Chanthivong overrules staff recommendation to fund Spark event
NSW tech minister Chanthivong rejected funding for Spark Festival. Staff warned this could harm the startup sector's reputation.
NSW tech minister Chanthivong rejected a grant for Spark Festival. The Fostering Innovation Sponsorship Program had recommended it for funding.
Investment NSW staff worried about the decision. Spark was assessed as strong and aligned with government innovation goals.
They said rejection risked harming the startup sector's reputation. The minister's office did not give reasons.
It said the decision was discretionary. Spark went ahead anyway with 100 free events across Sydney this week.
The funding cut is part of a broader pattern under the Minns government since 2023. The Sydney Startup Hub was shut down in 2025.
A $10 million fund backing female founders was scrapped. MVP grants were capped at $50,000.
- 100 free events
- Spark events this week
- 10 million dollars
- Female founders fund scrapped
- 50,000 dollars
- MVP grant cap after suspension
- 2025
- Sydney Startup Hub closure
Why it mattersUnexplained cuts to startup support could weaken NSW's ability to attract and grow tech talent and companies. Other states are investing heavily right now.
AustraliaNSW startup founders and entrepreneurs face reduced government funding and backing compared to previous years, potentially pushing innovation investment to other Australian states.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 12 h ago
