About the opportunity
What this programme is offering
About the Kenneth Myer Innovation Fellowships
The Kenneth Myer Innovation Fellowships support individuals leading innovative projects that have the potential to create meaningful change in society and the environment.
Rather than funding new ideas at the concept stage, the fellowship focuses on existing initiatives that have demonstrated promise and are ready to accelerate their impact.
Projects must align with one or more of the programme’s priority themes:
• Inclusion and Equality.
• Sustainability and Environment, including climate change.
• Human, Civil and Legal Rights.
The fellowship encourages bold thinking, practical innovation and scalable solutions capable of addressing complex national challenges.
Fellowship Funding and Benefits
Each successful Fellow may receive funding of up to AUD 180,000 over a 12-month period.
The funding package includes:
• AUD 140,000 as a personal stipend to enable recipients to dedicate themselves full-time to their fellowship.
• Up to AUD 40,000 for approved project expenses reimbursed throughout the fellowship.
Eligible project expenses may include:
• Workspace rental.
• Travel costs.
• Engagement of external consultants or specialist expertise.
In addition to financial support, Fellows receive access to:
• Quarterly meetings with an expert advisory panel.
• Individual mentoring.
• Networking opportunities with current and previous Kenneth Myer Innovation Fellows.
• Ongoing professional support throughout the fellowship year.
Who Should Apply?
The fellowship welcomes applications from individuals with diverse professional backgrounds who have demonstrated leadership and a commitment to creating lasting social or environmental impact.
Competitive applicants are expected to demonstrate initiatives that are:
• High impact and capable of producing measurable outcomes.
• Innovative and different from existing approaches.
• Scalable and sustainable over time.
Applicants should also demonstrate:
• A proven record of achievement.
• Entrepreneurial thinking.
• Strong professional networks.
• Passion for their chosen cause.
• Willingness to collaborate and learn from others.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria:
• Be an Australian citizen or permanent resident.
• Reside in Australia for most of the fellowship period.
• Be prepared to take a 12-month sabbatical from their current role.
• Demonstrate a proven track record of achievement.
• Show evidence of innovative thinking and the ability to translate ideas into action.
• Possess established networks relevant to the proposed project.
Project Eligibility
Projects submitted for consideration must:
• Be based in Australia.
• Align with at least one fellowship theme.
• Have been in development for no longer than three years.
Projects should demonstrate strong potential for long-term growth, sustainability and broad societal impact.
Projects That Are Not Eligible
The Kenneth Myer Innovation Fellowships do not support:
• Academic research or higher degree programmes.
• Medical research.
• Disease-specific initiatives.
• International projects.
• Scholarships.
PhDprogram listing
• Sponsorships.
• Creative arts projects.
• Education or curriculum-based programmes.
• Funding hubs or accelerators.
• Capital campaigns.
• Organisational applications.
• Projects focused solely on routine programme or service delivery.
• Collaborative applications involving multiple individuals, except where one co-founder submits the application.
Application Timeline
Applicants should take note of the following key dates:
• 13 July 2026 – Expressions of Interest opened.
• 16 August 2026 – Expressions of Interest close at 11:59 pm AEST.
How to apply