Smart Enough Factory Program
The Victorian Government is supporting local defence industry companies to transform their operations by deploying digital technologies to drive value and productivity – spearheading their competitive advantage.
In 2021, the Victorian Government announced $1.3 million for the Smart Enough Factory program to support small to medium-sized businesses in Victoria’s defence industry to modernise their design and manufacturing processes.
Delivered by DMTC Limited, the program aims to boost digital and Industry 4.0 capabilities. It does this by using advances in data-driven production to enhance businesses’ operational performance and manufacturing productivity, leading to more efficient processes and significant cost savings.
The program will also take on up to eight undergraduate or postgraduate interns annually from Victorian universities to provide technical support and offer them valuable work experience, defence industry exposure and possible future employment.
The pilot program commenced with Victorian businesses, Australian Precision Technologies, APV Corporation, AW Bell, Heat Treatment Australia, and Ronson Gears.
The full-scale roll-out of the program has commenced, with up to 20 Victorian businesses participating each year.
Defence Science Institute
The Victorian Government provides funding for the Defence Science Institute to develop Victoria's defence science and technology capabilities through the facilitation of defence science-focused collaboration between universities, other research organisations and industry.
The Defence Science Institute provides a range of services, including research grants, industry internships and networking opportunities for Victoria’s defence sector.
For more information, please visit the Defence Science Institute website
Other Victorian State Government support
Global Victoria is the State Government’s premier trade facilitation agency and gateway to international economies and networking communities. Victoria has an international network of 23 Victorian Government Trade and Investment offices located in key export markets. For more information see the Global Victoria website.
For a complete list of grants and programs on offer by the Victorian Government, please visit the Business Victoria website
Commonwealth Government Support
The Office of Defence Industry Support provides tailored advice, grants, programs and briefing sessions for businesses in Victoria and across Australia looking to enter or expand into the defence sector. Visit Office of Defence Industry Support
The Naval Shipbuilding College has developed a platform to connect businesses with industry-ready candidates from a range of disciplines. Businesses can post positions and search for industry referral-ready talent who have joined the Workforce Register. The platform is free, user friendly and helps connect businesses with the right candidate in one convenient place.
For a complete list of grants and programs on offer by the Commonwealth Government, please visit the Business.gov website