CERI FIRST Program

Purpose and Program Overview

The CERI FIRST (Female Innovators in Research, Science and Technology) program is a Western Australia-based initiative administered by the Centre for Entrepreneurial Research and Innovation (CERI). The program is designed to accelerate female-led, deep-tech ventures and to diversify Western Australia’s innovation economy. It targets women who are working to resolve genuine technical unknowns — ventures where the hardest challenge is demonstrating that a core idea is technically feasible.

CERI FIRST provides structured training, mentorship, and direct pathways to investment. The program is delivered in alignment with national innovation priorities and is supported by the Innovation Pathways Program, part of the New Industries and Innovation Fund. The Cook Labor Government has contributed $135,000 in state government funding to the initiative, enabling full scholarships across program components, including training, events, mentorship, and residency placements.

The program operates over 12 months from CERI’s purpose-built facility in Nedlands, Western Australia. Participants gain access to a professional ecosystem of entrepreneurs, investor showcases, and curated industry connections. The program aims to address systemic barriers facing women in STEM commercialisation and to produce investment-ready ventures capable of contributing to Western Australia’s economic diversification.

Key Grant Details

•   Funding type: Full program scholarships covering training, events, mentorship, and eligible residency placements
•   Government investment: $135,000 from the Cook Labor Government (Western Australia)
•   Application deadline: First round applications close 31 July (2026 Intake)
•   Program duration: 12 months
•   Eligible participants: Women in STEM fields — including early-stage founders, PhD students, postdoctoral researchers, and academics
•   Location: Western Australia; program hub located in Nedlands, WA
•   Co-contribution: Not specified; full scholarships are available for eligible participants
•   Funding source: Innovation Pathways Program, New Industries and Innovation Fund

Priority Sectors

The CERI FIRST program specifically targets deep-tech ventures — those in which scientific or engineering uncertainty is a primary challenge. Priority sectors include, but are not limited to:

•   Engineering
•   Scientific research and applied sciences
•   Technology development and software
•   Medical and biotech research
•   Any STEM discipline involving resolving core technical unknowns through experimentation and iteration

The program is not open to general business ventures. It is targeted at high-knowledge founders working on transformative, research-based innovations.

Funding Scope

The CERI FIRST program provides value through in-kind scholarships and support services rather than direct cash grants. The funding scope includes:

•   Full scholarships to CERI entrepreneurship programs
•   Access to structured mentorship with expert female leaders
•   Opportunity to apply for a residency placement within CERI’s Nedlands facility (subject to eligibility)
•   Invitations to curated events and industry, research, and investor connections
•   Access to an investor showcase at the conclusion of the 12-month program

Participants are not required to engage with all components. Participation is structured to align with the individual’s stage in the startup process. Specific pricing and scholarship terms are confirmed upon application or direct enquiry with CERI.

Eligibility Criteria

The following eligibility requirements apply to the CERI FIRST program:

•   Gender: Applicants must identify as a woman (CERI’s definition includes all those who identify as a woman)
•   Field: Must be working in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM)
•   Stage: Suitable for early-stage founders, postgraduate students (PhD candidates), postdoctoral researchers, and established academics
•   Commercialisation intent: Applicants should be seeking to commercialise a deep-tech or research-based concept
•   Capital readiness: Female founders with aspirations to raise investment capital within the next 12 months are particularly encouraged to apply
•   Location: The program is based in Western Australia; applicants should be able to engage with in-person components at the Nedlands hub, where applicable
•   ABN/GST registration: Not explicitly specified; applicants should confirm requirements directly with CERI
•   Co-contribution: Not specified as a requirement

Eligible Activities and Expenses

Through its scholarship model, the CERI FIRST program supports the following activities:

•   Participation in CERI entrepreneurship training programs
•   Mentorship and coaching sessions with experienced founders and entrepreneurs-in-residence
•   Attendance at curated networking events across research, industry, and startup investment circles
•   Residency at CERI’s Nedlands facility (for eligible participants)
•   Development of commercialisation strategies and business pitching skills
•   Participation in investor showcases upon program completion

The program does not fund capital expenditure, equipment purchases, or direct cash transfers to participants. Support is delivered through structured program participation and access to CERI’s ecosystem.

Assessment Process

CERI FIRST is a competitive, application-based program with limited places. The application is submitted via CERI’s online JotForm portal. Key assessment considerations are likely to include:

•   Alignment with the program’s deep-tech and STEM focus
•   Demonstrated intent to commercialise a research-based or technically novel concept
•   Aspirations toward raising investment capital
•   Stage of venture development — from early-stage idea to active research commercialisation
•   Potential for the participant to benefit from and contribute to the CERI ecosystem

CERI has not published a formal scoring rubric. Prospective applicants are encouraged to review the eligibility criteria carefully and contact CERI directly for guidance prior to applying.

Recent Program Updates

•   2026 Intake: A new intake has been announced with first-round applications closing 31 July 2026
•   Government backing: The program continues to receive support from the Cook Labor Government through the Innovation Pathways Program
•   Applications are currently open via CERI’s online portal (JotForm)
•   Mentor recruitment: CERI is actively seeking experienced female mentors to support the program
•   Expanded delivery: The program continues to evolve its delivery model; participants are not required to complete all components, allowing for flexible engagement

Application Tips

Applicants are advised to consider the following when preparing their CERI FIRST application:

•   Confirm eligibility: Review all criteria on the CERI FIRST program page prior to submitting an application
•   Articulate the technical challenge: Clearly describe the core technical unknown or deep-tech problem being addressed
•   Demonstrate commercialisation intent: Provide a clear rationale for why the concept has commercial potential and how it addresses a real market need
•   Align with program priorities: Reference Western Australia’s innovation and economic diversification objectives where relevant
•   Prepare supporting materials: Have a brief description of the research concept, any academic credentials, and an outline of commercialisation goals ready before beginning the application
•   Seek introductory engagement: Attend a CERI introductory session via the CERI Upcoming Events calendar to build familiarity with the program before applying
•   Submit before the deadline: First-round applications for the 2026 intake close 31 July; late applications may not be considered

Where to Get Help

Consider consulting a grant specialist such as Pattens Group for a personalised eligibility assessment and expert assistance in preparing a strong, compliant, and competitive application. Pattens Group has over 35 years of experience in the Australian grants industry and maintains a 100% success rate. Contact Pattens Group today to get connected with Australia’s leading grant specialists.

For official program guidelines, application details, and upcoming intake information, visit the official CERI FIRST program page. Additional information on introductory sessions is available via the CERI Upcoming Events calendar at www.ceri.org.au/upcoming-events.