The Innovation Pathways Program (IIP), formerly X-TEND WA, is open to local, interstate, and international service providers that want to transform Western Australia’s (WA’s) innovation landscape.
Grants are available to amplify the reach and effectiveness of accelerator programs, entrepreneur education, and investor education initiatives.
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.
This initiative is set to increase the capability and skills of innovators, boosting the number of investment ready startups and increase the number of investors that can make informed early-stage innovation investment decisions, lifting the capital flow into the innovation sector.
Eligible entities can apply for grants across three streams of funding:
Accelerator Support Stream: up to $300,000 to new or established accelerator programs for startups and scaleups that support them to become investment ready.
Entrepreneur Education Stream: up to $200,000 to other programs for startups and scaleups that assist them in attracting investors.
Investor Education Stream: up to $200,000 to programs that educate, grow, and encourage investors of all classes to invest in innovative ventures in WA.
"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," said Science and Innovation Minister Stephen Dawson.
The IPP aims to increase the number of investment-ready startups, build commercialisation skills, and grow the flow of capital into WA’s innovation sector. Over the past four years, more than $3 million has been invested into sector capability, with another $2 million to be awarded through this round.
"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."
Application are now open and will close on 30 January 2026.
Learn more about the Innovation Pathways Program and your eligibility to apply.
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