Earlier this year, CEDA partnered with The Factory to launch the first-ever Innovate Grants, designed to help early-stage founders move from concept to commercialisation. The programme provided five entrepreneurs with a $5,000 grant, alongside ongoing support from The Factory to help validate their ideas, test assumptions and build momentum.

The recipients represent a diverse range of innovative solutions emerging from our region: 

Swiggin' - Automating the feeding of orphan lambs. 

KinsWell - Helping families stay connected with the care their loved ones receive at home. 

EduReason - Using AI to help educators measure, develop and track students' reasoning capabilities. 

Māmā Restore - Creating a postpartum recovery drink to support wellbeing after childbirth. 

H-Fuel - Developing fast-acting caffeine pouches as an alternative to traditional energy products. 

While the funding plays an important role, the real value of the programme is helping founders take an idea from the drawing board and turn it into something tangible. Every recipient has shown the courage to back themselves and the determination to keep moving forward, often through uncertainty and challenges. 

These grants were created to help unlock innovation in Manawatū and support people with the ambition to build something new. Seeing these ideas develop into real products, services and businesses is exactly why the programme was established. 

Congratulations to all five Innovate Grant recipients. We're proud to support your journey and look forward to seeing where your ideas take you next. 

Learn more about how CEDA helps businesses connect with research, development, innovation and technology opportunities that support growth.