$130K In Grants To Boost WA Biomedical Startups

The Cook Government is investing a further $130,000 to fuel the growth of Western Australia’s biomedical sector, today announcing new funding rounds for two key grant programs: the Accelerator Program Access Grants (APAG) and the Entrepreneur in Residence (EIR) scheme.

Both initiatives are designed to help local companies develop leadership skills, attract global expertise, and ultimately strengthen WA’s position in the health and medical life sciences industry.

Upskilling WA talent through APAG

The APAG program provides funding for senior managers to undertake professional development through national or international internships and accelerator programs. The latest round offers up to $20,000 per company to help cover flights, accommodation, and program registration fees.

In its first round, APAG awarded $90,676 across five companies, supporting eight staff members to upskill through global programs.

A total of $100,000 is available in this round, with the government encouraging more startups to take advantage of the opportunity to sharpen leadership capability and deepen their industry expertise.

Attracting global experts with Entrepreneur in Residence

The EIR scheme brings external talent to WA, offering up to $10,000 per host organisation to support overseas or interstate entrepreneurs and experts to undertake short-term residencies with local biomedical companies.

The goal is to give WA startups access to seasoned international leaders who can provide strategic advice and contribute to local ecosystem development. Resident entrepreneurs are expected to deliver programs, participate in events, and mentor local companies during their time in WA.

This second round of EIR funding includes $30,000 in sponsorships and is designed to help promote WA’s biomedical capabilities on a national and international stage.

Part of a broader strategy to diversify WA’s economy

Both APAG and EIR are funded under the State Government’s $11.5 million Health and Medical Life Sciences Industry Strategy, which aims to accelerate growth in one of WA’s most promising knowledge-based sectors.

Medical Research Minister Stephen Dawson said the grants are part of the government’s long-term commitment to strengthening local innovation.

“I’m delighted to launch new funding rounds for the Accelerator Program Access Grants and Entrepreneur in Residence scheme, following their successful first rounds.

“These initiatives support skills and workforce development in the biomedical industry, as well as grow and retain staff to build stronger WA businesses. 

“It’s all part of our commitment to support the growth of WA’s health and medical life sciences sector and diversify the State’s economy.”Startups, scaleups, and organisations operating in WA’s biomedical industry are encouraged to apply.