Applications open

The V1 Innovation Fund·

Up to $500,000 a year to make high-end innovation accessible to every New Zealand business. We provide the expertise and tools to turn ambitious insights into reality.

2026 fund $125,000 of $500,000 left
What you get·

Making innovation accessible·

Innovation Fellowships

Learn how to innovate with our EIR fellowship

Innovation Grants

Up to 25k of in kind services to get you going

Co-Ventures

Sustained partnership to scale your innovation.

V1 Academy

Exclusive events and a network of like-minded innovators.

Who can apply·

Innovation shouldn't be a privilege·

01 · Founders

Startups in NZ or Australia

Pre-seed or earlier. We make expert resources accessible at the most critical stage.

02 · Intrapreneurs

Teams inside bigger businesses

Bypass the 18-month delivery queue. We provide the shortcut to innovation accessibility.

03 · Everyone else

Anyone ready to start

No company, no deck, no prototype. Just the problem and why you're the one to solve it.

Apply·

Open until the fund is committed·

Add your name so we know who we're reading.

Check the email address, we can't reach you without it.

Pick the closest one.

Pick the closest one.

Who it's for, what it replaces, and why you're the one to build it.

Tell us about the idea before you send this.

Thank you for applying·

We read every application ourselves. Everyone gets an answer either way.

Questions·

Answered before you ask·

Is any of it cash?

No. Grants are V1 services at our standard rates. We don't transfer money.

Can I get AI workers instead of a build?

Yes. If custom agents are the fastest path to value, that's what we build, on AI Workers. Same pool, same process.

Do you take equity?

Not on an Innovation Grant. A Co-Venture is equity in place of a fee, with full terms agreed before anyone signs.

Do I need to be in New Zealand?

New Zealand or Australia. We'll travel for the kick-off.

I work for a large company. Can I apply?

Yes, if you can greenlight the build and make decisions during it. Check your procurement policy first.

Who owns what we build?

You do. We'll ask to talk about it publicly once it's live, at a time that suits you.

When do I hear back?

Inside six weeks, either way.

How many grants do you give?

As many as the fund covers. When it's committed, we close until January.

How big a grant should I ask for?

Don't. Tell us what's blocking you and we'll size it against the work.