Apply Now: Women in STEM and Entrepreneurship Grant Program (Round 5) – Australia

The Women in STEM and Entrepreneurship (WiSE) Program funds large-scale Australian initiatives that increase the participation, retention and advancement of girls and women in STEM education, careers and entrepreneurial activities. Grants of $1 million–$2 million support programs that address systemic barriers, strengthen networks, promote gender equity and expand leadership pathways. Eligible organisations must have an ABN and deliver co-designed, evidence-based projects that create measurable impact across the STEM ecosystem.

Overview

The Women in STEM and Entrepreneurship Program supports transformative initiatives that expand opportunities for girls and women across Australia’s STEM and innovation ecosystems. The program aims to remove systemic barriers, strengthen workforce pathways and encourage long-term participation in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

Objectives

The funding opportunity focuses on delivering large-scale, systemic improvements through initiatives that:

• Increase awareness and participation of girls and women in STEM education and careers

• Encourage involvement in the broader innovation ecosystem, including start-ups and entrepreneurial ventures

• Expand the number of women in senior leadership and decision-making roles across government, research, business and industry

• Reduce cultural, structural and systemic barriers to STEM participation

• Address intersectional disadvantages (e.g., cultural, socioeconomic, disability-related barriers)

• Eliminate discrimination affecting women and girls in STEM pathways

• Build stronger networks, support systems and community connections

Funding Details

• Total program funding: $9.77 million

• Grant amount per project: $1,000,000 to $2,000,000

• Funding purpose: Support gender equity programs that create sustainable, systemic change in STEM and entrepreneurship

• Project focus: Capacity-building, leadership development, innovation pathway access, organisational reform, community engagement, network strengthening

Key Concepts Explained

STEM Participation

Refers to engaging women and girls in science, technology, engineering and mathematics education, training and career pathways. Participation includes both formal education and involvement in innovation, research and entrepreneurial sectors.

Systemic Barriers

Structural or cultural factors that limit access or advancement, such as gender stereotypes, discrimination, exclusionary workplace cultures, or lack of flexible career pathways.

Innovation Ecosystem

The interconnected environment that includes start-ups, businesses, incubators, research institutions, technology hubs and investors. This ecosystem thrives when diverse perspectives are included.

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible applicants must be Australian organisations with an Australian Business Number (ABN). Accepted entity types include:

• Australian businesses

• Publicly funded research organisations (PFROs)

• TAFEs and VET institutions

• Not-for-profit organisations
  Projects must:

• Be co-designed with stakeholders or target groups

• Demonstrate measurable impact

• Strengthen opportunities for women and girls in STEM or entrepreneurship
  Not eligible:

• Individuals

• Organisations without an ABN

Why It Matters

This funding addresses long-standing gender inequity across the STEM workforce. The program:

• Builds pathways into high-growth STEM industries

• Supports women in leadership and decision-making roles

• Removes systemic, cultural and intersectional barriers

• Strengthens Australia’s innovation ecosystem through diversity

How to Apply

Step-by-Step Process

1. Confirm organisational eligibility
   Ensure your organisation holds an ABN and meets program criteria.

2. Design a co-created project
   Engage stakeholders—women in STEM, industry partners, educators, community groups—to design an initiative with demonstrated need.

3. Develop a detailed project plan
   Include objectives, outputs, budget, risk management, evaluation strategy and evidence of systemic impact.

4. Prepare supporting documents
   This may include governance information, financials, letters of support or partnership agreements.

5. Submit the grant application
   Complete the application through the Australian Government’s official grants platform.

6. Assessment
   Applications are assessed on impact, feasibility, alignment with program goals, evidence base and stakeholder engagement.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Proposing projects without clear, measurable outcomes

• Failing to demonstrate how systemic or cultural barriers will be addressed

• Not including co-designed or stakeholder-driven elements

• Submitting vague budgets or unclear cost justification

• Overlooking intersectional barriers in project planning

• Providing insufficient evidence of long-term sustainability

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What types of projects are most competitive?
Projects that address systemic barriers, increase long-term participation, and demonstrate strong co-design and partnerships.
2. Can universities apply?
Yes. Publicly funded research organisations are eligible to apply.
3. Does the program fund small or pilot initiatives?
No. Funding supports large-scale projects valued between $1 million and $2 million.
4. Can start-ups apply?
Yes, as long as they hold an ABN and meet all eligibility requirements.
5. Can the funding be used for operational staffing?
It can be used for project delivery costs, but not for ongoing operational expenses unrelated to the project.
6. Must projects focus solely on STEM education?
No. Projects may also focus on entrepreneurship, innovation ecosystems and leadership pathways.
7. What evidence strengthens an application?
Data demonstrating need, proven models, strong partnerships, evaluation plans and alignment with national gender equity priorities.

Conclusion

The Women in STEM and Entrepreneurship Program offers one of Australia’s most significant funding opportunities for advancing gender equity in STEM and innovation. Organisations that design impactful, co-created programs to reduce systemic barriers and expand opportunities for women and girls can leverage this funding to create long-lasting change across the STEM and entrepreneurial landscape.