The MVP Ventures grant supports businesses at the critical Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 3-9 stage, where companies have moved beyond basic research but need assistance to demonstrate commercial viability and attract private investment. With $3 million allocated across three competitive rounds, this program specifically targets the commercialisation challenges that prevent many innovative products from reaching market.
| Stream 1 – General Eligibility | Stream 2 – Priority Groups |
|---|---|
| Grant amount: $20,000 to $50,000 | Grant amount: $20,000 to $75,000 |
| Co-contribution: 50% required | Co-contribution: 25% required |
| Available to all eligible NSW tech companies | Available to women-owned and managed businesses, regionally headquartered companies, and Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander majority-owned enterprises |
The program offers flexibility in eligible expenditure:
Staff wages (capped at 50% of grant amount)
Contractor and consultant fees (capped at 50% of grant amount)
Direct prototyping materials and equipment
Patent filing and IP protection costs (up to $7,500)
Project-related domestic travel (up to $2,000)
All expenditure must be directly related to pre-market development and commercialisation, with at least 80% of costs occurring within NSW.
To qualify, businesses must:
Be incorporated in Australia and headquartered in NSW
Hold an active ABN and Australian bank account
Have aggregated turnover of $400,000 or less over the past three financial years
Employ 10 or fewer full-time equivalent staff (including founders)
Own intellectual property or hold commercialisation rights
Demonstrate the project wouldn’t proceed in NSW without government support
Applications are evaluated on three key areas:
| Innovation | Commercialisation | Deliverability |
|---|---|---|
| Product addresses a realistic, well-defined problem backed by industry research | Commercial viability with market analysis (TAM/SAM/SOM) | Clear project outcomes, milestones, and risk management |
| Solution is new or significantly different to existing alternatives | Alignment with NSW Industry Policy Missions | Realistic 12-month timeline with TRL progression |
| Clear competitive advantages and market need demonstrated | Measurable economic, environmental, or social benefits to NSW | Team expertise across technical, commercial, and management capabilities |
The program operates three competitive rounds:
Round 1: 1 September – 28 September 2025
Round 2: 24 November – 21 December 2025
Round 3: 9 March – 5 April 2026
Applications are submitted through SmartyGrants and undergo competitive merit-based assessment by independent expert panels, with final decisions made by the Minister for Innovation, Science and Technology.
The competitive nature of this program means application quality directly impacts success rates. Since funding is awarded on merit until it runs out, your application must strike the right balance between technical innovation and persuasive commercial value. Professional grant writers know how to achieve this balance, ensuring your innovation resonates with decision-makers.
Align technical capabilities with program assessment criteria
Demonstrate commercial viability and NSW economic benefits
Structure applications for maximum impact and clarity
Ensure all documentation meets program requirements
Soto Group has a strong track record of securing government funding for clients, with successful applications totalling millions in grant funding across various innovation and technology sectors including:
Advanced Manufacturing and Technology
Clean Energy and Sustainability
Health Technology and Life Sciences
Digital Innovation and Software
Research and Development
Regional Innovation Programs
Commonwealth and State Funding Streams
Our comprehensive approach includes:
Eligibility assessment and strategic positioning
Application writing and documentation preparation
Budget planning and expenditure compliance
Ongoing support throughout the assessment process
Our recent successful submissions demonstrate our capability across competitive programs:
Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre – $1.8 Million
Clean Energy Innovation Fund – $950,000
Digital Health CRC – $750,000
Regional Innovation Program – $350,000
We offer flexible engagement models designed to match your specific needs and budget for MVP Ventures applications.
| Package 1: Complete Application Service $4,800 + GST | Package 2: Application Writing Service $3,200 + GST | Package 3: Application Review and Enhancement $950 + GST |
|---|---|---|
| Comprehensive end-to-end grant application management where our experienced team handles every aspect of your MVP Ventures submission.
| Professional grant writing with client coordination of supporting materials and portal management.
| Professional review and improvement of existing draft applications to maximise success potential.
|
Don’t let application quality stand between your innovation and the funding it deserves. Work with Soto Group to expertly position your innovation for MVP Ventures success and secure the funding your tech company deserves.
We’re currently accepting MVP Ventures applications for all three funding rounds. With Round 1 closing 28 September 2025, early preparation gives you the best advantage. Contact us today to see how we can help position your application for success.
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