Industry and innovation

Introduction

Victoria is a leader in innovation and manufacturing. Our capabilities have helped us build a strong economy and made Victoria one of the best places to live, study, work and do business.

We're prioritising low-emission, digital and advanced manufacturing technology across the economy. We are also capitalising on growth opportunities in specific sectors such as:

  • health technology
  • defence, aviation and aerospace and
  • food manufacturing.

We support breakthrough ideas and technologies to help solve problems and build the capability and confidence of Victorians to create, scale and invest in start ups.

To establish a world-class mRNA and RNA industry in Victoria, we are supporting:

  • supply chain
  • research and development for pre and
  • clinical research, commercialisation and manufacturing investments.

We support Victorian businesses and workers by ensuring that small and medium size enterprises are given a full and fair opportunity to compete for both large and small government contracts.

Websites

Strategies and initiatives

Innovation statement

We have a globally competitive research and innovation ecosystem and the Innovation Statement is a plan that will shape our future, keep our state at the forefront of innovation and create jobs now and for years to come.

Manufacturing statement

Read the Victorian Government’s priorities for advanced manufacturing, including attracting, and stimulating investment, and creating new jobs for Victoria:

Find out more via the Made in Victoria site.

Australian Medtech Manufacturing Centre

The Australian Medtech Manufacturing Centre (AMMC) supports the growth of medtech manufacturing in Victoria, creating new jobs, enhancing skills and increasing investment.

Breakthrough Victoria

Breakthrough Victoria is an independent company that manages a $2 billion investment fund set up by the Victorian Government to make Victoria a global innovation leader.

Cremorne Digital Hub

The Cremorne Digital Hub will support Cremorne's development into a vibrant centre for technology and innovation. This centre will build capacity and capabilities that will benefit manufacturing and our economy.

Find out more about the Cremorne Digital Hub.

Defence, aviation and aerospace

Victoria’s defence, aviation and aerospace sector supports exports of $350 million, employs 24,300 people, and accounts for 2.2 per cent of GSP.

Digital Innovations Futures Victoria

Digital Innovation Futures Victoria brings together businesses, entrepreneurs, innovators, and startups. We encourage collaboration to help grow the local tech sector and welcome investment and talent to our innovation ecosystem.

Health technologies

Our health technologies sector is a global leader in research and manufacturing. The sector exports $3.5 billion in pharmaceuticals (more than 60 per cent of Australia’s pharmaceutical exports) and employs 31,400 people.

Investor migration and global talent attraction

The Victorian skilled and business migration program brings investment and jobs to Victoria through the attraction of investor and business migrants. The program also attracts high calibre global talent to meet Victoria's ongoing workforce needs in high priority occupations that cannot be accessed locally.

LaunchVic

LaunchVic builds the capability and confidence of Victorians to create, scale and invest in startups.

Local Jobs First

The Victorian Government is the largest procurer of goods, services and construction works in the state, and through Local Jobs First uses its purchasing power to help develop local industries, create jobs and boost economic activity across Victoria.

mRNA

Victoria is home to 22 globally recognised medical research institutes. mRNA Victoria is focused on supporting the development of IP in key areas of need. This will help develop a strong pipeline of RNA research candidates and an ecosystem to support manufacturing.

Projects

Grants, awards and scholarships

The mRNA Victoria Research Acceleration Fund Grants took place in 2021 and 2022. For more information, including grant recipients, visit: mRNA Victoria.

Breakthrough Victoria invests in companies at all stages, from pre-seed to growth capital. Submit your pitch and read more at Breakthrough Victoria.

The department manages several grant programs to help the state’s advanced manufacturers to innovate, grow production and capitalise on new opportunities. Find out what’s on offer at Business Victoria.

The Victorian Manufacturing Hall of Fame recognises excellence in manufacturing. There are a number of categories under which manufacturers can submit nominations including the Victorian Manufacturing Hall of Fame Honour Roll.

Divisional owners and entities

Contact details