Championing Australia's regional and remote businesses
Running a business in regional or remote Australia isn’t easy. Isolation, limited reach and tough conditions can all stand in the way.
Yet, out here, challenge breeds creativity. And in the face of adversity, innovation thrives. That’s why we created the Innovate with nbn® Grants Program with the Regional Australia Institute.
Now in its seventh year, our grants program champions the ideas, resilience and brilliance of regional digital businesses. There’s also $125,000 in grants up for grabs.
Who can apply?
- making the most of the nbn® network to help enable regional Australians to live, learn and work in a digital society
- challenging the traditional markets in regional Australia
- lifting digital participation and stimulating regional economies
- championing digital adoption for regional and remote communities
Eligibility criteria
Your application will only be eligible if you:
- are connected to the nbn network
- are located in regional Australia
- have an Australian Business Number (ABN)
- have an Australian bank account (corresponding to the ABN)
- apply for one category
Winner of the 2025 Innovate with nbn® Grants Program
Discover how RAISEducation delivers specialist literacy and numeracy support via online lessons, personalised plans and home resources, RAISEducation tackles educational inequality in remote Australia.
Play the ‘RAISEducation: Innovate with nbn® Australia Education and 2025 Champion’ video (duration 1:40) to learn more.
So, Raise Education is a not for-profit that provides individualized learning support for geographically isolated families who often have nowhere else to turn when their child needs a little bit of extra help in the schoolroom. Time and time again, we keep seeing that the disparity between people living in the city compared to rural and remote areas is very significant.
And you know we're looking at not just a couple of percentages but in Napan we're seeing 20, 30% differences in literacy rates particularly between that city and country divide. We had a family the young boy was in year two could barely read a word and was really struggling not only just with the academic side but just everywhere across the board he felt so down on himself.
And by giving him that reading support and not only for him but his family, his parents and also the governess that worked in that remote classroom. The change in his overall disposition was so huge and I remember meeting him at a rural event and he came running up and wanted to to read a book and this was a boy who didn't want to read at all before that.
So I think it's things like that that really, you know, remind you why this is so important, speed. It's so difficult to do those online lessons if you're dropping out in lag time. It's absolutely vital because without that speed allows you to run almost like a face-to-face classroom lesson and allow those kids to have the support they need.
What you could win
We’ll award $15,000 to one standout business or organisation in each category.
Plus, one exceptional entry will take home the Innovate with nbn® Champion Award and an additional $20,000.
Just remember: you can only apply for one category and need an ABN to be eligible.
7 × $15,000 grants
We’ll award $15,000 to the deserving winners of each of these categories:
- AgTech and Environment
- Arts, Culture & Tourism
- Education
- First Nations Business
- Health and Wellbeing
- Innovation for Productivity
- Women in Regional Business
1 x $20,000 grant
We’ll also award $20,000 to the 2026 Innovate with nbn® Champion.
Grant categories
Technology is helping transform how we manage land, resources and food production. From digital agriculture to environmental innovation, smart solutions are driving more sustainable and productive outcomes.
If you’re using technology in farming, land managers to work smarter, improve sustainability or boost productivity with the support of the nbn network, we want to hear from you.
Arts, culture and tourism play a vital role in showcasing regional Australia — and digital technology is opening up new ways to share these experiences.
If you’re using the nbn network to deliver creative, cultural or tourism experiences that engage audiences, support local economies and bring your region to life, we encourage you to apply.
With education becoming more accessible online, there’s never been a greater need for smart, flexible learning solutions.
We’re looking for businesses using technology to deliver innovative education and training options that improve access for regional and remote communities.
We’re looking for First Nations businesses that are embracing innovation and creating meaningful digital solutions.
If you’re a First Nations-owned business, or working in genuine partnership with First Nations communities to deliver technology-driven outcomes, we’d like to hear from you.
Health and wellbeing are increasingly supported by digital innovation, improving both care and quality of life.
We’re looking for businesses using technology to boost access to healthcare, mental health support and overall wellbeing for people living in regional and remote communities.
Businesses are innovating across all sectors to work smarter, faster and more efficiently.
We’re looking for organisations using digital technology to improve productivity, streamline operations or unlock new ways of working — whether in advanced manufacturing, AI, logistics or beyond.
More women across regional Australia are turning their ideas into thriving businesses — and making a real impact in their communities.
We’re looking for women-led businesses using digital innovation to grow their reach, improve services and drive local change.
Key dates
Applications will open 1st September.
Successful grant recipients will be announced on 16th November 2026.
Applying is easier than you think
You don't need to have everything perfect before you start. The application is designed to help you tell your story and showcase the impact you're making.
Just start – you can gather supporting information as you go.
Focus on your story – what challenge are you solving, how is technology helping, and what difference is it making?
Use what you already have – customer feedback, photos, results and examples can all help bring your application to life.
Keep the video simple – a short 60–90 second video filmed on a phone is perfectly fine. Focus on the outcomes you've achieved.
Ask someone to review it – a fresh set of eyes can help make sure your story is clear and easy to follow.
Top tip: Don't overthink it. The strongest applications are often the ones that clearly explain the problem, the solution and the impact in a simple, authentic way.
Program partners
nbn
We’re committed to elevating Australia by connecting people and powering progress. That's why, in 2019, we created nbn Regional and Remote.
This dedicated business unit is designed to help customers across Australia to access a fast, reliable broadband network.
Regional Australia Institute
The Regional Australia Institute (RAI) is the nation’s only independent organisation dedicated to the success of regional Australia.
Through research, community engagement and partnerships across government, business and local organisations, RAI delivers strong policy solutions and tangible outcomes. RAI’s purpose is simple: to empower regions to thrive.