Applications Are Now Open For The Next Round Of Innovation Grants

Applications are now open for the next round of Innovation Booster Grants and Commercialisation Bridge Grants, two cornerstone programs that support early-stage founders and scale-ups in Western Australia. Both are funded through the Government’s $40 million New Industries and Innovation Fund (NIIF).

Bigger grants, broader access

The Innovation Booster Grants now provide up to $50,000 — an increase on the previous $40,000 cap. At the same time, the matched funding requirement has been reduced from 20% to 15% for regional, female, and First Nations applicants.

The Commercialisation Bridge Grants have lifted their maximum support to $250,000. Founders based in regional WA, along with female- and First Nations-led businesses, will only need to match 25% of the funding, while the rate for all other applicants has dropped from 50% to 35%.

Science and Innovation Minister Stephen Dawson said the changes reflect the state’s ambition to grow a stronger innovation ecosystem. “The Cook Government is working to make Western Australia a global hub of invention, investment, innovation and impact for start-ups and scale-ups to thrive. These programs are an example of how we are supporting this vision.”

“This year we have increased the funding available to innovators and introduced more support to assist businesses that are founded by women and First Nations people or based regionally,” Dawson said.

A proven track record

Since 2021, the Innovation Booster Grants have directed more than $5.5 million towards 182 local innovation projects, providing support to help founders refine, test, and commercialise ideas.

The newer Commercialisation Bridge Grants have already backed 11 WA innovators with more than $2 million in funding since 2024, designed to accelerate commercialisation and position products for domestic and international markets.

Deadlines and information sessions

Applications for the Innovation Booster Grants close in three weeks, on Friday, October 10th, at 4:00 pm. The Commercialisation Bridge Grants round will close in five weeks, on Friday, October 24th, at 4:00 pm.Online information sessions are available to guide applicants, with details published on the WA Government website.