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
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 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and current and potential investors.
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 to improve and expanded education for startups and innovative SMEs to become ‘investment ready’ and 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.
In 2025, the maximum grant amount has increased from $150,000 to $300,000 to maximise the impact on Western Australia's innovation sector.
Matched funding requirements for programs that target diverse cohorts have been reduced to encourage applications for programs that target one or more of the following cohorts: regional WA, First Nations participants, and female participants. It is recognised that some vital initiatives may not be able to attract this level of matched funding. Non-matched funding applications may be considered and evaluated on a case-by-case basis where a demonstrated market need is shown.
For further information please refer to the Innovation Pathways Program round eight guidelines, the Innovation Pathways Program frequently asked questions, and the other documents provided below.
Applicants who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander are eligible for grant writing support from an Aboriginal grant writer. Please contact innovation@jtsi.wa.gov.au for more information and to access this support service.
Program Streams
Show moreThe Department is seeking applications from reputable organisations and service providers that deliver accelerator and education programs to assist, support and grow the Western Australian innovation ecosystem. The Department will accept applications from organisations with a proven track record of success, experience and qualifications that can deliver activities not currently offered in Western Australia, or that build on existing programs in one or more of the following 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. The programs may be tailored to a specific industry if it aligns with one or more of the Diversify WA priority sectors.
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 that include one or more of the following recommended initiatives:
- Incubators;
- Masterclasses,
- Educational forums and workshops focused on innovation, strategy, pitching, scaling;
- Entrepreneurs in residence; and/or
- Mentorship and coaching;
Note: this list is not exhaustive and does not preclude any other suitable support initiative for the Western Australian innovation ecosystem. Education programs that will strengthen innovation ecosystem collaboration and improve access to, or participation in, the Western Australian innovation community are suitable.
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.
These programs should activate current and potential investors and/or corporates using best practice tools to make successful investment decisions for investing in local innovation ventures, such as evaluation, due diligence, investment timelines and awareness of incentive schemes.
More information
Show moreFor all other queries, please email innovation@jtsi.wa.gov.au
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