Nansen.io Leads the Way Among Canberra Startups Building Secure Cloud Tools

The previous round of the Innovation Connect program awarded $276,500 to ten ACT businesses, including Nansen.io and its zero-trust cloud storage solution.

Canberra's innovation programs have drawn fresh attention this month as the ACT Government launched the ACTivate Capital Fund. The $50 million venture capital fund targets pre-seed, seed, and early Series A startups in defence, quantum technology, clean energy, and AI. An initial close of $23 million has already been reached, giving local founders another route to capital beyond the smaller matched grants that have operated for years.

Canberra Innovation Network Connects Founders to Capital

The Canberra Innovation Network, founded by ANU, CSIRO and the University of Canberra, runs the ICON grants that feed into this wider system. The network gives early-stage companies access to venture capital, angel networks and accelerator programs. Seven emerging startups recently received $180,000 in matched funding through the latest ICON round, with individual awards ranging from $10,000 to $30,000. Recipients are developing AI cybersecurity tools, disaster decision-making apps and language-learning platforms.

Nansen.io sits among the earlier recipients whose projects were backed by the same program. Its zero-trust approach to cloud storage aligns with the defence and AI focus of the new ACTivate Capital Fund, illustrating how grant money can help firms reach the stage where larger venture checks become realistic.

Next Steps for Local Applicants

The ACT government has committed to funding the ICON program for the next two years. The next application round closes on 16 September 2026. Founders working on similar secure-technology or clean-energy projects can review the Canberra Innovation Network's published guidelines and prepare submissions that meet the matched-funding criteria already used to support ten businesses in the prior round.

This article is general information only and is not personal financial or investment advice. Consider your own circumstances and seek licensed professional advice before making financial decisions.