Programs (grants and awards)

Find out about the programs (grants and awards) currently available through the WA Department of Commerce's Industry, Science and Innovation Division.

Western Australian Innovation Development Schemes

Programs and activities under the WA Innovation Development Schemes have been designed to encourage the development of strategic areas of importance to WA and enhance the State’s competitive advantage. To find out more, select from the following programs:

Technology Challenge

Technology Challenges provide the opportunity for innovative Western Australian individuals or organisations to develop solutions to an identified issue facing Western Australia, with a cash prize award to the best solution. The Department of Commerce delivers Technology Challenges as a means of resolving specific issues, identifying prospective technologies, catalysing innovation and encouraging businesses development. Go to Technology Challenge

Shark Hazard Mitigation Strategies

The Department of Commerce supports the Government’s Shark Attack Mitigation Strategies through the Applied Research Program and a feasibility study into the establishment of beach enclosures to protect swimmers from sharks. Go to Shark Hazard Mitigation Strategies

Western Australian Fellowships Program

Program status: Open
Closing date: Applications must be received at the Department of Commerce by 3.00 pm (WST) on Wednesday 26 June 2013.

The Western Australian Fellowships Program attracts distinguished researchers of international prominence, from interstate or overseas to lead Western Australian research teams. Go to Western Australian Fellowships Program

Innovation Co-investment Program

Program status: Open
Closing date: Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until all available funding is committed or until 28 May 2013, whichever occurs first.

The Innovation Co-investment Program is designed to support new innovation initiatives in Western Australia that will leverage significant research and development funding into the State from external sources. Go to Innovation Co-investment Program

Industry Facilitation and Support Program

Program status: Open

This program is open to companies and small businesses seeking financial assistance up to $20,000 to supply the resources sector in Western Australia. Go to Industry Facilitation and Support Program

Innovation Investment Facilitation Program

Program status: Closed

The Innovation Investment Facilitation Program supports state, national and international research and development (R&D) funding applications by eligible WA-based entities to successfully leverage significant Commonwealth, international or industry R&D funding into Western Australia. Go to Innovation Investment Facilitation Program

Awards Program – Western Australian Science Awards

Program status: Closed

The Western Australian Science Awards celebrates the State’s best scientists, science communicators and science teachers. Established in 2002, they honour and reward the outstanding achievements of Western Australia’s science and innovation community. Go to WA Science Awards

Awards Program – Innovator of the Year Awards

Program status: Closed

The Western Australian Innovator of the Year Awards is a valuable initiative which provides support to innovators and entrepreneurs across our State. The 'Business Competition' is now open. Go to Innovator of the Year Awards

Innovation Promotion Program

Program status: Closed

The Innovation Promotion Program is designed to promote and raise the level of participation in science and innovation that may create new opportunities for industry development. This page details the objectives, information for applicants, key dates and submission information. Go to Innovation Promotion Program

Innovation Vouchers Program

Program status: Closed

The Innovation Vouchers Program will provide financial assistance (up to $20,000) to small to medium enterprises to access professional skills, services or knowledge that will enable them to advance their innovation or commercialisation activity in Western Australia. Go to Innovation Voucher Program

Innovation Capability Development Program

Program status: Closed

The Innovation Capability Development Program is designed to support programs that build innovation-related support services for WA industries and support WA industries in developing innovative products/services. Round 2-WA Business Online focussed on improving the rate of participation by WA industry in e-commerce and online economic activity. Go to Innovation Capability Development Program

Industry Facilitation and Support Program – Marine Industry

Program status: Closed

The Department of Commerce is inviting industry associations and/or not-for-profit industry bodies involved in marine, defence or Australian Marine Complex-based sectors to apply for funding to improve the industry’s competitiveness. Go to Industry Facilitation and Support Program – Marine Industry

Evaluation tool

The Department of Commerce uses its science and innovation investment evaluation tool to assist with evaluating applications for funding under the WA Innovation Development Schemes. The department also uses the tool to evaluate the impact of new investments during and at the end of their funding period. Go to Evaluation tool

Research Centres Program

The Research Centres Program provides initial and catalytic investments to establish and support research centres that focus on specific Western Australian challenges and opportunities.

Other awards

BioGENEius is a biotechnology research program aimed at motivated and talented high school students in Western Australia. Go to BioGENEius Challenge

The Western Australian Industry and Export Awards are the State's most prestigious business awards. They acknowledge the innovation, hard work and success of businesses, large and small, in reaching new markets. Go to WA Industry and Export Awards

Other Government programs

Programs are run by other State Government Departments and the Federal Government which encourage, promote, facilitate and assist the development of innovation, technology, science and industry in WA. This page contains links to these programs. Go to Other Government programs