Deadline Date: March 10, 2026
The Fostering Innovation Sponsorship Program supports activities that strengthen the innovation ecosystem across New South Wales by funding events and initiatives that connect startups, investors and industry.
The program supports innovation by driving equitable participation in the innovation sector, enabling opportunities for startups in regional NSW and Western Sydney, connecting local startups with investors and venture capitalists, and supporting founders and startups to commercialise ideas and scale operations.
Designed to enable the innovation ecosystem to connect, learn and develop, the program provides sponsorship funding for events and activities that deliver meaningful impact for innovation-intensive businesses. It focuses on fostering collaboration and creating opportunities that strengthen the broader innovation landscape across the state.
Applicants may seek sponsorship funding ranging from $10,000 to $40,000 excluding GST, although other amounts may be awarded at the discretion of the Department. All funded costs must be directly related to the activity, incurred within the same financial year in which the activity is delivered, and represent a true and accurate reflection of the expenses required.
Eligible expenses include speaker fees along with local airfares and accommodation, event management fees, marketing and promotional activities, utilities, and labour expenditure for temporary employment specifically for the activity. Funding may also cover contracted services such as temporary equipment hire including audio visual services, venue hire, meeting spaces and catering.
To qualify, applicants must be a legal entity with an Australian Business Number or registered not-for-profit status, be registered for GST, and hold a business account with an Australian authorised deposit-taking institution. For in-person events, applicants must also maintain appropriate public liability insurance coverage of at least $10 million.
Eligible activities must be held within NSW and demonstrate short- and/or long-term impact on innovation-intensive businesses and the wider innovation ecosystem. Activities must align with the strategic priorities of the NSW Government and Investment NSW, including alignment with the NSW Industry Policy and the NSW Innovation Blueprint 2035.
For more information, visit NSW Government.
