- Applications now open for the Innovation Pathways Program
- The program originally named X-TEND has been rebranded with maximum grants increased and a larger total grant pool
- Increased support for accelerator programs and entrepreneur and investor education
- Cook Government working to diversify WA's economy for the future
Program providers that upskill entrepreneurs and investors now have the chance to apply for grants of up to $300,000 through the Innovation Pathways Program to support Western Australia's innovation ecosystem.
Previously known as X-TEND, the program now has more targeted support for accelerator programs along with programs that provide entrepreneur and investor education.
The total grant pool has more than doubled to $2 million with maximum grant amounts also increased from $150,000 to $300,00 for accelerator programs and $200,000 for entrepreneur or investor programs.
Grant-funded programs will support startups to become investor ready, equip entrepreneurs with the skills to commercialise and scale their businesses, as well as better inform investors to increase the available capital to WA's innovation ecosystem.
The matched funding amount has now been reduced from 50 per cent to 25 per cent for programs which target regional, First Nations, and female participants.
Over the past four years the X-TEND program has invested more than $3 million into education programs for the innovation sector to increase skills and capacity.
For more information and to apply, see: www.wa.gov.au/organisation/department-of-energy-and-economic-diversification/new-industries-and-innovation-fund-innovation-pathways-program
As stated by Science and Innovation Minister Stephen Dawson:
"The Innovation Pathways Program is the Cook Government's next generation of X-TEND grants and will now be able to fund even more support programs for local innovators.
"With maximum grants being doubled from $150,000 to $300,000, a lot of new possibilities are opened for WA innovators and the great work they do.
"Increasing the number of investment-ready startups and strengthening the skills of founders and investors moves WA closer to a globally competitive innovation ecosystem, strengthens the State's future economy, and creates new high-value jobs."
