Grants up to $2,000,000 to support companies with innovative technologies, devices and systems in areas including biotechnology and life sciences, biomanufacturing, synthetic biology and agri-food.
Current status of program
CLOSED
To register your interest in future rounds or discuss alternative grant opportunities please contact us here.
On this page you will find
What is the NSW Biosciences Fund?
The NSW Biosciences Fund (BioSF) is a competitive grant program designed to accelerate the commercialisation of biotechnology and life sciences innovations in New South Wales. Administered by the Office of the NSW Chief Scientist & Engineer (OCSE) within the Premier’s Department, the BioSF provides financial support for projects in areas such as biomanufacturing, genetic engineering, synthetic biology, and agrifood. By helping early- to mid-stage ventures navigate the journey from proof-of-concept (TRL 3) up to demonstration in an operational environment (TRL 7), the BioSF aims to deliver tangible economic, environmental, and social benefits for the state.
The application for support is a 2-stage process:
- Preliminary application – open to general public
- Full application – by invitation only
NSW Biosciences Fund level of support
- Minimum Funding: $200,000
- Maximum Funding: Up to $2 million
- Co-Contribution: There is no mandatory co-contribution required under the BioSF. However, applicants may include details of any co-funding, in-kind support, or future capital-raising activities. Such contributions can strengthen your application by demonstrating financial viability and commitment from other investors or partners.
Grant funds are paid in a single tranche (or as otherwise agreed), but repayment obligations may be triggered if your commercialised product hits specific revenue thresholds (detailed in the Deed of Agreement).
NSW Biosciences Fund important dates
- This program is currently closed
- Register your interest with GrantHelper
Late or incomplete submissions are generally not accepted, so be sure to plan ahead.
NSW Biosciences Fund objectives
- Accelerate Commercialisation
Provide targeted support for NSW-based start-ups and businesses to fast-track research breakthroughs into market-ready products. - Boost Biotechnology and Life Sciences
Fund projects that demonstrate novel solutions in areas like genetic engineering, synthetic biology, or agrifood, thereby fostering cutting-edge R&D in NSW. - Deliver Economic and Social Impact
Improve employment, drive new industries, and encourage innovation that delivers measurable benefits for the people and environment of NSW.
See the guidelines for full details of objectives and outcomes.
NSW Biosciences Fund project alignment requirements
Projects must align with:
- one of three Priority Industries listed in the NSW Industry Development Framework:
- Agriculture and agrifood
- Medical and life sciences
- Clean energy and waste, and
- one of the technology applications identified in the NSW 20-Year R&D Roadmap:
- Genetic Engineering
- Synthetic Biology
- Personalised Medicine
- Cell-based meats
- AgTech
- Sustainable Fuels
- Power to X
- Renewable generation
- Environmental monitoring and management
- Robotics
- AI
- Pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals
- Circular Economy
- Novel Fertilisers
- Vaccines
The BioSF is targeted towards biosciences and does not cover all themes, industries and technologies listed in the 20-Year R&D Roadmap and NSW Industry Development Framework. Other technologies in the physical sciences domain, including quantum, space, energy, communications and robotics will be supported through the PSF. Medical devices are funded under the Medical Devices Fund (MDF).
Projects eligible for NSW Biosciences Fund support
To be considered, projects must:
- Be within TRL 3–7 at the time of application (e.g. proof-of-concept through to demonstration).
- Aim to significantly advance commercial readiness—for instance, prototyping, piloting, scaling, regulatory approvals, or broader market feasibility.
- Have a maximum project duration of two years (longer may be considered in exceptional circumstances).
- Clearly show why government support is pivotal (i.e. why the project would not proceed at the proposed scale without BioSF funding).
Ineligible expenditure includes:
- Land or property purchase
- Costs incurred before receiving a formal grant offer (i.e. no retrospective funding)
- General operational costs like rent, marketing, or travel unrelated to the project deliverables
- Internal business improvements not tied to external commercialisation
- Any project costs already covered by other government grants
See the guidelines for full details of eligible and ineligible projects.
NSW Biosciences Fund important details that you will need to know
Organisations eligible for NSW Biosciences Fund support
To qualify for the BioSF, you must:
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Be headquartered in NSW.
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Have an Australian Business Number (ABN) and be registered for GST.
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Operate as a company incorporated under the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth), or be willing to form one prior to entering the funding agreement.
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Own or have rights to commercialise the underlying intellectual property.
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Generate annual revenue (excluding grants) under AUD $2.5 million in FY2023/24.
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Satisfy any additional criteria set out in the official guidelines regarding financial viability, ethical standards, and potential reputational or legal risks.
NSW Biosciences Fund assessment criteria
A competitive assessment is conducted in two stages (Preliminary and Full Applications). Each proposal is evaluated against three key pillars:
Commercialisation (40%)
- Market need, competitive landscape, revenue potential, and commercial feasibility.
Innovation (30%)
- Technical uniqueness, viability, IP position, readiness to move from current TRL to the next.
Deliverability (30%)
- Project plan feasibility, team expertise, budgeting, risk management, and organisational capacity to execute.
At Stage Two, an Expert Panel will review your full application, consider financial risk assessments, and conduct interviews as needed.
How do I get the NSW Biosciences Fund?
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Check Your Eligibility: Ensure you meet all criteria (e.g. NSW-based, correct TRL, ABN, GST registration).
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Prepare Your Preliminary Application: This includes a 2-minute pitch video, a short project plan, and basic financial details.
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Submit via SmartyGrants: All applications must go through the official online platform by the stipulated closing date.
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Await Shortlisting Notification: If successful at Stage One, you will be invited to submit a more comprehensive Stage Two application.
Information to prepare for the NSW Biosciences Fund application
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Project Overview & Gantt Chart: Summarising core milestones, costs, and timeline (two years or fewer).
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Pitch Video (2 minutes): Showcasing your innovation’s unique aspects, target market, and how BioSF funding helps.
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Financial Statements: Audited or certified statements for existing entities; new or spinout companies must show proof of spinout readiness.
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IP Documentation & Competitor Analysis: Clarify ownership, patent status, and demonstrate how you differentiate in the market.
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Risk Management & Governance: Outline how you will mitigate technical, regulatory, or financial risks.
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Collaboration Details: If partnering with universities or industry, highlight roles and contributions.
Applying for NSW Biosciences Fund
Applications must be lodged via the NSW Government’s SmartyGrants system.
Register your interest with GrantHelper to explore your alignment with this grant and how we can assist you to increase your chances of success.
NSW Biosciences Fund resources
Is Your Business Eligible for This Government Grant?
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Access custom services like project management, business planning, and financial modelling to ensure your project’s success and sustainability.
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