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CERI

FIRST

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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.
What to Expect
Outcomes
Who is it for
Pricing

What to

Expect

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 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

These are all features of the program, participants are not required to participate in each one.

Note: We are continously on the hunt for mentors. If you are interested in supporting CERI FIRST as a female mentor, please click here to contact us.

Program funding

CERI FIRST is supported by the Innovation Pathways Program, from the New Industries and Innovation Fund. This allows us to provide full scholarships across our programs, events, mentorship and one residency placement for those who are eligible.

Outcomes

Who

Is it For

  • Women working across engineering, research, science, and tech who are looking to expand their impact and explore new opportunities
  • Female founders and entrepreneurs with aspirations to raise capital within the next 12 months
  • Female postgraduate, postdoctoral, researchers and academics

Note: Our definition of women includes all those who identify as a woman.

‍

Pricing

CERI FIRST is supported by the Innovation Pathways Program, from the New Industries and Innovation Fund. This allows us to provide full scholarships across our programs, events, mentorship and those eligible for residency.
The pricing structure for this program is a little different to our others. Please fill in the program application or enquire to find out more.

Upcoming

Dates

CERI FIRST August 2026 Comm
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