The scheme, part of ITV's£9m fund to support out of London production, will be used to encourage first-time producers who have never had programmes on the network.
However, established indies can apply for the cash as long as the person who actually makes the show has never produced for the ITV network.
ITV director of programmes Nigel Pickard announced the plan at the launch of Maidstone Media Tree - a collection of Kent-based programme-makers, which has secured funding by local councils and the regional development agency.
"Until now we have never been able to fund pilots. But we do want to enable new people to find a place on the network and funding pilots is a fast track to give them a leg up," he told producers.
Pickard said about six slots could be up for grabs. He added the scheme would be promoted around the regions this summer.
Peter Williams, a Kent-based producer, commented: "After all the cutbacks and disappointments we have recently suffered in the regions, this is very good news."
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