The Australian Manufacturing Capability Network (AMCN) is now actively collaborating with small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to help them commercialise innovative products and services.
Officially announced by the Australian Government in May 2024, the AMCN serves as an Industry Partner Organisation to the Australian Government's new Industry Growth Program (IGP), a key initiative under the National Reconstruction Fund aimed at building the future of Australian manufacturing.
The AMCN is a national collaborative effort between industry, government, and universities, and is led by the Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing (ARM) Hub in Queensland.
Over the past three months, AMCN partners have been diligently developing specialised services to support startups and SMEs applying for the IGP, offering deep technical expertise in critical areas such as robotics, artificial intelligence, and autonomous systems. The first masterclass webinar about generative AI for technology and manufacturing businesses was held today.
Professor Cori Stewart, Founder and CEO of ARM Hub, expressed her enthusiasm for the AMCN's role in this vital program.
"It is gratifying to now see the network in action, providing crucial technical support that enables SMEs and startups to become global innovation leaders," Professor Stewart said.
"We are thrilled to be partnering with the Industry Growth Program and thank the Australian Government for this opportunity. The network is committed to strengthening sovereign manufacturing capability and growing the national economy."
Australian Government Minister for Industry and Science, Ed Husic, announced that four not-for-profit organisations, including AMCN, will work with the IGP to assist participating SMEs in bringing new products and services to market.
The IGP offers expert advice on commercialisation and early-stage business growth, particularly for businesses in the priority areas identified by the National Reconstruction Fund. The first five companies to receive IGP funding were announced this month.
As an Industry Partner Organisation, the AMCN complements the IGP by offering specialised advisory services drawn from its extensive sectoral expertise.
Professor Stewart highlighted the unique challenges faced by Australian industry, particularly the 'missing middle' of ambitious export-oriented SMEs and startups.
"Small businesses, which make up 96% of all Australian businesses, often struggle with low levels of free cash flow and limited human resources, which can hinder their ability to invest in and scale innovation," she said.
The AMCN addresses these challenges by providing SMEs with access to a comprehensive network of technology experts and essential commercialisation services.
The network's members include prominent institutions such as CSIRO, Flinders University, Swinburne University of Technology, the Queensland Government, University of Technology Sydney, and Western Sydney University. It is further supported by technology partners, specialist providers, and venture capital investors.
The AMCN is committed to overcoming the barriers SMEs face in commercialising their innovations, thereby ensuring that Australian manufacturing continues to thrive on the global stage.
About us:
About AMCN The Australian Manufacturing Capability Network (AMCN) is a collaboration between industry, government, and universities, dedicated to supporting the growth and innovation of Australian SMEs. Led by the Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing (ARM) Hub, the AMCN offers specialised advisory services and access to world-class manufacturing resources to help SMEs commercialise new products and services. Visit amcnetwork.com.au.
About Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing (ARM) Hub
The ARM Hub is a leading innovation commercialisation organisation dedicated to advancing robotics, AI, and automation technologies in industries such as defence, biomedical and energy. The ARM Hub is a collaboration between industry and research to translate good ideas into commercial value that increase Australia's manufacturing capability. Visit armhub.com.au.
