Home topics news via pexels News News Deep tech startups in NSW can now apply for grants of up to $2 million Yajush Gupta March 10, 2026 NSW has launched a new commercialisation fund targeting the funding gap that stops promising startups from scaling. Applications close 29 April. What’s happening: The NSW Government has launched the $20 million Emerging Technologies Commercialisation Fund, with applications now open until 29 April 2026. Why this matters: The fund directly targets what is commonly described as the valley of death in startup funding, the stage where technologies have early validation but still lack the capital to become investable, scalable businesses. The NSW Government has opened applications for a new $20 million grants program aimed at helping deep tech startups cross the gap between early-stage research and commercial deployment. The Emerging Technologies Commercialisation Fund, part of the NSW Innovation Blueprint and a broader $79.2 million state commitment to innovation, offers grants of between $500,000 and $2 million per entity. Applications are open now and close at 10am AEST on 29 April 2026. What the fund covers The program targets companies working at Technology Readiness Levels 3 to 7, covering technologies that have moved beyond initial research but still require development before attracting large-scale private investment. Funded projects must typically be completed within two years. Eligible activities include progression of physical prototypes or biological proofs of concept, technical development and testing to advance readiness levels, refinement of manufacturing processes, and validation of the technology in relevant