Western Australia’s Funding Push: How Programs Are Powering Inclusive Innovation

In the span of a few years Western Australia has shifted from talking about innovation to investing in it with purpose. What lies beyond slogans are real funding streams designed to bring more people into the innovation fold. From entrepreneurs in remote communities to Indigenous innovators grappling with barriers, WA is now deploying grants and funds that explicitly aim to level the playing field. These programs are not just about ideas—they are about inclusion, equity, and making sure WA’s innovation economy reflects all its people.

A New Landscape of Opportunity

At the heart of WA’s inclusive innovation push is the New Industries and Innovation Fund (NIIF). With an allocation of $40 million over 2025-29, it underpins key programs such as the Innovation Booster Grant (IBG) and the Commercialisation Bridge Grant (CBG). These grants aim to assist early-stage founders, startups, and SMEs to commercialise their ideas, to cross the often perilous gap between prototype and market, and to build business capability. Western Australian Government+3Western Australian Government+3wagov.pipeline.preproduction.digital.wa.gov.au+3

Importantly, the Innovation Booster Grant is increasing in its capacity and size. As of 2025 the maximum grant has been raised (from about $40,000 to up to $50,000) to allow more ambitious early-stage innovation projects to access the funding and support needed. Western Australian Government+1

Meanwhile X-TEND WA, another NIIF program, is explicitly structured to build ecosystem capability with a strong inclusion mandate. Grants from X-TEND WA are reserved—and welcomed—for projects led by or assisting regional innovators, female founders, First Nations entrepreneurs, and those working in rural WA. These rounds support programs such as investor education, entrepreneurship training, incubators, co-working hubs, and more. The system has been made more flexible: applications are now year-round rather than constrained to narrow windows. Western Australian Government+2Western Australian Government+2

In the health sector, the Future Health Research and Innovation Fund is supporting WA medical innovators through Innovation Fellowships. These Fellowships fund proof-of-concept, feasibility, validation stages of work in health and medical innovation that address unmet needs across the WA community. The most recent cohort includes projects ranging from diagnostic tools for asthma and interventions for burn wounds, to mobile technology for neonatal care. fhrifund.health.wa.gov.au

There are also grants aimed at social inclusion more broadly. Under WA’s State Disability Strategy there is an Innovation Fund which provides funding to projects that enhance access, inclusion, and participation for people with disabilities through new technologies, processes or services. Western Australian Government

Finally community-led grants via Lotterywest support projects that combine innovation, culture, connectedness and accessible infrastructure. These programs reflect priorities such as inclusive communities and smart, innovative societies. Not just tech innovation—but innovation in culture, inclusion, access. lottery.wa.gov.au+1

Why Inclusion Matters—and Why It’s Hard

Innovation does not happen in a vacuum. Barriers remain: lack of capital, limited networks, distance from urban centres, cultural or social exclusion, and sometimes lack of confidence or visibility. For many people from underrepresented backgrounds the risk of failure feels higher and the supports feel fewer.

By increasing grant amounts, by offering support services aligned to commercialisation, by making eligibility more inclusive (regional, Indigenous, female, people with disability), and by flexible timing (year-round applications, consistent windows), WA is reducing friction points.

Real-world examples already show change. In recent recipients of IBG, a notable number were from culturally or linguistically diverse backgrounds, female founders, or based in regional WA. Western Australian Government In X-TEND WA, recent funding has explicitly backed Indigenous-led investment networks, female-focused programs, and regional events to connect start-ups and investors. Western Australian Government+1

Challenges Ahead and What Can Be Strengthened

Programs are promising but must grow in consistency and reach. One issue is whether funding is large enough to sustain long term or scale beyond pilot. Also, administrative and bureaucratic burdens can still inhibit participation, especially for small groups or individuals without grant writing experience.

Another gap is diffusion: making sure people know about these programs. Innovation-rich suburbs may hear first; remote communities may lack awareness. Inclusive innovation requires outreach and support—not just capital. Mentorship, capacity building, local networks are essential companions.

Measurement matters too. Success should not be judged solely by numbers of startups or dollar value of grants but by who benefits, where economic opportunities are being created, and whether systemic exclusion is being reduced.

Taking Inclusion from Intention to Impact

The current trajectory in WA shows that inclusive innovation is not a tagline—it is being built into funding frameworks. When government aligns strategy, funding, and policy toward inclusion it begins to shift ecosystems.

For innovators: now is a time to assess whether your project aligns with inclusion priorities (regional, female, Indigenous, disability, etc). Look beyond core funding—consider partner-organisations, ecosystem grants, health innovative fellowships.

For policy-makers and funders: continue to simplify access, provide non-financial supports (mentorship, networks), ensure accountability and transparency, and scale successful pilots.

At TMFS we believe innovation must be inclusive if it is to be sustainable. True innovation grows when diversity of thought, background and circumstance is built in—not bolted on. Western Australia’s funding opportunities are not perfect—but they are evolving toward a future where more people have permission, support and resources to contribute. And when that happens, everyone wins.

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