Emerging Technology Commercialisation Fund (ETCF) 2026

The Emerging Technology Commercialisation Fund (ETCF) is a new, competitive grants program designed to help NSW startups turn world‑class research into market‑ready products, services and systems that create high‑value jobs and strengthen the state’s global competitiveness.  

The ETCF will help innovative NSW companies to: 

1. Progress emerging technology innovations to commercial deployment: ETCF will de-risk emerging technology innovations by progressing them along the TRL pathway towards commercial deployment. 
2. Improve commercial viability and investment readiness: ETCF will strengthen recipients’ commercial viability and investment readiness – so they are better positioned to generate early revenue and attract further private investment. 
3. Generate long-term economic benefits for NSW: ETCF will scale jobs and capabilities in NSW – strengthening NSW competitive advantages in Government priority areas (for example, local manufacturing, housing and net zero), building a stronger innovation ecosystem and supply-chain capabilities. 

 The ETCF provides up to $7 million per round, supporting projects with grants from $500,000 to $2 million (excluding GST) through an open, competitive process.  

 The program focuses on innovations in the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) range of 3 to 7—supporting companies as they progress from proof‑of‑concept toward demonstration in relevant environments and early commercial deployment.  

Please read the ETCF Guidelines before completing this application.  

This Preliminary Application form must be: 

1. completed in full and within the word limit 
2. authorised by the project lead or representative of the applicant’s organisation; and 
3. submitted electronically through SmartyGrants. Forms submitted by any other means will not be accepted. 

Please provide concise and succinct responses. 

You must attach the following documents to your application: 

• Attachment 1: 5- minute video includes (non-exhaustive list): 

• • A video pitch by the founder(s) of the company. 

• • A clear, investor-style narrative that quickly sets up the problem, the solution, and why it matters in plain English. 

• • A structure that covers all five Preliminary Application assessment criteria in Table 5 in a balanced way, without over-weighting any one section.  

• • Specific, credible evidence appropriate to the solution’s TRL, rather than broad or purely aspirational claims.  

• • A short, authentic demonstration of the solution (for example lab results, field activities, prototype or proof-of-concept footage).  

• • Good basic production quality (audible voice, stable image, readable visuals) 

• Attachment 2: Document that includes the following:  

• • a table showing ownership structure of the applicant company (Capitalisation Table). AND

• • a chart displaying management structure of the applicant company (Organisation Chart)

At NSW Premier’s Department, we are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We encourage people with disability to apply. If you are a person with disability and require more information on adjustments and assistance to apply, please contact us at grants@chiefscientist.nsw.gov.au. Assistance in completing this application can be found at Communities and Justice, People with Disability Australia or Legal Aid. 

If you are an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, check out Aboriginal Affairs or your country’s Aboriginal Corporation to get assistance in the preparations of applications and grant program processes.