08 Sep 2025
If you're an early-stage innovator in New South Wales with a working product or prototype, the MVP Ventures 2025–2026 Program could be the push you need to move from concept to commercial reality.
This government-backed grant helps startups and small-to-medium businesses take their Minimum Viable Product (MVP) closer to market — with funding support ranging from $25,000 to $50,000 (or up to $75,000 in special cases).
But before you apply, there’s something crucial you need to think about: your intellectual property (IP).
Why You Should Think About IP Before You Apply
It’s exciting to finally have a product ready for the world — but don’t let that excitement lead to premature exposure.
If you make your innovation public (through a pitch deck, website, social post, or investor doc) before having an IP strategy in place, you might:
- Jeopardise your ability to get a valid patent
- Weaken or lose protection for your product design
- Miss your chance to secure trade mark rights
In short, talking too soon can cost you ownership later.
Before you apply for the MVP Ventures grant, you should:
- Keep details of your innovation confidential
- Consider what elements are protectable under IP law
- Get professional advice to map your IP strategy
What the MVP Ventures Program Offers
The grant is designed to help NSW-based businesses move beyond early-stage research and into commercial validation. It’s open to:
- Startups
- Innovative SMEs
- Founders with a working MVP
Eligible projects may include:
- Finalising a prototype
- Conducting pilot trials
- Demonstrating a product to investors or customers
- Testing a product in real-world settings
What You’ll Need to Show
The application is competitive — so your pitch needs to cover:
- Innovation: What problem are you solving, and how is your solution different?
- Commercial Potential: How will it succeed in the market, and how does it benefit NSW?
- Delivery Plan: Do you have the right team, resources, timeline, and risk plan?
Key Dates
The MVP Ventures program runs over the 2025–2026 financial year, with three application rounds:
- Round 1 opened 1 September & closes 28 September 2025
- Round 2 closes December 2025
- Round 3 closes April 2026
Final Tip: Don’t Skip the IP
Your innovation could be the next big thing — but not if someone else copies it, registers it, or beats you to market.
Before you share, pitch, or publish anything:
Talk to IP Solved about protecting your idea the right way — with smart, tailored trademark, patent, and design strategies.
Need help preparing your IP strategy for a grant application?
Get in touch with IP Solved today — and take your idea to market
