Kenneth Myer Innovation Fellowships 2027 in Australia: Receive Up to AUD 180,000 to Scale Innovative Social and Environmental Solution

The 2027 Kenneth Myer Innovation Fellowships are now accepting Expressions of Interest from exceptional Australian innovators who are developing transformative solutions to some of Australia’s most urgent social and environmental challenges.

Established by the Sidney Myer Fund and The Myer Foundation, the Kenneth Myer Innovation Fellowships provide outstanding individuals with the time, financial support, expert guidance, mentorship, and professional network needed to significantly expand the impact of their innovative initiatives.

Unlike many funding opportunities that focus on delivering predetermined outputs or strict performance indicators, this Fellowship is designed to give talented innovators the freedom to dedicate twelve months exclusively to advancing existing high-impact projects that demonstrate strong potential for lasting societal and environmental change.

Each selected Fellow receives funding of up to AUD 180,000 over a twelve-month period, allowing them to step away from their regular employment and fully concentrate on developing innovative solutions capable of creating meaningful and scalable impact across Australia.

About the Kenneth Myer Innovation Fellowships

The Kenneth Myer Innovation Fellowships were established to encourage bold thinking, innovative leadership, and entrepreneurial approaches to addressing complex societal issues.

The Fellowship recognizes that many groundbreaking ideas require dedicated time, financial security, mentorship, and strategic support before they can reach their full potential.

Rather than funding organizations, the Fellowship invests directly in individuals whose ideas have already demonstrated traction and are ready to move to the next stage of development.

Successful Fellows become part of a growing network of innovators who are committed to creating sustainable, long-term solutions that benefit Australian communities.

Fellowship Themes

Applicants must propose projects aligned with one or more of the following priority themes:

• Inclusion & Equality
• Sustainability & Environment, including Climate Change
• Human, Civil & Legal Rights

Projects should clearly demonstrate how they contribute to solving major challenges within these focus areas.

Fellowship Benefits

Each successful Fellow may receive funding worth up to AUD 180,000, including:

1. Personal Fellowship Stipend

Recipients receive:

• AUD 140,000 stipend
• Financial support throughout the twelve-month Fellowship
• Opportunity to dedicate full-time attention to their project

2. Project Funding

An additional up to AUD 40,000 is available for approved project-related expenses, including:

• Renting dedicated workspace
• Professional travel
• Hiring external consultants or specialists
• Other approved Fellowship-related costs

Project expenses are reimbursed based on approved expenditure.

3. Professional Development Support

Beyond funding, Fellows gain access to:

• Quarterly meetings with a panel of experienced experts
• One-on-one mentorship
• Networking opportunities with previous Kenneth Myer Innovation Fellows
• Guidance from Fellowship staff and advisors
• Access to an influential innovation community

Who Should Apply?

The Fellowship welcomes individuals from diverse professional backgrounds, sectors, and lived experiences.

Applicants are encouraged to submit an Expression of Interest if they are leading innovative projects capable of delivering significant social or environmental impact.

Ideal Projects

Projects should be:

• High-impact
• Innovative or uniquely applied
• Capable of generating measurable outcomes
• Scalable
• Sustainable over time
• Focused on addressing significant Australian challenges

Innovation may involve creating entirely new approaches or adapting proven ideas to new contexts.

Ideal Applicants

Strong applicants typically demonstrate:

• Significant experience in their field
• Entrepreneurial thinking
• A proven record of achievement
• Passion for their cause
• Strong professional networks
• Curiosity and willingness to learn
• Ability to collaborate effectively
• Commitment to making the most of the Fellowship experience

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify, applicants must:

• Be an Australian citizen or permanent resident.
• Reside in Australia for most of the Fellowship period.
• Be willing to take a twelve-month sabbatical from their current role.
• Demonstrate a strong history of achievement.
• Show entrepreneurial and innovative thinking.
• Be capable of transforming ideas into practical action.
• Have established networks related to their project.

Project Eligibility Requirements

Eligible projects must:

• Be based in Australia.
• Align with one or more Fellowship themes.
• Have been in development for no longer than three years.

What Fellows Are Expected to Do

The Fellowship is intentionally flexible.

Rather than requiring recipients to meet rigid performance targets, Fellows are encouraged to use the year to advance their initiatives thoughtfully and strategically.

During the Fellowship, recipients are expected to:

• Focus full-time on their project.
• Participate in Fellowship activities.
• Engage with mentors and advisors.
• Present a mid-term progress update.
• Deliver a final presentation at the conclusion of the Fellowship.

Funding Exclusions

The Fellowship does not support:

• Projects older than three years.
• Academic research projects.
• Higher degree coursework or dissertations.
• Medical research.
• Disease-specific initiatives.
• International projects.
• Scholarships.
• Sponsorships.
• Funding hubs or accelerator programs.
• Creative arts projects.
• Collaborative applications involving multiple individuals.
• Organizational applications.
• Capital campaigns.
• Endowment campaigns.
• Fundraising events.
• Program or service delivery projects without innovation potential.
• Curriculum or education development projects for schools, universities, or educational institutions.

Application Process

The Fellowship follows a multi-stage selection process designed to identify Australia’s most promising innovators.

Stage 1: Expression of Interest

Applicants submit an online Expression of Interest (EOI) during the application window.

Stage 2: Initial Review

Following the closing date, applications undergo an extensive assessment process.

Stage 3: Shortlisting

Selected applicants are invited to prepare a detailed application.

Stage 4: Interviews

Shortlisted candidates participate in interviews.

Stage 5: Final Selection

Successful Fellows are confirmed following completion of the interview process.

2027 Application Timeline

Applicants should carefully note the official timeline:

• 13 July 2026 – Expressions of Interest open.
• 16 August 2026 (11:59 PM AEST) – Expressions of Interest close.
• Week beginning 19 October 2026 – Shortlisted candidates invited to submit detailed applications.
• 10 January 2027 (11:59 PM AEDT) – Detailed applications due.
• February 2027 – Interviews conducted.
• March 2027 – Successful Fellows announced.

Late submissions will not be accepted under any circumstances, including technical difficulties or personal issues. Applicants are also not permitted to submit additional materials after the application deadline.

 APPLY HERE 

For more information about this opportunity visit the Kenneth Myer Innovation Fellowships website HERE

You can visit OFY Website HERE for more fellowship programs

Recent Kenneth Myer Innovation Fellows

The Fellowship has supported numerous innovators addressing pressing national issues.

Alicia Kennedy

Founder of Cherished Pets, Alicia Kennedy is developing the Human-Animal Bond ecosystem of care (HABCare), integrating veterinary care with housing, health, and social services to improve wellbeing for vulnerable Australians.

Campbell Costello

Founder of Bush Labs, Campbell Costello is expanding access to portable PCR diagnostic technology for animal diseases in remote and underserved regions, strengthening disease surveillance, food security, and public health.

Zanab Malik

Founder of My Special Needs Dental Home, Zanab Malik is creating a digital platform that equips carers and support workers with specialist oral health guidance for Australians living with profound disabilities.

These examples demonstrate the Fellowship’s commitment to supporting innovative ideas with the potential to create nationwide impact.

Why Apply?

The Kenneth Myer Innovation Fellowships represent one of Australia’s premier opportunities for innovators seeking the resources and freedom to expand transformative ideas.

Recipients receive generous financial support, mentorship, professional guidance, expert advice, and access to an influential community of previous Fellows, enabling them to focus entirely on scaling initiatives that can improve lives and strengthen Australian society.

If you have an innovative project addressing inclusion, environmental sustainability, climate action, or human rights, this Fellowship provides a unique platform to accelerate your work and maximize long-term impact.

Deadline

Expression of Interest Deadline: 16 August 2026 (11:59 PM AEST)

Late applications will not be accepted.

Conclusion

The 2027 Kenneth Myer Innovation Fellowships offer a rare opportunity for Australia’s most innovative changemakers to dedicate an entire year to advancing bold ideas capable of solving significant social and environmental challenges. With funding of up to AUD 180,000, extensive mentoring, strategic guidance, and access to a powerful network of innovators, the Fellowship is designed to help individuals transform promising initiatives into sustainable, scalable solutions that deliver lasting benefits across Australia. Eligible innovators are encouraged to carefully review the eligibility criteria and submit their Expression of Interest before the application deadline of 16 August 2026.