Government Grants for Startups: Submit a Winning Application

Building something new? Developing a new/improved product or breakthrough technology?

Join Milka Wenas, Government Grants and R&D Tax Incentive specialist, for a practical and insightful lunch session on:

“Winning Government Grants: R&D Tax Incentive & MVP Ventures Program”

Whether you're at early prototype stage or preparing for commercial launch, understanding how government funding actually works can significantly accelerate your progress.In this session, Milka will break down what founders and innovators really need to know to successfully secure:

✅ R&D Tax Incentive (RDTI)

✅ NSW MVP Ventures Program

✅ Other early-stage innovation funding pathways

You’ll gain clarity on:

• What qualifies as eligible R&D activities and expenditure (and what doesn’t) under the R&D Tax Incentive (RDTI)
• What types of project activities and expenditure qualify for the MVP Ventures Program
• Common mistakes that cause applications to fail
• What assessors look for during reviews/audits
• What records you need to substantiate your claim

Milka Wenas brings over 15 years of combined government experience assessing R&D Tax Incentive applications and examining patent applications as a former Examiner of Patents (Chemical Engineering). This gives her a rare ability to evaluate innovation from both a government funding and intellectual property (IP) perspective. Her combined experience enables her to provide strategic guidance for successful R&D Tax and competitive grant applications.Milka has supported Australian companies across software, deep tech, manufacturing, renewable energy, engineering and life sciences to:

• Identify the right funding programs and prepare the grant applications
• Identify eligible activities and expenditure
• Strengthen technical narratives
• Improve compliance and documentation
• Navigate audits with confidence
• Align innovation strategy with appropriate funding pathways

Her approach bridges technical depth, regulatory compliance, and commercial clarity, helping innovators secure funding with confidence.

• Startup founders and co-founders
• CTOs and technical leads
• Innovation managers
• SMEs developing new products or technologies
• Businesses considering for MVP or R&D Tax Incentive

While some funding programs are competitive, all require the right structure, documentation, and strategy to maximise your chances of success.This session will help you understand how assessors think, how to avoid costly mistakes, and how to position your innovation for success.

Exclusive free 1:1 15-minute Startup Health Check with Milka on the day — available to attendees only.

Bring your questions. Leave with clarity.

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

Get App

Host or Publisher Launch Pad, Western Sydney University