The Innovation Pathways Program formerly X-TEND WA is open until Friday 30 January 2026, 4.00pm (AWST). Submit your application on the grant platform.
About
There is a recognised need for improved and expanded education for startups and innovative small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to become ‘investment ready’ and/or to scale their businesses, as well as a need to expand the education and ability of investors and corporates to deliver better access to investment capital for startups and innovative SMEs in Western Australia.
The objective of the Grant is to support accelerator programs, an integral mechanism to support and grow the ecosystem, as well as entrepreneurial and investor education programs for Western Australian startups and innovative SMEs, and current and potential investors. This will ensure entrepreneurs are better equipped to commercialise and scale their businesses and current and potential investors are better informed to stimulate more private investment in local innovative ventures.
The Innovation Pathways Program (IPP) is a competitive Western Australian Government grant, funded through the $40 million New Industries and Innovation Fund (2025-29). The IPP is administered by the Department of Energy and Economic Diversification (the Department). The Department is seeking applications under the following three streams:
Stream A: Accelerator support - up to $300,000
Accelerator programs designed for startups, innovative SMEs and scaleups that support them to become investment ready.
Stream B: Entrepreneur Education - up to $200,000
Programs, other than accelerators, that are specifically tailored to increase the investment readiness of startups and innovative SMEs or scaleups.
Stream C: Investor Education - up to $200,000
Programs that educate, grow, and encourage investors of all classes including corporates, leading to an increase in investment in innovative ventures in Western Australia.
Applications which deliver programs that target regional audiences, and/or First Nations participants, and/or female participants are strongly encouraged and will be weighted favourably in the evaluation process.
Changes to the IPP
Show moreIn 2025, the Innovation Pathways Program replaced the program formerly known as X-TEND WA. A number of new elements have been incorporated to enhance the program:
The maximum grant amount has increased from $150,000 to $300,000 for Stream A and $200,000 for Stream B and C.
Matched funding requirements for successful applicants have been reduced from 50% to 35%.
Matched funding requirements for successful applicants that target diverse cohorts have been reduced from 50% to 25% to encourage programs that support:
- programs that target regional WA
- programs that target First Nations participants
- programs that target female participants
Please see the Innovation Pathways Program guidelines and FAQ for more details.
Announcements
Expanding the innovation ecosystem
X-TEND WA Program recipient: Spacecubed
Print this page
