MVP Ventures Program – Round 3 (2025-2026)

Purpose and Program Overview

The MVP Ventures Program is a competitive grant initiative designed to support startups and innovative small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs) across New South Wales. Administered by Investment NSW, the program aims to bridge the gap between early-stage research and mature investment opportunities. By providing matched funding, the grant accelerates the pre-market development and commercialisation of highly innovative products and processes.

The primary objectives of the program are to increase the commercialisation of new products within the state and to attract and retain high-value commercialisation activities in NSW. For the 2025-26 financial year, the NSW Government has committed a total funding pool of $3 million to be distributed across three competitive rounds. This initiative aligns with the NSW Innovation Blueprint, fostering a dynamic ecosystem where high-growth businesses can scale locally.

Key Grant Details

• Grant Amount: $20,000 to $75,000 (dependent on funding stream).
• Application Dates: Opens 9 March 2026; Closes 5 April 2026.
• Eligible Entities: Startups and SMEs headquartered in New South Wales.
• Co-contribution: * Stream 1: Minimum 50% cash co-contribution.
  • Stream 2: Minimum 25% cash co-contribution.
• Location: Activities must be conducted in New South Wales, with at least 80% of project expenditure occurring within the state.

Priority Sectors

The program prioritises projects aligned with the NSW Industry Development Framework and Industry Policy Missions. Key sectors include:

• Agriculture and Agrifood
• Resources, Clean Energy, and Waste
• Defence and Aerospace
• Medical and Life Sciences
• Digital Systems and Software
• Advanced Manufacturing and Biotechnologies
• International Education and the Visitor Economy

Funding Scope

The program is divided into two distinct funding streams to ensure equitable access:

• Stream 1 (General): Offers grants between $20,000 and $50,000 for all eligible businesses.
• Stream 2 (Targeted Support): Offers grants between $20,000 and $75,000 for businesses that are majority women-owned, regionally headquartered, or Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander majority-owned.
• Project Timeline: Projects must have a minimum duration of 3 months and must be completed within 12 months of funding approval.
• Technology Readiness: Projects must involve progressing a product along the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) scale between 3 and 9.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for Round 3, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Business Structure: Must be a company incorporated in Australia or an Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander Corporation.
• Location: Must be headquartered in NSW.
• Turnover: Must have an aggregated turnover of $400,000 or less in each of the three financial years before application.
• Size: Must have 10 or fewer Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) employees (including founders).
• Compliance: Must hold an active ABN, be non-tax exempt, and have an account with an Australian financial institution.
• Intellectual Property: Must hold the IP or rights to commercialise the product.

Eligible Activities and Expenses

Funding must be used for non-recurring expenditure directly related to the commercialisation pathway, including:

• Wages: Salaries for technical staff (capped at 50% of the grant).
• Consultant Fees: For external expertise or contractors (capped at 50% of the grant).
• Materials: Prototyping materials and equipment hire/purchase.
• IP and Regulatory: Patent filing or regulatory compliance costs (up to $7,500).
• Travel: Domestic economy travel is essential to project delivery (up to $2,000).

Assessment Process

The MVP Ventures Program is a competitive, merit-based grant. Applications are reviewed against the following criteria:

• Innovation: Is the product new or significantly different from existing solutions? Does it address a well-defined industry problem?
• Commercialisation: Is there evidence of market demand (e.g., Letters of Intent)? Does it align with NSW Industry Policy Missions?
• Deliverability: Does the team have the technical and managerial expertise? Are the project milestones and risks clearly defined?

Recent Program Updates

The 2025-2026 program features a revised structure compared to previous years, including the introduction of Stream 2. This update specifically targets under-represented groups—including women-owned and regional businesses—by offering a higher maximum grant ($75,000) and a lower co-contribution requirement (25%) to reduce financial barriers to innovation.

Application Tips

• Evidence of Funds: Ensure you have documented proof of your cash co-contribution at the time of submission (e.g., bank statements dated within 30 days).
• Technical Readiness: Use the official TRL Calculator to define your product’s current stage and intended progression accurately.
• Validation: Identify a third-party “Validating Entity” early to evaluate the functionality of your product.
• Submit Early: Rounds may close early if the funding pool is exhausted. Late applications will not be accepted.

Where to Get Help

Consider consulting a grant specialist for a personalised eligibility assessment and expert assistance in preparing a strong, compliant and competitive application. Contact us today, and we will connect you with Australia’s best grant specialist with over 35 years of experience in the industry and a 100% success rate. Visit the Investment NSW website for application forms and guidelines.