A new $20 million funding program has been launched to support innovative small businesses developing advanced technologies in NSW.
The funding announcement included support for companies through two existing research commercialisation programs, the Biosciences Fund and the RNA Pipeline Grants program. A new Emerging Technologies Commercialisation Fund has also been introduced to help young companies turn research ideas into market-ready products.
Emerging Technologies Commercialisation Fund
The new Emerging Technologies Commercialisation Fund is a $20 million, multi-year program designed to support companies developing high-tech solutions across different areas of science.
The fund will support the development of new systems, devices and medical treatments. It will also help strengthen local manufacturing by supporting technologies that can create new industries and skilled jobs.
The program aims to help startups move from early research stages to commercial success. It will provide support for companies that need funding to develop, test and scale their innovations.
The first funding round has $7 million available and opened on 6 March 2026.
Biosciences Fund supports new technologies
The $4.75 million Biosciences Fund supports startups in biotechnology and life sciences. Four companies have received funding to develop technologies in areas including renewable energy, healthcare and environmental solutions.
Supported projects include:
- A company developing improved infant nutrition products designed to more closely match the benefits of human milk.
- A company creating technology that converts waste biomass into green hydrogen for industrial use without relying on fossil fuels.
- A company developing a solution to reduce methane emissions from livestock.
- A company creating a simpler and lower-cost DNA sequencing technology for use in hospitals, laboratories and regional locations.
RNA Pipeline Grants support medical innovation
The $6 million RNA Pipeline Grants program supports companies developing RNA-based treatments, vaccines and technologies.
Two companies received support through the program:
- One project is developing a targeted RNA treatment that aims to destroy cancer cells while protecting healthy tissue.
- Another project is developing an mRNA tuberculosis vaccine designed to improve protection against the disease.
The program is also helping build future RNA research and manufacturing capability in NSW.
Supporting innovation and commercial growth
The new funding programs aim to help businesses overcome challenges in bringing new technologies from research into the market.
The initiatives support companies working on solutions in healthcare, clean energy, manufacturing and other important industries.
The programs are expected to help create new jobs, encourage investment and support the development of technologies that address real-world challenges.