Up to $5,000 to turn your idea into a real startup
Early-stage funding for founders in the Manawatū region to test, validate, and build. These grants are contestable, and applications close end of day on the 27th of April, 2026.
What is this?
Innovate Grants gives early-stage founders the funding they need to move from idea → validated concept.
Up to $5,000 per startup
Funding for pre-product, early-stage ideas
Support to test, validate, and build
Small capital. Big momentum.
Who it’s for
Based in Manawatū region (PNCC and MDC District)
Early-stage startup with a NZBN (pre-product, pre-investment and <5 years)
Building something innovative or tech-enabled
Aiming to scale beyond the local market
Not eligible
Traditional small businesses
Venture-backed or well-established startups
Businesses without a clear pathway to scale
How it works?
Apply online → Get shortlisted → Pitch your idea → Winners announced
📅 Grants awarded: 7 May, 2026 at Manawatū Innovation Showcase
What you can use it for
Prototyping or MVP development
Customer discovery and validation
Market testing
Conference or Trade Show
Technical feasibility work
Compliance and regulatory
Other (must demonstrate how this unlocks growth)
What we’re looking for
A clear problem and strong idea
Early validation or insight
Ambitious, capable founders
Potential to scale
Alignment with innovation-led growth