ARM Hub & ICN join forces to boost SME manufacturing access
Sat, 25th Oct 2025
ARM Hub and the Industry Capability Network (ICN) have formalised a cooperative partnership aimed at increasing the competitiveness of Australian small and medium-sized manufacturers through shared access to advanced manufacturing capabilities and major project opportunities.
The collaboration between ARM Hub and ICN enables manufacturers to benefit from combined technical capability development and market access, with a focus on providing advanced technologies and linking suppliers to significant projects in areas such as infrastructure, defence, renewable energy, and upcoming national events.
Prof. Cori Stewart, Chief Executive Officer of ARM Hub, stated that the new partnership would strengthen the ability of local businesses to innovate and compete.
"Australian manufacturers have real opportunities to compete for major projects across infrastructure, defence, renewable energy, and major events like Brisbane 2032, while building capabilities to supply global markets. ARM Hub is ready to support local businesses to innovate and scale their operations by adopting advanced technologies such as AI and automation that are now essential for sustained market competitiveness. Through this partnership with ICN, we can reach more SMEs across the country and help them integrate advanced manufacturing solutions into their operations. Together, we're building a stronger, more capable manufacturing sector," said Stewart.
The partnership will involve joint promotional activities, thought leadership initiatives, research collaborations, and enhanced access to programmes and accelerators, targeting the respective member networks of both organisations. For manufacturers, this expanded support structure provides new avenues for technical upskilling and introduction to major procurement opportunities.
Gateway access
Through this partnership, ARM Hub members will gain access to ICN's Gateway platform, which connects more than 80,000 established suppliers to approximately AUD $400 billion worth of projects nationwide. This move increases exposure for ARM Hub participants to large-scale opportunities across both public and private sectors.
Simultaneously, ICN subscribers will be able to draw upon ARM Hub's technical expertise, specifically around robotics, AI integration, and Industry 5.0 accelerators. These offerings are designed to build manufacturers' technical capabilities, ensuring readiness to secure and deliver on complex contracts requiring advanced digital technologies.
According to both organisations, the integration of technical enablement and market access is expected to deliver benefits that exceed the sum of their individual value propositions for manufacturers seeking to modernise and secure larger contracts.
Supporting SMEs
By working in concert, the partnership intends for small and medium-sized manufacturers who adopt technology via ARM Hub programmes to simultaneously increase their chances of being matched with major projects through the ICN Gateway platform. Once engaged in significant contracts, support from ARM Hub's technical team aims to ensure successful project delivery throughout the contract lifecycle.
Warren Jansen, Chief Executive Officer at the ICN National Office, commented on the breadth of the partnership's ambition.
"By combining ICN's extensive industry network and supplier development expertise with ARM Hub's world-class robotics and Industry 5.0 knowledge, we can help more Australian SMEs compete on the global stage and access opportunities in major projects."
The arrangement also aims to foster a high-functioning AI ecosystem in Australia. By connecting local AI companies with new commercial clients, expanded markets, and sources of investment, while offering SMEs complimentary training and pathways for piloting new AI applications, both organisations emphasise their commitment to supporting the ongoing digital transformation of the manufacturing sector.