn't a boring deep dive into every scheme in detail, we step back and talk about the broader landscape, what is changing this year, and how businesses can use these opportunities to accelerate ther 2026 plans.

We explore the trends we are seeing across federal and state programs, the increasing emphasis on R&D, innovation, clean tech, and capability building, and the difference between funding that helps you scale and funding that can distract you. We also share our experience on how to approach applications, where businesses often get stuck, and how to decide which programs actually make sense for your strategy.

If you are mapping out your investment priorities for the year, this conversation will help you understand where the real opportunities are, how to think about timing and eligibility, and how to use support programs to drive meaningful progress rather than creating extra noise in the business.

Useful Links

In this episode, we reference a range of grants, incentives, tax tools, and support programs that manufacturers can use to reduce risk and accelerate growth in 2026. You can explore more detail using the links below.

Manufacturing and Technology Funding

Made in Queensland Grant Program

https://www.business.qld.gov.au/industries/manufacturing/queensland-manufacturing/grants-assistance/made-in-queensland

Queensland Sovereign Industry Development Fund

https://www.statedevelopment.qld.gov.au/industry/industry-support/sovereign-industry-development-fund

Tasmania Advanced Manufacturing Productivity Grant

https://www.business.tas.gov.au/grants/advanced-manufacturing-productivity-grant

Industry Growth Program (IGP)

https://www.business.gov.au/grants-and-programs/industry-growth-program

National Reconstruction Fund (NRF)

https://nrf.gov.au

Research, Innovation, and R&D Support

AgriFutures Australia RD&E Investment Program

https://agrifutures.com.au/investment-and-funding/

CSIRO Innovate to Grow (free 8 week program)

https://www.csiro.au/en/work-with-us/funding-programs/SME/Innovate-to-Grow

CSIRO Kick-Start (matched R&D funding)

https://www.csiro.au/en/work-with-us/funding-programs/SME/CSIRO-Kick-Start

R&D Tax Incentive

https://www.business.gov.au/grants-and-programs/research-and-development-tax-incentive

Clean Tech and Energy Transition

ARENA Solar SunShot

https://arena.gov.au/programs/solar-sunshot/

Future Made in Australia Innovation Fund (ARENA)

https://arena.gov.au/programs/future-made-in-australia/

Victorian Circular Economy Recycling Modernisation Fund

https://www.vic.gov.au/circular-economy-recycling-modernisation-fund

Victorian Energy Upgrades for Business

https://www.energy.vic.gov.au/for-business/victorian-energy-upgrades-businesses

Skills, Workforce, and Capability

Victorian Digital Jobs Program

https://www.vic.gov.au/digital-jobs

Australian Government Wage Subsidies

https://www.workforceaustralia.gov.au/employers/wage-subsidies

Self Employment Assistance Program

https://www.workforceaustralia.gov.au/individuals/coaching/self-employment

Cost Reduction and Non Grant Support

Certain Inputs to Manufacture (CIM) Program

https://www.abf.gov.au/importing-exporting-and-manufacturing/manufacturing/certain-inputs-to-manufacture

Instant Asset Write Off

https://www.ato.gov.au/businesses-and-organisations/small-businesses-and-self-employed/concessions/instant-asset-write-off

Finding Grants and Getting Help

GrantConnect (Australian Government grants platform)

https://www.grants.gov.au

Business.gov.au Grants and Programs Finder

https://business.gov.au/grants-and-programs

AusIndustry Business Grants and Assistance Finder and Newsletter

https://www.industry.gov.au/science-technology-and-innovation/industry-innovation/ausindustry