WA commits $130,000 to boost biomedical industry skills

The Cook Government has announced $130,000 in funding for two new grant rounds aimed at developing Western Australia’s health and medical life sciences sector.

Medical Research Minister Stephen Dawson (pictured) said on Monday the funding would support the Accelerator Program Access Grants and Entrepreneur in Residence scheme, following successful first rounds.

The Accelerator Program Access Grants will distribute $100,000 across companies seeking to upskill senior managers through national or international internships, with up to $20,000 available per company.

The grants cover costs including flights, accommodation and program registration. In the first round, five companies received $90,676 in total, supporting eight staff members to undertake professional development.

The Entrepreneur in Residence scheme will provide up to $30,000 in sponsorships to attract overseas or interstate health and medical life sciences experts to take on time-limited residency roles with local biomedical companies.

Up to $10,000 is available per organisation to host a resident entrepreneur, who must deliver specific programs, events or activities to support the broader biomedical system during their tenure.

“These initiatives support skills and workforce development in the biomedical industry, as well as grow and retain staff to build stronger WA businesses,” Dawson said.

The funding forms part of the WA Government’s $11.5 million Health and Medical Life Sciences Industry Strategy, designed to diversify the state’s economy.

The grants aim to give local leaders access to strategic advice and guidance while promoting Western Australia’s biomedical industry nationally and internationally.

Applications are now open through the Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation.

Picture: credit www.stephendawsonmlc.com.au