The NSW Government is directing more than $1 million towards startup manufacturing and innovation, with 22 businesses awarded funding under round one of the 2025-26 MVP Ventures Program to help fast-track new products and services to market.
In a media release, the NSW Government said the funding would support startups at a critical stage of development, enabling them to move beyond early concepts and prototypes into real-world testing, market uptake and commercial growth.
It noted that funded projects span priority sectors including housing, manufacturing, energy, health and digital technologies.
The government said the program is designed to support commercially focused innovation, helping businesses test, refine and scale ideas with strong market potential, while contributing to productivity, supply chains and skilled job creation across the state.
Minister for Innovation, Science and Technology Anoulack Chanthivong said the investment was aimed at delivering economic returns.
“The Minns Labor Government is investing in innovation because it delivers real economic returns: stronger productivity, resilient supply chains and high-value jobs,” Mr Chanthivong said.
“The MVP Ventures Program builds on this Government’s commitment to back NSW innovators with great ideas, helping them take the next step towards commercial success and deliver practical solutions to some of the biggest challenges we face.
“These grant recipients represent the strength and diversity of innovation across NSW. By supporting them, we’re ensuring NSW remains the best place in Australia to start and grow an innovative business.”
Among the recipients, E&J Enterprises will advance Bubbafly, its patented formula-dispensing baby bottle. Founder Emine Watson said the support would help expand production.
“This funding will help us take Bubbafly from a proven design into the hands of more families, supporting local manufacturing and delivering a practical solution that makes everyday life easier for parents and carers,” Ms Watson said.
Thermal Dawn will further develop and test its residential thermal storage system. Founder Nick Zeniou said the grant would accelerate pilot installations of Australian-made technology.
“The MVP Ventures grant enables us to accelerate pilot installations and testing of Australian-made thermal storage that delivers battery-like benefits at over 4x lower cost per kWh,” Mr Zeniou said.
“We’re proving that homes can use their daytime solar for year-round comfort — heating and cooling — while cutting energy bills and supporting grid stability during peak demand.”
Other funded businesses include Babylon Nexus, which is developing a digital construction platform; BIMLOGIQ Pty Ltd, focused on AI-driven design tools; Puralink, building autonomous robotics for pipe inspection and repair; Loquens, progressing its clinician-built communication tool for aged care; One-Touch Business Technology Solutions, scaling a fintech platform for medical practices; and Walking Tall Health, advancing a wearable device to support people living with Parkinson’s disease.
The government committed an additional $6 million to the MVP Ventures Program in the last state budget.
The 2025-26 program will deliver up to $3 million in funding across three competitive rounds, with applications for round two currently under assessment and a third round expected to open soon.
