Deadline: 19-December-2025
The Made in the Pilbara Program 2025 provides targeted grants to small-to-medium enterprises in the Pilbara region to strengthen advanced manufacturing, localise supply chains, and drive innovation aligned with Western Australia’s future industry needs.
Focus Areas/Objectives/Priorities/Themes: The program’s objectives are the adoption of advanced manufacturing technologies (automation, robotics, digitalisation, Industry 4.0), localising supply chains to strengthen regional capability and reduce reliance on imports, workforce development and skills training in future-facing technologies, proof-of-concept or pilot trials of innovative manufacturing methods, materials, or processes, and activities that support ESG-readiness (energy efficiency, decarbonisation, sustainability certifications).
The Pilbara region of Western Australia is uniquely positioned to become a leading hub for manufacturing and industrial growth. The Made in the Pilbara Program 2025 aligns with the Made in WA plan, reflecting the Cook Government’s vision to reinforce the state’s economy, reestablish manufacturing at its core, and create jobs of the future. It also supports BHP’s commitment to thriving, empowered communities and contributes to its 2030 social value goal of co-creating economic, social, and environmental outcomes with stakeholders.
The program offers two funding streams designed to stimulate innovation and business growth. The Small Grants stream provides up to $50,000 per application for eligible manufacturers seeking funding for equipment, upgrades, or business growth activities. The Innovation Seed Funding stream offers up to $25,000 per application to support Pilbara-based proof-of-concept trials for emerging technologies.
Participants in the program gain access to CORE Innovation Hub spaces and capability-building initiatives, enabling them to connect with industry leaders and expand their professional networks. Successful applicants may also become eligible for future state or federal funding opportunities under separate application processes.
Eligibility requirements specify that applicants must be registered Australian businesses operating or intending to expand operations in the Pilbara region, with fewer than 200 full-time equivalent employees. Joint ventures are eligible if the lead applicant assumes primary responsibility for project delivery and reporting. Projects must demonstrate alignment with one or more of the program’s stated objectives, while ineligible expenditures include routine business activities, marketing, and retrospective costs.
Applications are submitted online via the Grant Guru website, accompanied by required financial documents and project budgets. Proposals undergo an eligibility screening by CORE Innovation Hub, followed by assessment by a Program Evaluation Panel. The judging process evaluates applications based on commercial viability and sustainability, innovation and technology advancement, potential economic and community impact, and governance and risk management.
Funding agreements detail payment schedules, milestones, and reporting requirements. Successful applicants will be publicly announced in February 2026, following notifications in January. Program monitoring and evaluation will be conducted by CORE Innovation Hub to ensure outcomes align with the program’s objectives and contribute to sustainable regional development.
For more information, visit CORE Innovation Hub.
