NZ On Air
Trans-Tasman Kids IP Incubator is a grant offered by NZ On Air (NZ). Applications close on 26 November 2026. Funding or payment: Up to NZ$22,000 (Phase I development); up to NZ$330,000 (Phase II production).
A two-phase development-to-production programme for NZ children's content makers creating original digital-first IP for direct-to-audience online platforms, run in partnership with Screen Australia and the ACTF.
The Trans-Tasman Kids IP Incubator is a structured development and production programme run by NZ On Air in partnership with Screen Australia and the Australian Children's Television Foundation (ACTF). It's designed for New Zealand children's content creators — both emerging and experienced — who want to develop original, digital-first IP for direct-to-audience online platforms like YouTube.
The programme runs across two phases
Phase I – Development (March to late April 2027)
Up to four NZ teams will be selected to enter a three-month programme including:
Travel, accommodation and a stipend are covered for up to two team members to attend the Melbourne workshop and pitch event.
Phase II – Production and Release
Following the pitch event, up to two NZ teams may be invited to apply for production funding of up to NZ$330,000 to develop, produce and release content using an iterative production model, with ongoing mentoring from industry professionals.
What they're looking for:
Eligible content includes scripted, animation, live action, non-fiction, music-based and hybrid formats. Interactive or immersive formats (games, VR, XR, AR) are not eligible. A broadcaster or commissioning platform attachment is not required.
To apply, submit through the NZ On Air portal at portal.nzonair.govt.nz. Your application includes a short form and a pitch document of no more than three pages. You must also watch the IP development video presentation by Nico Lockhart before applying.
Applications open 15 October 2026 and close 4 p.m. NZDT on 26 November 2026. A live Q+A webinar for NZ applicants will be held on 27 October 2026 — register by emailing funding@nzonair.govt.nz with the subject line 'Incubator webinar'.
