Published Dec 8, 2025
Researchers at our University now have an exciting opportunity to turn innovative ideas into real-world impact. A new commercialisation grant is available to support research projects with the potential to deliver commercial outcomes.
Developed through a partnership between Margaret Hyland, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research), and Pierre Malou, Chief Executive Officer, Wellington UniVentures, this grant is designed to accelerate progress across the entire research lifecycle, from early-stage concepts to projects approaching investor readiness.
Funding can be used for research activities such as early-stage testing and proof-of-concept. It also supports researchers in strengthening data validation to build concept credibility and attract potential investors.
Speaking about the grant, Professor Margaret Hyland said “We’re very pleased to introduce this new commercialisation grant, which further reiterates our university’s commitment to engage in research that addresses real-world issues. Research mobilisation, where the work we do is closely connected to, and benefits, the communities we work with, is a key area of focus for the University. This commercialisation grant will enable researchers to undertake crucial research development steps that can then bring alive their ideas, in a meaningful, sustainable manner.”
Pierre Malou added “At Wellington UniVentures, we are passionate about supporting staff in their entrepreneurial journey as they take a concept from the idea stage through to market. Our focus is on reducing the time in the ideas-to-impact journey, and the grant will play a big role in bridging critical funding gaps that every early entrepreneur invariably faces. Wellington has a wonderful entrepreneurial ecosystem, and the grant aims to leverage our capital city location to drive innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable economic growth.”
Permanent and fixed-term academic staff, including postdoctoral fellows, are eligible to apply for the new commercialisation grant, up to $20,000 per project. Applicants would typically already be engaging with the Wellington UniVentures Commercialisation Team or in the process of submitting an invention disclosure.
Applications can be submitted across the year and will be reviewed by Wellington UniVentures’ review committees, with applications accepted on a rolling basis. Either evaluated by the invention disclosure screening committee or reviewed by the Advisory Investment Panel as part of a pre-venture presentation.
The grant will run as a pilot for the first year commencing in January 2026.
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