NZ On Air has teamed up with Screen Australia and the Australian Children’s Television Foundation (ACTF) to take part in their joint initiative, offering a new opportunity to develop New Zealand IP for digital first children’s series.
The Kids IP Incubator, in its second year in Australia, is a new opportunity for established and emerging New Zealand children’s content creators to explore and experiment with the creative tools, formats and business models that work successfully on platforms such as YouTube and FAST (Free ad-supported streaming television).
NZ On Air will select up to four teams to develop projects and participate in workshops led by industry experts, alongside up to eight Australian teams, as part of an eight-week programme. In addition to the learning component, up to two New Zealand projects will be funded into production as an outcome of the initiative.
NZ On Air is investing around $180k in running the scheme, with a further $748k set aside for development and production funding.
Head of Funding Amie Mills says NZ On Air is delighted to join Screen Australia and the ACTF in the second year of the Kids IP Incubator. The opportunity will bring creators from both sides of the Tasman together, supporting New Zealand creators to make bold new series for young audiences in New Zealand, in parallel with Australian creators for Australian audiences.
“We’ve been looking for ways to build stronger creative ties with Australia, and we loved what the ACTF and Screen Australia started last year. Putting our creators in the same room as theirs, working on a shared kaupapa, gives everyone the chance to learn from each other and develop projects that will connect with tamariki on the platforms they’re watching. We hope this is the start of creative partnerships that carry on long after the incubator ends,” says Mills.
Applications open today for those interested in attending a bespoke programme of online webinar modules and masterclasses with key international content strategists, analysts and marketplace experts. They will also participate in a collaborative in-person workshop as well as receive tailored mentorship.
Applications open 15 October 2026 and close 26 November 2026.
More information regarding eligibility and assessment criteria and how to apply can be found here.
A recorded presentation on IP development for online consumption is available here for applicants to gain more information about this initiative, and insights about working in the direct-to-audience/online space and the current children’s content landscape. Viewing the recorded video presentation is mandatory for all applicants prior to submission.
A further live webinar for New Zealand applicants will be held on Tuesday 27 October at 11.00 am for those wishing to learn more and ask questions about the initiative. Please see the Guidelines for more information.