About this programme
Manufacturing Readiness Grants are part of Indiana's Economic Activity Stabilization and Enhancement (EASE) program, which the state launched with $10 million in response to COVID-19 disruptions. The grants are jointly managed by the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) and Conexus Indiana, a nonprofit-branded initiative of the Central Indiana Corporate Partnership (CICP), working with the Next Level Manufacturing Institute.
The grants support Indiana manufacturers making innovative capital investments in smart manufacturing, including advanced communications, collaborative robots, and Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) technologies, aimed at improving capacity, speed and quality. Eligible uses also include health care manufacturing technology for companies supporting COVID-19 response efforts.
Conexus Indiana reports the program has awarded 772 grants to Indiana businesses across 85 counties, totaling $79.8 million in grant funding against $1.11 billion in supported project budgets. Participating companies reportedly nearly doubled their technology adoption budgets between 2020 and 2021.
How it works
The fund totals $4 million, with grants up to $200,000 per company.
Grants require a minimum 1:1 match: the company must contribute funds equal to the grant amount.
Applications go through Conexus Indiana rather than directly through IEDC.
Who can apply
The applicant must be an Indiana manufacturing company adopting smart-process technology or modernization.
How to apply
- Apply through Conexus Indiana at conexusindiana.com/manufacturing-readiness-grants/.
- If applications are currently paused, complete the interest form on the Conexus Indiana site to be notified when the program reopens.
Frequently asked
Who actually processes the application, IEDC or Conexus Indiana?
Conexus Indiana manages the application process, in partnership with IEDC and the Next Level Manufacturing Institute.
Do I need matching funds?
Yes. The grant requires a minimum 1:1 match, meaning you contribute at least as much as the grant amount toward the project.
What kind of investments does the grant cover?
Smart manufacturing investments such as advanced communications, collaborative robots, and Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) technology, aimed at improving capacity, speed and quality.
Is the program always accepting applications?
Not necessarily. Conexus Indiana has previously paused new applications once a funding round is fully used, reopening later pending continued state budget support. Check the Conexus Indiana site or submit the interest form for the current status.
More funding in Indiana
Capital Access Program (CAP-SSBCI)
Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) · Indiana
Helps Indiana small businesses get a loan approved by having the state match a loan-loss reserve contribution alongside the borrower and lender.
Indiana State Trade Expansion Program (IN-STEP)
Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) · Indiana
Reimburses Indiana small businesses up to $15,000 a year, at 80%, for trade shows, translation, and other costs of expanding into export markets.
SMART & Advanced Manufacturing (SAM) Focus Fund
Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC), managed by Elevate Ventures · Indiana
Equity investments up to $500,000, matched 1:1, for early-stage Indiana manufacturing startups building smart-technology products.
Urban Enterprise Zone (UEZ) Program
Local Urban Enterprise Associations, under Indiana Code 5-28-15 · Indiana
Ongoing tax savings for businesses operating inside one of Indiana's distressed urban enterprise zones, registered through the local zone association.
Reviewed 2026-09-25. Programmes change, so check eligibility, amounts and deadlines on the official page before you apply. CapEasy is a private firm and is not part of any government body.