New grant support for AUKUS nuclear-powered submarine supply chain

An increase in Defence Industry Development Grant (DIDG) funding was recently announced by the Deputy Prime Minister and the Minister for Defence Industry and Capability Delivery.

This opportunity will support Australian businesses to develop supply opportunities which are linked to the nuclear-powered submarine (NPS) program. Grant funding can be used to acquire capital equipment, achieve business certifications required for international opportunities, undertake technical skilling or to uplift business security.

Modification to the DIDG Grant Opportunity Guidelines are expected to be released soon on GrantConnect to allow new applications to be submitted under this expanded funding opportunity.

• To prepare for submissions, it is recommended that relevant applicants who are actively engaging in NPS opportunities seek an appropriate Letter of Support from the Australian Submarine Agency.
• Applications with a Letter of Support from the Australian Submarine Agency will also be considered under the main funding stream.
• Requests for Letters of Support to accompany applications for the NPS related opportunities can be sent to: asa.industry@defence.gov.au.

Next batches of the DIDG Sovereign Industrial Priorities and DIDG Security streams close on 28 February 2025.