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Award applications open in July 2026

The CommBank Business Innovation Awards celebrates small and medium Australian businesses leveraging innovation to develop new or improved products, services or processes, from technology adoption and customer experience to sustainability, new business models and better ways of working.

Open to eligible businesses across Australia, even if they don’t bank with CommBank, the Awards are backed by practical support from CommBank and strategic partners including the University of Melbourne, Square Peg, Deloitte and AWS. Support includes cash grants, mentoring, University of Melbourne hosted bootcamps, value credits to innovate in the AWS environment , Deloitte and AWS workshops and a Seattle learning experience visiting AWS and CommBank Tech Hub. Further details on prizes, eligibility, key dates and terms and conditions will be available when applications are open.

Award applications will be assessed by a panel of innovation experts drawn from both CommBank and the Awards Partners. Finalists will be invited to celebrate at a gala awards night on Thursday 19 November 2026.

Backing innovative businesses to go further

Thanks to the support of our partners, prizes for winners and finalists bring together cash grants, mentoring, technology and growth opportunities to help innovative businesses go further.

Emerging Innovators category

Up to $3m in annual revenue

For early‑stage businesses solving meaningful problems and showing early progress.

One (1) winner prize of:

  • AU$30,000 cash grant
  • 3 one-hour mentoring sessions with Square Peg (inc. one face-to-face session)
  • Access to US$40,000 in value to innovate in the AWS environment
  • Innovation workshop for up to 4 representatives, co-hosted by Deloitte and AWS in either Sydney or Melbourne (1 day)

Five (5) finalists prizes available:

  • Two-day innovation boot camp for 2 representatives hosted by the University of Melbourne, in Melbourne
  • One-hour online financing session with Square Peg
  • Access to US$10,000 in value to innovate in the AWS environment (not including the winner)

Scaling Innovators category

$3m to $15m in annual revenue

For growing businesses delivering customer value, commercial momentum and potential to scale.

One (1) winner prize of:

  • 5 days in Seattle inc. visits to AWS and CommBank Tech Hub for 2 representatives, economy flights and accommodation included
  • Access to US$75,000 in value to innovate in the AWS environment
  • Innovation workshop for up to 4 representatives, co-hosted by Deloitte and AWS in either Sydney or Melbourne (1 day)

Five (5) finalists prizes available:

  • Two-day innovation boot camp for 2 representatives hosted by the University of Melbourne, in Melbourne
  • Access to US$10,000 in value to innovate in the AWS environment (not including the winner)

 

Proven Innovators category

$15m to $50m in annual revenue

For established businesses delivering strong commercial performance and broader impact through innovation.

One (1) winner prize of:

  • 5 days in Seattle inc. visits to AWS and CommBank Tech Hub for 2 representatives, economy flights and accommodation included
  • Access to US$110,000 in value to innovate in the AWS environment
  • Innovation workshop for up to 4 representatives, co-hosted by Deloitte and AWS in either Sydney or Melbourne (1 day)

Five (5) finalists prizes available:

  • Two-day innovation boot camp for 2 representatives hosted by the University of Melbourne, in Melbourne
  • Access to US$10,000 in value to innovate in the AWS environment (not including the winner)

 

Featured finalist promotional opportunities

In addition to the prize pool, winners and finalists may be invited to participate in promotional content, including through CommBank promotional channels, podcasts and media opportunities.

Working with leading innovation providers 

CommBank is working with partners across business, education and technology to help recognise and support Australian businesses finding smarter ways to work.

University of Melbourne

Supporting innovation research and education, including through hosted innovation bootcamps and innovation training through the Wade Institute of Entrepreneurship.

Square Peg

Providing mentoring and growth perspectives for ambitious businesses.

Amazon Web Services

Providing technology, cloud and innovation support, including AWS credits and workshops.

Deloitte

Supporting practical innovation workshops and business transformation expertise.

Frequently asked questions

Applications are expected to open in July. You can register your interest now to be notified when applications open.

No. The Awards are open to eligible businesses across Australia, even if they don’t bank with CommBank.

The Awards celebrate businesses developing new or improved products, services or processes, from technology adoption and customer experience to sustainability, new business models and better ways of working. 

Yes. You can do both. The training is available regardless of whether you enter the Awards and you don’t need to have done the training to apply for the Awards.

Further details on prizes, eligibility, key dates and terms and conditions will be available when applications open in July.

 

Register your interest

Register to learn more about the CommBank Business Innovation Awards.

Register interest

Things you should know

  • Further details on prizes, eligibility, key dates and terms and conditions will be available when applications open.

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