Emerging Technology Commercialisation Fund (ETCF) 2026

The Emerging Technology Commercialisation Fund (ETCF) 2026 supports NSW-based businesses in advancing emerging technologies from prototype to commercial deployment. It addresses market gaps in innovation translation to drive economic growth, de-risk projects along the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) pathway, enhance investment readiness, and create long-term jobs in priority areas like local manufacturing, housing, and net zero initiatives.

The program, administered by the NSW Office of the Chief Scientist and Engineer, forms part of broader state efforts to build innovation ecosystems and supply-chain capabilities. With a total funding pool of $20 million allocated in the NSW 2025-26 State Budget, it targets for-profit entities to scale capabilities and attract private investment.

Key Grant Details

• Grant amount: $500,000 to $2,000,000 per project.
• Application open: 6 March 2026; close: 29 April 2026, 10:00 am.
• Eligible industries or business types: Emerging technology innovators with TRL 3-7 projects.
• Required co-contributions: Not specified in guidelines.
• Location/state/territory applicability: NSW-headquartered businesses with >65% FTE employees in NSW as of 1 January 2026.

Priority Sectors

The grant aligns with NSW Government priority areas, including local manufacturing, housing, and net zero. It remains open to a broad range of emerging technology sectors without explicit restrictions beyond TRL and project fit.​

Funding Scope

• Minimum and maximum amounts: $500,000 minimum; $2,000,000 maximum per project.
• Categories or streams of funding: Single stream focused on progressing TRL 3-7 innovations (physical prototypes for devices/technologies/products or proof-of-concept for biological/life sciences).
• Project timeline or eligible funding duration: Projects must be completed within two years, unless exceptional circumstances apply.

Eligibility Criteria

• Business structure or size: Company incorporated under the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) or Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander Corporation; for-profit; not publicly listed; not a subsidiary.
• Registered business location: Headquartered in NSW.
• Minimum/maximum turnover: Annual revenue < $2.5 million in FY2024/25.
• Insurance or compliance obligations: Active ABN; owns IP or holds exclusive global commercialisation license.
• ABN/GST status: Active ABN required.

Eligible Activities and Expenses

• Prototyping, product development, and piloting studies.
• Manufacturing and/or scaling.
• Market research, testing, and trials.
• Regulatory approvals and certifications.
• Salaries and external expertise directly related to project delivery.
• Commercialisation strategies and feasibility studies.
• Project consumables, specialist equipment/infrastructure.
• Intellectual property protection or advice.

Assessment Process

The grant operates as an open competitive process with a two-stage application: preliminary (Stage 1) and full (Stage 2 for invited applicants). Key evaluation criteria include five preliminary factors addressed in a pitch video (detailed in Program Guidelines), plus project merit, strategic alignment to NSW priorities, commercial viability, and value for money.​

Recent Program Updates

The ETCF receives $20 million in the NSW 2025-26 State Budget, continuing prior funds like Biosciences and Physical Sciences Funds. Applications open 6 March 2026 under the status “Opening soon,” with no prior funding allowed for specified activities.

Application Tips

• Confirm all eligibility criteria upfront, as non-compliant applications may be excluded.
• Prepare attachments in advance: 5-minute pitch video, capitalisation table, organisation chart for Stage 1.
• Align proposals with NSW priorities like net zero and manufacturing; demonstrate IP ownership, TRL progression, and economic benefits.​
• Pitch to investors, highlighting commercial viability and outcomes.

Where to Get Help

Consider consulting a grant specialist like Pattens Group for a personalised eligibility assessment and expert assistance in preparing a strong, compliant and competitive application. Contact us today and get connected with Australia’s best grant specialist, boasting over 35 years of experience in the industry and a 100% success rate. For official guidelines, application details, templates, and further information, visit the official website of the Emerging Technology Commercialisation Fund (ETCF) 2026 and other associated Australian government websites.