Applications are now open for two grant programs supporting the uptake of modern and innovative approaches to designing, building and delivering high-quality homes across NSW.
The funding comes as the Minns Labor Government is set to turbocharge the way homes are built in NSW, unlocking the potential of Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) and lifting productivity in the building sector.
To fast-track this, the Government has today opened the Housing Innovation in Construction Fund and the Housing Innovation Network Grants Program – a nearly $4 million investment to strengthen the local industry MMC sector.
Housing Innovation in Construction Fund
The $2 million Housing Innovation in Construction Fund will support commercially established manufacturers to assess and adapt MMC for mid and high‑rise housing in NSW.
Grants of between $20,000 and $150,000 are available to support engineering feasibility studies and compliance assessments, helping businesses assess how their designs and construction and manufacturing solutions can meet local building regulations. Funding is provided on a co‑contribution basis, with applicants required to contribute at least 50 per cent of total project costs.
Housing Innovation Network Grants Program
The Housing Innovation Network Grants Program supports NSW small‑to‑medium enterprises to pilot innovative housing products in partnership with Homes NSW.
Competitive grants of up to $250,000 will support pilot projects that test digital tools, building materials and service innovations in real public housing environments. The NSW Government has committed up to $1.8 million to the program, with funded pilots expected to run for up to 12 months between late 2026 and 2027.
This will be delivered alongside a series of workshops, learning and networking events for the housing and construction sectors to highlight the importance of innovation and upskill the sector.
The Government has heard industry’s calls for greater research and collaboration to enhance innovative building practices and is delivering on these calls.
These programs form part of a growing suite of reforms to unlock the potential of Modern Methods of Construction, including:
- Inviting experienced local and international MMC operators to partner with the NSW Government to build a world-class facility to deliver prefabricated components and modular housing at scale,
- Introducing the nation-leading Building Bill 2026 to NSW Parliament to enshrine a modern regulatory framework for MMC and increase both industry and consumer confidence,
- As well as investing $32.3 million in the NSW 2026-27 Budget to modernise the building approvals system, integrate it into the NSW Planning Portal and pilot AI tools to speed up licence application processing.
This is part of the Minns Labor Government’s plan to build a better NSW with more high-quality homes and services, so young people, families and key local workers have somewhere to live and in the communities they choose.
For more information about Housing Innovation in Construction Fund, and how to apply, please visit www.nsw.gov.au/hic.
For more information about the Housing Innovation Network Grants Program, and how to apply, please visit www.nsw.gov.au/hin.
Minister for Housing Rose Jackson said:
“People need access to more homes that are well built, affordable and delivered sooner. Modern methods of construction are already enabling faster delivery of social housing but we want to see that expand even further.
“The Housing Innovation Network allows us to test new technologies and service models that improve delivery and tenant experience, while the Construction Fund helps unlock faster build times.
“Together, these programs are focused on outcomes that matter – more housing supply, delivered sooner, and better value for the community.”
Minister for Building, Minister for Industry and Trade, Minister for Innovation, Science and Technology Anoulack Chanthivong said:
“The Minns Labor Government is making it easier to build high-quality homes for the people of NSW.
“We’re providing these crucial pathways to help our local housing industry research, collaborate and innovate.
“Coupled with our nation-leading building reforms currently before NSW Parliament, these programs are embracing modern methods of construction so that every family in NSW can live, work and flourish in the community they choose.”
