What this funding is for

The PreSeed Accelerator Fund can be used to support commercialisation projects that build on publicly funded research or research capability.

You can use funding to:

  • explore the commercial potential of research
  • develop research ideas into investment-ready opportunities
  • strengthen connections between research organisations and industry
  • prepare projects for future investment and growth.

Funding supports commercialisation activities rather than research activities.

Your application must be made through approved partner organisations.

Type
Grant
Amount
$5,000 to $250,000
Co-funding
Yes
How it's allocated
Funding is limited and you compete for available funding
Availability
Round-based
Application effort
Significant effort, several days to several weeks

Who this funding is for

This fund is for public research organisations that want to turn research into products, services, or businesses.

Funding helps move promising ideas closer to investment, industry partnerships, and market opportunities. 

Business type
Public research organisations
Business size
Small, less than 20 full-time employees (FTE), where business forms from publicly funded research
Business stage
Early stage, before attracting investment or entering the market
Business goal
Turn research into products, services, or businesses

What to know before you apply

This fund is not available to private businesses.

To receive funding:

  • your project must be based on publicly funded research
  • funding must be accessed through an approved contract holder or partner organisation
  • activities must focus on preparing research for investment or market opportunities, rather than carrying out research.

If your project is focused only on research, it’s not eligible.

Learn more about the PreSeed Accelerator Fund , Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment

Find an approved partner organisation and find out how to apply on the MBIE website.

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Funding options