Exciting new opportunities are up for grabs for manufacturers to innovate and expand in the Territory, with a new $7.5 million manufacturing fund opening today.

In partnership with the Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre (AMGC) the Territory Government has launched the Northern Territory Advanced Manufacturing Ecosystem Fund (AMEF).

The AMEF will accelerate the creation of advanced manufacturing businesses, increase competitiveness and capabilities across the Territory and drive future-focused industry development.

Advanced manufacturing uses gas as a low carbon energy source to create products such as fertilisers, explosives, paper, plastics and chemicals for everyday products such as bricks, mobile phones, medicines and prosthesis.

"As global demand increases for carbon neutral products, created from low emissions manufacturing and supply chains, we're presented with a very exciting opportunity to harness our competitive advantages and realise this tremendous growth opportunity for Territorians," said Alister Trier, Gas Taskforce Chair.

The Territory has all the ingredients for a sustainable advanced manufacturing sector with:

• untapped proven gas reserves offshore and a world-class shale gas resource onshore
• highly prospective geological storage to sequester carbon dioxide emissions
• critical minerals reserves including copper, lithium, vanadium, rare earths, tungsten and cobalt
• access to renewable energy sources
• established construction, logistics and operations capability
• proximity to international markets.

Businesses will be able to access dollar matched co-investment grants between $25,000 and $500,000 (or more based on scale and impact).

Eligible industries include food and agriculture, critical minerals, defence and security, medical and pharmaceutical, space, material recovery/recycling, energy, resources and technology, petrochemicals, construction, fabrication, digital, maritime and carbon reduction.

Projects may include pilots between industry and technology innovators, collaborations to implement targeted market development, and creating distribution pathways and supply chains.

Every project funded from the AMEF requires at least one local collaborator, being a local business, manufacturer, supplier in addition to a research institution.

To apply for the AMEF, please visit: www.amgc.org.au.