The Minns Labor Government is putting innovation front and centre today with the NSW Commercialisation Showcase, highlighting the small businesses turning cutting-edge ideas into jobs, investment and real-world solutions for the state.
Now in its third year, the Showcase at the Aerial UTS Function Centre, brings together 750 leaders from government, industry and academia to demonstrate how NSW is translating world-class research into commercial success and global competitiveness.
This sell-out event underscores the Minns Labor Government's commitment to backing homegrown innovation; strengthening sovereign capability, building future industries, and ensuring NSW remains the nation's engine room for high-tech growth, in line with priorities set out in the NSW Innovation Blueprint.
Sixty leading experts will take part in presentations and panel discussions, while fifty companies showcase breakthrough technologies already creating impact across key priority sectors, including:
- Advanced manufacturing
- AI, data and connectivity
- Bioeconomy
- Health and life sciences
- Net zero and energy
- Space and defence
These are not abstract ideas; they are practical solutions to some of the state's biggest challenges, from energy transition and healthcare pressures to productivity and national security.
The Showcase also highlights the Minns Labor Government's strategic investments to bridge the gap between research and commercialisation, including flagship programs such as the Emerging Technology Commercialisation Fund and the Minimum Viable Product Ventures Program alongside new initiatives like the RNA Pipeline Grants.
Collaboration is being driven through the state's Research and Innovation Networks, including the NSW Smart Sensing Network, Defence Innovation Network, RNA Research and Training Network, and Space Research Network, ensuring NSW is not just keeping pace globally, but setting the standard.
The strong response to the Emerging Technology Commercialisation Fund, with more than 250 applications received, illustrates the depth of innovation across the state and the growing demand for support to bring new technologies to market.
Together, these initiatives reinforce the Government's ongoing commitment to supporting innovative businesses to grow, compete globally and deliver real benefits for the people of NSW.
Minister for Innovation, Science and Technology Anoulack Chanthivong said:
"The NSW Commercialisation Showcase is an opportunity to highlight the strength of innovation right across our state.
"It brings together researchers, businesses and industry to demonstrate how ideas are being translated into real-world outcomes, with targeted support from the Minns Labor Government.
"What we are seeing here today is a strong pipeline of companies developing solutions to some of our biggest challenges.
"This is exactly the kind of innovation that will support jobs and long-term economic growth in NSW."
Minister for Small Business, Janelle Saffin said:
"We want NSW to be the easiest and best place to start and grow a business. By backing homegrown talent through initiatives like the MVP Ventures Program, we are ensuring our small business sector remains competitive, productive, and ready to take on global markets.
"Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, but we know that current conditions are challenging. That's why we are focused on providing the right environment and opportunities for our innovators."
