# Trans-Tasman Kids IP Incubator

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).

**Disciplines:** Film & Video, Digital, Performance, Music, Multidisciplinary
**Career stage:** Early Career, Emerging, Mid-Career, Established, All stages

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:
- Fortnightly online modules from approximately March to May 2027
- A three-day in-person workshop in Melbourne (6–8 April 2027) with masterclasses, mentoring, platform insights and creative feedback from international content strategists and marketplace experts
- Development funding of up to NZ$22,000 to develop your concept, pitch materials and release strategy
- A one-day pitch event in Melbourne (28 April 2027) presenting to NZ On Air, Screen Australia and ACTF representatives

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:**
- A strong, adaptable IP concept for audiences aged up to 11 (preschool or primary age)
- Digital-first, direct-to-audience thinking — YouTube is expected to be the core platform for most projects
- A small, agile team with an experimental mindset and willingness to test and iterate
- A distinctively Aotearoa New Zealand perspective

**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'.

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Source: https://patronage.nz/opportunities/nz-on-air-trans-tasman-kids-ip-incubator-2026 (Patronage, patronage.nz). Apply or check the latest details at the organiser's own page: https://portal.nzonair.govt.nz