Our 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.
CERI FIRST is an initiative made possible by the Innovation Pathways Program from the New Industries and Innovation Fund by the Department of Energy and Economic Diversification.
A unique program, CERI FIRST 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 the program includes:
- CERI entrepreneurship program scholarships
- Mentorship with expert female leaders
- 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
Limited spaces available.
Apply now if you're ready to get started, or contact us to learn more.
Note: Our definition of women includes all those who identify as a woman.
