More than 1,000 startups a year to benefit from refreshed support programme

The FSSP is a key government investment in New Zealand’s startup ecosystem. It funds intensive incubator and accelerator programmes and provides coaching through initiatives like Startup Aotearoa. Together, these help founders test ideas, build skills and teams, connect with industry, raise capital, and bring products to market.

Strong, coordinated national support

Jenny Douché, Founder and Startup Manager at MBIE, said the refreshed network of experienced national and regional organisations reflects both the strength of the startup ecosystem and a rigorous selection process.

“We’ve selected a strong mix of providers with proven experience supporting founders at different stages of their journey,” said Dr Douché.

“Together, they form a nationally coordinated network that can deliver high-quality support across many regions and sectors.”

Delivering economic and social outcomes

“This programme is about backing ambitious founders with scalable and high-growth potential startups, wherever they are based,” Dr Douché said.

“There is a wide range of support available. Startup Aotearoa will continue to support over 1,000 startups each year with up to 10 hours of free coaching. The intensive incubator and sector-specific accelerator programmes will support around 150 high-growth startups annually and numerous local events will be delivered.

“We expect these programmes will continue to increase startup survival and growth, and help with capital raising, revenue generation, job creation, and stronger regional economies.”

The programme also has a strong focus on inclusion, with targeted support for Māori, women and other underrepresented founders.

Providers appointed

The providers have been selected to ensure there is as much support possible across the country. Due to this, four providers have been chosen to deliver incubator and accelerator programmes only, seven that deliver various events and resources only, with the remaining three providers delivering both. Ministry of Awesome and Creative HQ will jointly be responsible for delivering Startup Aotearoa.

The following organisations have been selected to deliver the incubator and accelerator programmes:

• Auckland Council
• Creative HQ
• Ministry of Awesome
• Ocean Impact Organisation
• Sprout Agritech
• Te Pūtea Whakatupu Trust (Tapuwae Roa)
• The Factory

Additionally, the following providers will deliver various events and resources:

• Auckland Council
• COIN South
• Creative HQ
• Kāpiti Coast District Council
• Ministry of Awesome
• Northland Inc
• Soda Inc
• Startup Dunedin
• Startup Queenstown Lakes
• Venture Taranaki

Next steps

New contracts commenced from 1 July 2026, with an initial term of two years and options to extend. Successful providers will be subject to ongoing performance, and reporting and impact monitoring. The incubator and accelerator programmes will also contain clear measures to track outcomes such as commercialisation progress, revenue, capital raised and jobs created.

More information on what is available to startup founders can be found here:

Support for business

MBIE will continue to work closely with providers and the wider ecosystem to evolve the programme over time and ensure it delivers strong value for founders and for New Zealand.