DEADLINE: Female Innovators in Research, Science and Technology (FIRST) Program

Centre for Entrepreneurial Research and Innovation’s (CERI) Female Innovators in Research, Science and Technology (FIRST) program is all about unlocking the potential of women in deep-tech and accelerating more female-led, investment-ready ventures that will help diversify Western Australia’s economy.

If you’re building something where the hardest part is proving the core idea actually works, you’re in deep tech. This is the space where progress is about resolving real technical unknowns. It’s the technology or research that requires experimentation, iteration, and often entirely new approaches.

The program is designed to support women founders in deep tech by providing structured training, mentorship, and direct pathways to investment. Delivered in alignment with national innovation priorities, it supports participants to overcome existing barriers, and scale impactful ventures.

What to expect:

• CERI entrepreneurship program scholarships
• Mentorship with expert female leaders
• Opportunity to apply for Residency within CERI’s purpose-built Nedlands facility, a professional ecosystem of start-up entrepreneurs
• Curated events and connections across research, industry and startup investment
• Access to our investor showcase at the end of the 12 month program