The Government of Western Australia has opened applications for its 2026 Innovators of the Year awards program. A total prize pool of up to $310,000 is available to winning businesses, with the funds designated to support the commercialisation of new products, technologies, or services developed within the state.
For agritourism operators, this program represents an opportunity to secure non-dilutive capital for business development. The funding can be applied to projects such as developing proprietary booking software, launching a new value-added product line, or implementing innovative on-farm technologies designed to enhance the visitor experience. In addition to potential funding, all finalists receive a professional video and photography package, providing tangible marketing collateral for their business.
Award Categories and Eligibility
To be eligible for consideration, an innovation must be at the emerging or growth phase of development. Applicants are required to demonstrate a clear economic, social, or environmental benefit to Western Australia.
Of the eight award categories, several are directly applicable to agritourism ventures:
- Emerging Innovation Award: Suited for new concepts or services in their early stages.
- Growth Innovation Award: Designed for established innovations ready for scaling or market expansion.
- Community Benefit and Wellbeing Award: For operations that provide measurable benefits to their local community or to visitor wellness.
- Great for the State Award: Recognising innovations with significant potential to benefit the broader WA economy.
Applications are now being accepted through the official program website.
The WAAA News Team
