NSW Emerging Technology Commercialisation Fund (ETCF) 2026

Grants from $500K-$2M
Activities are expected to run from January 2027 to December 2028
Applications open until April 29th, 2026

The Emerging Technology Commercialisation Fund (ETCF) 2026 is a key action under the NSW Innovation Blueprint and is designed to accelerate the commercialisation of emerging technology innovations within NSW.

The fund seeks to address critical market gaps that limit the state’s ability to translate research and innovation into economic growth. Through targeted financial support, the ETCF aims to de‑risk emerging technologies and progress them along the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) pathway toward commercial deployment.

The program is intended to deliver long‑term economic benefits for NSW by scaling high‑value jobs, strengthening local capabilities, and building competitive advantages in government priority areas. These priority areas include local manufacturing, housing, net zero initiatives, and supply‑chain development.

Key Requirements

Program objectives: Progress emerging technology innovations to commercial deployment; improve commercial viability and investment readiness; and generate long‑term economic benefits for NSW.
TRL requirement: Projects must be TRL 3–7 at application and progress along the TRL scale during the project.
Eligible project type (prototype/proof-of-concept): Must progress an existing physical prototype (device/technology/product) or a proof‑of‑concept in biological/life sciences innovation.
Project timing: Projects must be completed within two years (unless exceptional circumstances).
No double-dipping: Project must not have received grant funding for the activities specified in the application.
MDF exclusion: Projects must not be eligible for the NSW Health Medical Devices Fund (MDF)
Spend in NSW: At least 65% of grant funding must be spent in NSW.
Two-stage assessment: Stage 1 (Preliminary Application + pitch video) shortlists applicants; Stage 2 (Full Application) assesses shortlisted proposals in depth across Innovation, Commercialisation, Deliverability and Alignment.
Streams: Assessment is led via two expert streams—Stream A (Physical Sciences) and Stream B (Biological Sciences)

What is eligible for funding?

Eligible grant funding may be used for the following eligible expenses:

Prototyping, product development and piloting studies.
Manufacturing and/or scaling.
Market research, testing and trials.
Regulatory approvals and other relevant certifications.
Salaries and access to external expertise directly related to project delivery.
Commercialisation strategies and commercial feasibility studies.
Project consumables directly related to project outcomes.
Specialist equipment and/or infrastructure necessary to progress the project.
Intellectual property protection or advice.

What companies are eligible for funding?

Applicants must:

Be either:
- a company incorporated under the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth), or
- an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Corporation registered under the Corporations (Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander) Act 2006 (Cth).
Be a for-profit entity.
Not be listed on any public stock exchange.
Hold an active ABN.
Be headquartered in NSW.
As of 1 January 2026, have more than 65% of FTE employees employed in NSW.
Have revenue of less than $2.5 million per year (excluding grant funding) in FY2024/25.
Not be a subsidiary of another company.
Own the IP or hold an exclusive licence to commercialise the IP in Australia and globally

Additional considerations / exclusions

Digital-only applications (e.g., software applications, data tools, AI platforms) are not considered eligible.
An applicant can submit only one application per ETCF round.

Is this grant competitive or entitlement based?

Competitive. Your application will be assessed among other applications by a judging panel.

How can I increase my chances of winning this grant?

By engaging an accredited government grants consultant, such as Avant Group.

Competitive grants often require significant business case development and project analysis to support the application, this may include detailed presentations supporting the project’s merit, projected sales, cost-benefit analysis and more.

As part of your engagement with Avant Group, your account manager will assess the required documents and will provide the following as needed to support your grant submission.

Grant application writeup including a detailed presentation illustrating how the grant funding will contribute to your project, how the funding will contribute to the project’s budget, a project milestone plan, delivery timeline, impact on employment if applicable and a breakdown of the management and leadership team for the project

Industry analysis presentation
Competitor Analysis Presentation
Marketing and Sales Analysis Presentation
3-5 year Cashflow Forecast
3-5 year Balance Sheet Forecast
Cost-Benefit Analysis of Grant Funding
End-to-end grant application including information collating, analysis and application writing
CAPEX (Capital Expenditure) cost-benefit analysis
Stakeholder relations and Risk Mitigation Plans
Any other relevant forecasting that will support your application

How can I get help with my application? Or know if I’m likely to win funding?

Avant Group offers a no-obligation assessment of your eligibility for funding and will assess your likelihood of a successful grant application.

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