ARENA has introduced Launchpad, a streamlined funding program designed for early-stage startups aligned with ARENA's strategic priorities, as well as the ecosystem partner organisations that support their development and growth. The following overview details the program's funding rounds, application process, key documents, dates, and current opportunities.
Program Overview
• Launchpad is ARENA's new streamlined funding program for early-stage startups aligned to ARENA's strategic priorities, and the ecosystem partner organisations that help them develop and grow.
• Launchpad has two funding rounds: the Startup Funding Round and the Ecosystem Funding Round.
Funding Rounds
• Startup Funding Round: Backs promising founders and early-stage startups aligned to ARENA's mandate as they develop their technology, accelerate their business plans, and build momentum towards further investment and commercial deployment. This round has up to $15 million available.
• Ecosystem Funding Round: Funds ecosystem partners that help businesses aligned to ARENA's strategic priorities to develop and grow, including accelerators, incubators, and other support providers. The Ecosystem Funding Round totals up to $15 million.
How to Apply
• Before applying, follow the links below to read the Program Guidelines and relevant Funding Round Announcement, and check the eligibility requirements, assessment criteria, and application requirements.
• Submit your application by the due date through ARENANet using the Launchpad application form: ARENANet Portal.
Key Documents
• ARENA Launchpad – Program Guidelines
• Startup Funding Round Announcement
• Ecosystem Funding Round Announcement
• Launchpad FAQs
Key Dates (AEDT)
• Startup Funding Round:
- Program launch – 16 September 2026
- Applications close – 4pm, 28 October 2026
- Successful applicants announcement – Mid-December 2026
• Ecosystem Funding Round:
- Program launch – 16 September 2026
- Applications close – Remains open until funding is exhausted.
- Successful applicants announcement – Expected from December 2026
Questions and Feedback
• Questions should be sent to Launchpad@arena.gov.au. Frequently asked questions may be anonymised, collated, and published on ARENA's website to help all potential applicants.
• Please note, under the Launchpad Startup Funding Round, ARENA is unable to provide specific feedback on the eligibility or merit of concepts ahead of submission.
Current Opportunities
• Follow links below to learn more and apply about the currently available funding rounds.
• Launchpad Program Ecosystem Funding Round: The Ecosystem Funding Round totals up to $15 million. It will provide grants of up to $5 million to ecosystem partners, such as accelerators, for multi-year programs that help businesses aligned to ARENA's mandate to build capability, grow, and progress toward commercialisation, including through stronger investor, customer, and deployment pathways.
• Launchpad Program Startup Funding Round: The Startup Funding Round totals up to $15 million, with grants of $500,000 available, and up to a further $500,000 available for projects with high capital expenditure requirements (i.e up to $1,000,000 per grant).
Interested applicants are encouraged to review the official program guidelines and funding round announcements, confirm eligibility and assessment criteria, and submit applications through the ARENANet portal before the relevant deadlines. For the most current information, direct inquiries to Launchpad@arena.gov.au.