Fostering Innovation Sponsorship Program Round 4

Purpose and Program Overview

The Fostering Innovation Sponsorship Program supports activities that strengthen NSW’s innovation ecosystem. It funds events connecting startups, investors, and industry to promote growth and collaboration. The program drives equitable participation in innovation, opportunities for startups in regional NSW and Western Sydney, investor connections, and commercialisation efforts. It aligns with the NSW Innovation Blueprint 2035 and broader industry policies. While the total funding pool is not specified, individual sponsorships aid innovation-intensive businesses statewide.​

Key Grant Details

• Grant amount or funding range: $10,000 to $40,000 (excluding GST).​
• Application open and close dates: Open now; closes Tuesday, 10 March 2026, 4:00 pm AEDT.​
• Eligible industries or business types: Innovation sector organisations, including legal entities and not-for-profits hosting eligible activities.​
• Required co-contributions: No specific co-contribution required.​
• Location/state/territory applicability: NSW only; activities must occur in NSW.​

Priority Sectors

The grant is open to a broad range of sectors within the innovation ecosystem, with emphasis on startups, regional NSW, and Western Sydney. No specific sectors are exclusively prioritised.​

Funding Scope

• Minimum and maximum amounts per stream: $10,000 minimum; $40,000 maximum (single stream).​
• Categories or streams of funding: Sponsorship for innovation-enabling events and activities, such as pitch events, conferences, and networking.​
• Project timeline or eligible funding duration: Delivery between 1 August 2026 and 31 May 2027.​

Eligibility Criteria

• Business structure or size: Legal entity or registered not-for-profit with ABN.​
• Registered business location: NSW organisations.​
• Minimum/maximum turnover: Not specified.
• Insurance or compliance obligations: At least $10 million public liability insurance for in-person events.​
• ABN/GST status: Must have ABN and be registered for GST; an Australian business account is required.​

Eligible Activities and Expenses

• Pitch events, awards ceremonies, panel discussions, festivals/conferences/summits, networking events, research and publications.​
• Venue hire, marketing and promotion, speaker fees (including travel), AV equipment, event management fees, and temporary labour.​
• Costs directly related to the activity, incurred during the delivery period.​

Assessment Process

The grant is competitive. Applications undergo an eligibility check, expert panel review (considering project merit, strategic alignment with NSW policies like the Innovation Blueprint, value for money, risks), and ministerial decision.

Recent Program Updates

Round 4 applications opened on 17 February 2026. This round maintains focus on innovation ecosystem activities, with results expected in June 2026.

Application Tips

• Review full guidelines and confirm eligibility before submitting.
• Prepare a budget, demonstrate alignment with the NSW Innovation Blueprint, and address the assessment criteria.
• Submit via Investment NSW portal by deadline; include sample sponsorship agreement review.​
• Highlight activity impact on innovation ecosystem, capability, 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 Fostering Innovation Sponsorship Program and other associated Australian government websites.​