The NSW Government is calling on the state's startups and entrepreneurs to apply for round two of the 2025-26 Minimum Viable Product (MVP) Ventures Program, with applications now open.

The MVP Ventures Program offers targeted grant funding to support founders in taking their ideas from concept to market.

Former Tech Council CEO Kate Pounder’s independent review of the state’s innovation ecosystem identified significant gaps in support for women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, and regional tech founders. In response, the guidelines for the MVP Ventures Program ensure founders from diverse backgrounds receive a more equitable level of support.

NSW has the top innovation ecosystem in the Southern Hemisphere, and the state government is committed to fostering diverse startups, which we know drive creative growth and foster new perspectives across the innovation economy.

A total of $3 million in grant funding is available this financial year through two streams:

• Stream One is available for all eligible businesses with a maximum grant of $50,000 and a minimum co-contribution of 50 per cent
• Stream Two is available for eligible women-owned businesses, regional businesses, and Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander businesses with a maximum grant of $75,000 and a minimum co-contribution of 25 per cent. 

Applications are assessed through a new competitive process, with funding awarded to projects demonstrating the strongest innovation potential, commercial viability, and alignment with the NSW Industry Policy missions. 

Offering a financial support stream dedicated to women-owned businesses, regional businesses and First Nations businesses also aims to foster diversity and equity in the innovation, a key action in the NSWInnovation Blueprint. 

The first of three rounds of the 2025-26 MVP Ventures Program opened earlier this year. 309 applications were received with 88 progressing to the competitive assessment stage. Successful round one applicants are expected to be announced in the first quarter of next year.

Round two is open from today (Monday, 24 November) and will close at on Sunday, 21 December 2025.

Round three will open for applications next year.

For more details on eligibility, assessment criteria, and how to apply, please visit: https://www.nsw.gov.au/business-and-economy/innovation/grants-and-programs/mvp-ventures-program.

Minister for Innovation, Science and Technology Anoulack Chanthivong said, “NSW is home to world-class talent and a vibrant startup community, and the MVP Ventures Program is about giving our founders the support they need to turn great ideas into commercial success.

“I encourage all eligible founders to seize this opportunity and apply for round two.

“By backing our innovators, we’re building a stronger, more inclusive economy for the future.”