Commercialisation Grant

Accelerate early-stage testing, proof-of-concept, idea validation, and market potential exploration

The Commercialisation Grant supports researchers at the “getting started” stage of their commercialisation journey. Typically, applicants have engaged with our Commercialisation Team or are in the process of submitting an Invention Disclosure and need funding for early-stage testing and proof-of-concept. The grant also supports strengthening data and validation to build concept credibility and attract potential investors.

Purpose of the Commercialisation Grant

The Commercialisation Grant provides researchers with targeted funding to:

• Bridge critical funding gaps in early-stage research commercialisation.
• Accelerate development of ideas with strong market potential.
• Reduce time-to-market by supporting proof-of-concept work and enabling intellectual property protection.

Who is the Commercialisation Grant for?

Permanent and fixed-term academic staff, including postdoctoral fellows, are eligible to apply for the new commercialisation grant, up to $20,000 per project.

The grant can be used for a variety of research activities that support commercialisation exploration, for example:

• Salary costs for additional resourcing
• Research equipment and consumables
• Subcontracting and specialist services
• Prototyping and pre-clinical studies
• Market validation and data collation activities

The grant can contribute to accelerating research and development across the lifecycle of a project, including:

• Early-stage projects: from initial concept through exploratory research
• Exploration and development: projects advancing toward investor readiness, including strengthening KiwiNet PreSeed Accelerator Fund (PSAF) applications

Application deadline and open review panel

Applications for the first cohort close on 30 March 2026.

Early Concept Stage - applications will be assessed by the Wellington UniVentures Screening Committee who will make funding decisions. Researchers will be invited to present their projects at an open panel session, led by our Screening Committee, where selected proposals are discussed and reviewed. Details for the open review panel will be confirmed following the application closing date.

The open panel session provides an opportunity to:

• Build transparency around how commercialisation decisions are made
• Help researchers understand how to position their ideas and strengthen their pitch
• Encourage earlier engagement with the Commercialisation Team

Exploratory Development to Investor Ready Stage - applications will be reviewed by the Wellington UniVentures Investment Advisory Panel at their quarterly meeting and make funding decisions. Researchers will be invited to present their projects with their Commercialisation Manager at the meeting. Details for the Investment Advisory Panel meeting will be confirmed following the application closing date.

To begin your submission, download the Application Form and Application Guidelines. You will also need to submit an Invention Disclosure for the proposed idea.

Get in touch with our Commercialisation Managers to learn more and get support with your application and invention disclosure.