Manufacturing Tech Australia

Shane Williams & Paul Mason
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Manufacturing Tech Australia Podcast with Shane Williams and Paul Mason – your go-to resource for the latest in manufacturing and technology trends, tailor-made for Aussie businesses. Join us as we delve into key insights, tools, and strategies to drive innovation, productivity, and resilience, helping you stay ahead in the competitive world of manufacturing.

  1. FEB 2

    75. Grants and Support to Help Manufacturers Scale in 2026

    In this episode, we take a practical look at the grants, incentives, and support programs that manufacturers can access in 2026. This isn't a boring deep dive into every scheme in detail, we step back and talk about the broader landscape, what is changing this year, and how businesses can use these opportunities to accelerate ther 2026 plans.  We explore the trends we are seeing across federal and state programs, the increasing emphasis on R&D, innovation, clean tech, and capability building, and the difference between funding that helps you scale and funding that can distract you. We also share our experience on how to approach applications, where businesses often get stuck, and how to decide which programs actually make sense for your strategy.  If you are mapping out your investment priorities for the year, this conversation will help you understand where the real opportunities are, how to think about timing and eligibility, and how to use support programs to drive meaningful progress rather than creating extra noise in the business.  Useful Links In this episode, we reference a range of grants, incentives, tax tools, and support programs that manufacturers can use to reduce risk and accelerate growth in 2026. You can explore more detail using the links below. Manufacturing and Technology Funding Made in Queensland Grant Program https://www.business.qld.gov.au/industries/manufacturing/queensland-manufacturing/grants-assistance/made-in-queensland Queensland Sovereign Industry Development Fund https://www.statedevelopment.qld.gov.au/industry/industry-support/sovereign-industry-development-fund Tasmania Advanced Manufacturing Productivity Grant https://www.business.tas.gov.au/grants/advanced-manufacturing-productivity-grant Industry Growth Program (IGP) https://www.business.gov.au/grants-and-programs/industry-growth-program National Reconstruction Fund (NRF) https://nrf.gov.au Research, Innovation, and R&D Support AgriFutures Australia RD&E Investment Program https://agrifutures.com.au/investment-and-funding/ CSIRO Innovate to Grow (free 8 week program) https://www.csiro.au/en/work-with-us/funding-programs/SME/Innovate-to-Grow CSIRO Kick-Start (matched R&D funding) https://www.csiro.au/en/work-with-us/funding-programs/SME/CSIRO-Kick-Start R&D Tax Incentive https://www.business.gov.au/grants-and-programs/research-and-development-tax-incentive Clean Tech and Energy Transition ARENA Solar SunShot https://arena.gov.au/programs/solar-sunshot/ Future Made in Australia Innovation Fund (ARENA) https://arena.gov.au/programs/future-made-in-australia/ Victorian Circular Economy Recycling Modernisation Fund https://www.vic.gov.au/circular-economy-recycling-modernisation-fund Victorian Energy Upgrades for Business https://www.energy.vic.gov.au/for-business/victorian-energy-upgrades-businesses Skills, Workforce, and Capability Victorian Digital Jobs Program https://www.vic.gov.au/digital-jobs Australian Government Wage Subsidies https://www.workforceaustralia.gov.au/employers/wage-subsidies Self Employment Assistance Program https://www.workforceaustralia.gov.au/individuals/coaching/self-employment Cost Reduction and Non Grant Support Certain Inputs to Manufacture (CIM) Program https://www.abf.gov.au/importing-exporting-and-manufacturing/manufacturing/certain-inputs-to-manufacture Instant Asset Write Off https://www.ato.gov.au/businesses-and-organisations/small-businesses-and-self-employed/concessions/instant-asset-write-off Finding Grants and Getting Help GrantConnect (Australian Government grants platform) https://www.grants.gov.au Business.gov.au Grants and Programs Finder https://business.gov.au/grants-and-programs AusIndustry Business Grants and Assistance Finder and Newsletter https://www.industry.gov.au/science-technology-and-innovation/industry-innovation/ausindustry

    36 min
  2. 74. AI on the Factory Floor, Learning in the Flow of Work & the Rise of Vibe Coding w/ Murali Sastry

    12/29/2025

    74. AI on the Factory Floor, Learning in the Flow of Work & the Rise of Vibe Coding w/ Murali Sastry

    In this episode of Manufacturing Tech Australia, we sit down with Murali Sastry to cut through the hype around AI and focus on what really matters for manufacturing. How AI can augment people, not replace them.  We explore what vibe coding actually means in practice, and why it is opening the door for operators, engineers, and frontline workers to build dashboards, troubleshoot issues, and create job aids without waiting months for IT support. Murali shares real world examples from manufacturing and beyond, including learning in the flow of work, low risk augmentation use cases, and why human in the loop governance is critical.  We also unpack the risks, from shadow IT to security and ownership, and discuss where AI should absolutely not be used in high-risk manufacturing environments. Murali finishes with clear, practical steps manufacturers can take tomorrow to get started safely, build capability, and create real ROI from AI.  If you are navigating AI adoption in manufacturing and want a grounded, human-centred perspective, this episode is for you.

    29 min
  3. 73. The Hilux Approach to Warehouse Automation with Rob O'Dea

    12/15/2025

    73. The Hilux Approach to Warehouse Automation with Rob O'Dea

    Warehouses have not changed much in 20 to 30 years, and even when businesses look modern from the outside, the reality behind the scenes is often chaos, spreadsheets, and a heap of decisions operators never expected to be making.  In this episode, we sit down with Rob O’Dea from ShelfBot to unpack the real industry blockers that stop warehouses from taking the first step into automation, including fear of massive projects, over-engineered solutions, and the “consultant trap” of trying to solve 100% of the problem all at once.  We talk about: Why complexity and integration risk (hello, SAP) can kill projects before they start The 80/20 mindset, and why chasing the last 20% can explode cost and complexity The human reality of picking, including the 10 to 15 km a day many pickers walk The hidden costs and safety risks people miss, including fire suppression and lithium-ion concerns If you’re a manufacturer, 3PL, or e-commerce operator trying to scale without betting the business on a mega-project, this is a practical conversation about where to start, what to avoid, and how to reduce the fear factor.

    29 min
  4. 72. The Future of Australian Manufacturing with Futurist Marcus Barber

    12/01/2025

    72. The Future of Australian Manufacturing with Futurist Marcus Barber

    In this episode of Manufacturing Tech Australia, we sit down with futurist Marcus Barber to unpack what is really happening across the manufacturing landscape in Australia today. We explore the ongoing flow on effects of supply disruptions, the shift from just in time to just in case, cash flow pressure on smaller manufacturers, and how global tariff movements are creating unexpected opportunities for Australian exporters. Marcus also shares powerful insights into the skills shortage, why the sector struggles to attract and retain talent, and how manufacturers can rethink engagement by hiring in cohorts and supporting slow retirement models. We also dig into emerging risks, strategic blind spots, shifting consumer markets, and how technology and AI will influence the sector over the next few years.

    37 min
  5. 71. From Silos To Systems: Turning AI Hype Into Practical Automation And Manufacturing Value

    11/17/2025

    71. From Silos To Systems: Turning AI Hype Into Practical Automation And Manufacturing Value

    We sit down with Harry and Paul from Inturing to move past the AI buzzwords and get practical about automation in Australian manufacturing. We talk about the real opportunities, the common traps, and how to use AI as an enabler for better processes instead of chasing the latest shiny tool.  We walk through how manufacturers can connect the dots between CRMs, ERPs, finance and project systems, and we look at simple ways to free people from low value admin so they can spend more time with customers and on strategy. From sales call transcription to purchase order processing and accounts receivable, we show how small, targeted automations can add up to serious savings and better cash flow. Harry and Paul also share the mistakes they see all the time, why “AI first” thinking often backfires, and a simple way to get started without blowing the budget or creating a data security mess.

    30 min
  6. 70. Why Culture Is Your Competitive Edge with Mike House

    11/03/2025

    70. Why Culture Is Your Competitive Edge with Mike House

    In this episode, we sit down with Mike House to talk about what culture really looks like in the workplace and why it matters more than ever in manufacturing.  We explore:  Why culture is about how we show up, not just what we say  The biggest mistakes leaders make when trying to build strong teams  What family-owned businesses often get right (and where they go wrong)  How to create clarity around purpose and priorities  What survival training teaches us about leadership and direction  Mike has worked with everyone from founders to frontline teams, and his stories bring a fresh perspective on leadership in complex, competitive environments. If you’re trying to attract great people—or keep the good ones you’ve got—this episode is for you.

    33 min
  7. 69. Building Australia's First Electric Motorcycle Brand with Dennis Savic

    10/20/2025

    69. Building Australia's First Electric Motorcycle Brand with Dennis Savic

    What kind of person decides to start a high-performance electric motorcycle company in Australia from scratch? In this episode, we sit down with Dennis Savic, founder of Savic Motorcycles, who’s turning childhood ambition into an engineering and manufacturing reality.  We explore how Dennis went from dreaming about motorbikes at age 14 to designing modular electric bikes with bold performance specs. He shares the story of navigating startup life, building a brand named after his family, and doing it all without the deep supply chains of Europe or Asia.  We talk about product strategy, lessons from his time at Ford, and what it takes to push through doubt when the odds are stacked against you. If you’ve ever wondered what kind of grit and drive it takes to build something from nothing, this one’s for you.

    29 min
  8. 68. Unplugged IIoT: Bridging the OT-IT Divide for Real Digital Transformation

    10/06/2025

    68. Unplugged IIoT: Bridging the OT-IT Divide for Real Digital Transformation

    In this episode of Manufacturing Tech Australia, we're hosting a special "Manufacturing Tech Happy Hour," joined by our friends Ed Fuentes and Phil Seboa from the Unplugged IIoT podcast. We dive into a lively and practical conversation about what digital transformation really means for manufacturers. Together, we explore strategies for bridging the IT and OT gap, discuss the genuine impacts of AI, IoT, and digitization, and share insights on how businesses can clearly identify their goals for measurable success. Join us for candid conversations, actionable tips, and real-world examples designed to help you navigate digital transformation effectively.

    36 min
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About

Manufacturing Tech Australia Podcast with Shane Williams and Paul Mason – your go-to resource for the latest in manufacturing and technology trends, tailor-made for Aussie businesses. Join us as we delve into key insights, tools, and strategies to drive innovation, productivity, and resilience, helping you stay ahead in the competitive world of manufacturing.

Information

  • Creator
    Shane Williams & Paul Mason
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    88
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Shane Williams & Paul Mason
  • Show Website
    Manufacturing Tech Australia