Western Australia’s innovation ecosystem is set to grow with the launch of the Innovation Pathways Program. Program providers can apply for grants of up to $300,000 to support entrepreneurs and investors.
The program, formerly called X-TEND, now offers a larger total grant pool of $2 million. Maximum grants have increased from $150,000 to $300,000 for accelerator programs and $200,000 for entrepreneur or investor education programs.
Funded programs will help startups become investor-ready. Entrepreneurs will gain skills to commercialise and grow their businesses. Investors will be better equipped to provide capital to local startups.
Matched funding requirements have been lowered from 50 per cent to 25 per cent for programs targeting regional communities, First Nations, and female participants.
Over the past four years, X-TEND invested more than $3 million in programs to build skills and capacity in the innovation sector.
The Innovation Pathways Program aims to increase the number of investment-ready startups, strengthen founder and investor skills, and support the growth of a competitive innovation ecosystem in WA.
Applications are now open. More information is available at: wa.gov.au