New Industries Fund​: Sponsorships

Purpose and Program Overview

New Industries Fund​ – Sponsorships is a Western Australian Government program. It provides targeted support for activities that build innovation and entrepreneurship in Western Australia. Its goal is to back new businesses, projects, and events that aid the innovation ecosystem. This helps diversify the economy and create local jobs.

The Sponsorships stream draws from the New Industries Fund, which has a $25.8 million allocation from 2021 to 2025. Government funding continues to sustain and expand innovation programs. These sponsorships assist sector development. They partner with impactful events, programs, and initiatives. This promotes startup growth, industry collaboration, and broader exposure for Western Australian innovators.

The sponsorship program supports entrepreneurship and commercialisation in WA. It works alongside grant streams like the Innovation Booster Grant. It also helps ecosystem-building activities.

Key Grant Details

• Grant amount: Amounts depend on the sponsorship opportunity. They usually align with the scale of the event or program.
• Application open: Applications are accepted continually. They are subject to specific call periods for sponsorship.
• Application close: Dates vary by sponsorship round or event deadline.
• Eligible industries/businesses: New and emerging businesses, startups, industry groups, event organisers, and innovation ecosystem partners in Western Australia.
• Co-contributions: These may be required or encouraged. This depends on sponsorship conditions.
• Location applicability: Western Australia only.

Priority Sectors

New Industries Fund​ – Sponsorships supports a broad range of sectors within the innovation ecosystem. It is not limited to specific industries. Priority often goes to activities supporting technology, advanced manufacturing, clean energy, and digital innovation. Other sectors that align with WA’s economic diversification goals also receive attention.

Funding Scope

• Sponsorship amounts: No fixed minimum or maximum. Budget and scale are considered based on the event or activity.
• Types of sponsorships:
  • Support for innovation and technology-focused conferences, festivals, and events (for example, West Tech Fest).
  • Programs that build entrepreneurship capabilities and sector networking.
  • Initiatives that promote cooperation between startups, researchers, and commercial partners.
• Project duration: Sponsorship timelines match the length of the sponsored activity or event.

Grant Amount in Total

This is part of the $25.8 million New Industries Fund allocation. This fund spans four years (2021–2025). It supports various grant and sponsorship programs.

Eligibility Criteria

• Entities must be based in Western Australia. Or, they must deliver significant economic gains to the WA innovation ecosystem.
• Applicants include businesses, event organisers, industry bodies, and not-for-profit groups. They must be involved in innovation activities.
• Ability to show how sponsorship helps innovation, entrepreneurship, or ecosystem growth in WA.
• Financial management and governance must suit the sponsorship size and scope.
• Must follow Western Australian Government funding rules and reporting needs.

Eligible Activities and Expenses

• Event organisation and execution costs for innovation and tech-related festivals or conferences.
• Program development and delivery that builds startup and entrepreneurial skills or networks.
• Marketing and promotional activities connected to sponsored events or initiatives in WA.
• Collaboration forums, workshops, or sector development programs that link businesses, researchers, and investors.
• Other activities that directly support the growth of innovation-based sectors in Western Australia.

Assessment Process

This is a competitive application and assessment process. It relies on specific sponsorship round details.

Key evaluation criteria generally include:

• Alignment with WA government innovation and economic diversification aims.
• Demonstrated ability to build capacity, exposure, or collaboration in the WA innovation ecosystem.
• Expected impact on job creation, sector growth, or business development.
• Value for money and clarity of the sponsorship proposal.
• Past record or ability to deliver successful innovation-focused activities.

Recent Program Updates

Government support continues, with renewed funding extending the New Industries Fund to 2029. This is pending electoral results. Recent sponsorship support went to major innovation events like West Tech Fest. A $500,000 sponsorship for West Tech Fest is confirmed through 2025. The 2025 WA State Budget included an additional $40 million for the New Industries and Innovation Fund. This provides more backing for grants, sponsorships, and accelerator programs.

Application Tips

• Review specific sponsorship rounds or event criteria carefully. Look for deadlines and document needs.
• Clearly state how the sponsorship helps innovation and entrepreneurship in WA.
• Provide detailed budgets, expected outcomes, and ways to measure success or community impact.
• Show experience in delivering innovation-focused programs or events, if applicable.
• Connect early with program contacts to clarify sponsorship opportunities and needs.

Where to Get Help

Visit relevant government websites for application templates and further guidance.