Defence Industry Development Grants (DIDG)
Government fundSeed–Growth
Investment thesis
Administered by the Australian Government under the Defence Industry Development Strategy, the program awards grants over four years (2024-25 to 2027-28) to build the industrial base Australia needs to achieve Defence outcomes in strategic priority areas. It supports eligible SMEs (and Defence Industry Associations for the Skilling stream) through four streams: Sovereign Industrial Priorities helps purchase manufacturing plant and equipment; Skilling supports workforce upskilling; Exports helps overcome export barriers and build competitiveness; and Security helps improve security controls. Grants cover up to 50% of eligible expenditure and must be tied to the Sovereign Defence Industrial Priorities.
Source: firm website, verified Aug 3, 2026.
Frequently asked questions
- What stage does Defence Industry Development Grants (DIDG) invest at?
- Defence Industry Development Grants (DIDG) invests at the Seed, Series A, Series B, Series C, Growth stages.
- What is Defence Industry Development Grants (DIDG)'s typical check size?
- Defence Industry Development Grants (DIDG) typically writes checks of $10K – $1M.
- What sectors does Defence Industry Development Grants (DIDG) focus on?
- Defence Industry Development Grants (DIDG) focuses on Advanced Manufacturing, Defense Tech.
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