Kenneth Myer Innovation Fellowships 2027 – Up to $180,000
The Kenneth Myer Innovation Fellowships 2027 support individuals developing breakthrough solutions to major social and environmental challenges in Australia. Each Fellow can receive up to $180,000 for a 12-month commitment, including a $140,000 stipend and up to $40,000 for approved project expenses. The programme is currently open for expressions of interest until 11.59pm AEST on Sunday, 16 August 2026.
Quick Overview
Programme: Kenneth Myer Innovation Fellowships 2027
Opportunity Type: Fellowship
Country: Australia
Duration: 12 months
Funding: Up to $180,000 per Fellow
Stipend: $140,000
Project Expenses: Up to $40,000
Deadline: 11.59pm AEST, Sunday 16 August 2026
About the Kenneth Myer Innovation Fellowships
The Kenneth Myer Innovation Fellowships aim to support breakthrough solutions to some of Australia’s most pressing social and environmental challenges.
The programme gives selected Fellows 12 months of focused time, financial resources, and structured support to progress existing projects that have potential to create positive outcomes for society and the environment.
Projects must align with one or more of the programme themes:
• Inclusion & Equality
• Sustainability & Environment, including climate change
• Human, Civil & Legal Rights
The Fellowship focuses on existing initiatives rather than ideas that have not yet been developed into actionable projects.
What the Fellowship Offers
Up to $180,000 is available to each Fellow for the 12-month Fellowship.
The financial package consists of:
✓ $140,000 stipend intended to cover the Fellow’s living expenses during the Fellowship year
✓ Up to $40,000 for approved project expenses
Eligible project expenses may include:
• Renting a separate workspace where required
• Travel related to the Fellowship
• Convening activities
• Contracting external expertise
Approved project expenses are available on a reimbursement basis. Professional development is generally not supported unless it would materially affect the development of the Fellow’s project.
Also read: Wilson Center Research Fellowship 2027–2028
Fellowship Support
Funding is only one component of the programme.
During the 12-month Fellowship, Fellows can access:
✓ A panel of experts
✓ Quarterly support panel meetings
✓ An individually matched mentor
✓ Specialist pitch training
✓ A network of past Fellows
✓ Support from programme staff of The Myer Foundation and Sidney Myer Fund
The programme is designed to give Fellows focused time and support to develop and progress their existing initiatives.
What Types of Projects Are Sought?
The programme seeks initiatives that demonstrate three central characteristics.
High Impact
Projects should have the potential to produce meaningful outcomes and align with at least one programme priority area.
Unique
The initiative should offer a new or different approach. This can also include applying an existing approach in a new context or field.
Scalable and Sustainable
Projects should demonstrate the potential to grow and remain sustainable over time.
Who Should Apply?
The programme seeks individuals who are experienced, entrepreneurial, committed to their cause, and capable of turning ideas into action.
Strong candidates should demonstrate:
• A proven record of achievement or traction in their field, subject area, approach, or initiative
• Genuine commitment and passion for their cause
• Networks that can help advance the project
• Broad-mindedness and willingness to learn
• Ability to work effectively with other Fellows, advisers, and programme staff
• Commitment to participating in the Fellowship offering
Check: DDC x TrygFonden Fellowship Program 2027 at SDU
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
• Be an Australian citizen or permanent resident.
• Reside in Australia for the majority of the Fellowship period.
• Be prepared to take a sabbatical from their current role for 12 months.
• Have a proven track record of achievement.
• Be prepared to pursue unconventional thinking and take risks.
• Demonstrate an ability to turn well-formulated ideas or new approaches into action.
• Have well-developed networks within the area of the proposed project.
In addition, the proposed project must:
• Be based in Australia.
• Align with at least one programme theme.
• Have been in development for no longer than three years.
Projects That Are Not Supported
The Kenneth Myer Innovation Fellowships do not support several types of projects and funding requests.
These include:
• Projects that have been in development for more than three years
• Benefits, fundraising events, pooled funds, or re-granters
• Capital or endowment campaigns
• Academic research or work toward higher degrees
• Medical research
• Initiatives focused on specific diseases
• International projects
• Scholarships
• Sponsorships
• Funding hubs or accelerators
• Creative arts projects
• Collaborative applications involving multiple individuals
• Organisations rather than initiatives created by an individual
• Education or curriculum-based projects
Projects primarily focused on regular programme or service delivery are also excluded unless the initiative itself is innovative, scalable, and capable of achieving broad impact.
Fellowship Expectations
The Fellowship is not tied to specific predetermined KPIs or objectives. Instead, Fellows receive time and resources to progress their existing work.
However, Fellows are expected to participate in programme activities and reporting requirements.
These include:
• Participating in Support Panel meetings and training
• Providing collegiate support to other Fellows where possible
• Delivering a mid-term presentation
• Delivering a final presentation or completion report
• Participating in an alumni event after completing the Fellowship
• Completing a short completion survey
Applicants invited to the detailed application stage will also be asked to identify the outputs and outcomes they expect from their Fellowship.
Explore: Sydney Brenner Research Fellowship at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
Application and Selection Process
The Kenneth Myer Innovation Fellowships use a multi-stage selection process.
The current timeline is:
• 13 July 2026: Expressions of interest open
• 16 August 2026, 11.59pm AEST: Expressions of interest close
• Week beginning 19 October 2026: Shortlisted candidates invited to prepare a detailed application
• 10 January 2027, 11.59pm AEDT: Detailed applications from shortlisted candidates close
• February 2027: Interviews for selected candidates
• March 2027: Confirmation of the 2027 Kenneth Myer Innovation Fellows
Expressions of interest submitted after the closing time will not be accepted. The programme also states that additional information cannot be added after the submission deadline.
Application Deadline
Expressions of interest for the 2027 Kenneth Myer Innovation Fellowships close at:
11.59pm AEST on Sunday, 16 August 2026
The official application portal confirms that submissions are currently being accepted.
Official Link
Submit your expression of interest through the official application link below.
