Grants: women in STEM

The Women in STEM and Entrepreneurship grants program aims to increase the number of women in senior leadership and decision making positions across all of the science and technology disciplines and in related businesses. Funds of up to $250,000 are on offer to increase the participation of girls and women in STEM and entrepreneurship education and careers.

 

Earlier this year, the first round of the  $8 million program—part of the National Innovation and Science Agenda—provided $3.9 million to 24 different projects around the country.

Among succesful initiatives were video campaigns sharing inspiring stories about women in science and technology, out of school programs for young women at primary and secondary school, programs for female STEM teachers, profile raising campaigns to increase the visibility and public participation of women scientists, online learning programs and a Festival of STEM in the Illawarra region.

Read about the first round of successful grant applicants.

Program objectives:

The program aims to:

  • increase awareness and participation of girls and women in STEM and entrepreneurship education and careers, including in schools through to university and to the research sector
  • increase participation of girls and women in other parts of the innovation ecosystem including innovative businesses, start-ups and entrepreneurial activities and careers
  • stimulate an increase in the number of women in senior leadership and decision making positions in government, research organisations, industry and businesses.

Eligibility

The program welcomes applicants with an ABN including:

  • an entity incorporated in Australia
  • a publicly funded research organisation
  • a government or non-government vocational education and training provider, or technical and further education (TAFE) instiution.
  • a not for profit organisation that is registered, or that will register prior to receiving funding if successful, with the Australian Charities and Not-for-Profits Commission.

Deadline for applications

Applications for round two of the Women in STEM and Entrepreneurship program close on 15 November 2017. The successful projects will be announced in early 2018.

The Women in STEM and Entrepreneurship program is part of the ‘Inspiring all Australians in Digital Literacy and STEM’ component of the National Innovation and Science Agenda.

To apply or for more information, go to business.gov.au/wise