WA Government Opens Applications for $10 Million AI Investment Fund
The Western Australian Government has opened applications for its $10 million Artificial Intelligence Investment Fund, with eligible government entities able to apply for funding to develop AI projects that address business and service-delivery challenges across the public sector.
Applications opened on 24 August 2026 and will close at COB Monday, 19 October 2026. Funding outcomes are expected to be announced in January 2027. Successful applicants will be expected to commence project delivery within four weeks of receiving notification of the funding outcome.
Application process
Eligible WA Government entities must download and complete the application form and undertake the WA Government AI Assurance Framework self-assessment to identify and manage AI-related risks in accordance with the WA Government AI Policy.
Applications should include:
- the business problem being addressed;
- how AI will be used;
- expected benefits and outcomes;
- the proposed delivery approach;
- opportunities for collaboration with industry and universities; and
- a breakdown of costs and funding sources.
Applicants who are unable to answer all questions at this stage should provide the best response possible.
Applications must be endorsed by the agency’s AI Accountable Officer and Chief Executive Officer (CEO). All application materials must then be submitted to the Office of Digital Government via email at AI-DGov@dpc.wa.gov.au by COB Monday, 19 October 2026. Apply Process
The Department of the Premier and Cabinet’s Office of Digital Government will assess eligible applications against the Fund’s prioritisation principles. Applications recommended for funding will then be considered by the Digital Capability Fund Assurance Committee, which provides oversight and assurance for the Fund, before recommendations are submitted to the Government for approval.
Funding outcomes are expected to be announced in January 2027. Successful applicants will be required to commence project delivery within four weeks of receiving notification and provide regular reports on project progress, including progress against proposed timeframes, outcomes and benefits.
Agencies should also note that larger proposals involving legacy system upgrades or ongoing operational costs should be considered through the WA State Budget process.
Who can apply?
WA Government entities within the scope of the WA Government AI Policy are eligible to apply.
To be eligible for funding, applications must:
- propose a clear and appropriate AI use case;
- demonstrate proof of value through clearly defined benefits, outcomes and success measures;
- have the potential to deliver measurable outcomes, such as productivity improvements, efficiency gains or improved service delivery;
- comply with the WA Government AI Policy, with the agency having completed the required AI self-assessment;
- demonstrate alignment with WA Government priorities and/or potential for cross-agency reuse or scalability;
- include an agency co-contribution to the proposed AI initiative, including funding and/or allocation of existing staff; and
- be endorsed by the agency’s AI Accountable Officer and CEO.
The Government said the Fund is focused on AI initiatives that can demonstrate business proof of value. Applications that only demonstrate a technology proof of concept may not be prioritised.
Six funding priorities
Among applications that meet the basic requirements, projects will be prioritised according to six principles:
1. Public value and benefits
Projects should demonstrate clear and tangible benefits for government, citizens and/or public service outcomes.
2. Alignment with Government priorities or scalability
Projects should support WA Government priorities and/or have potential for reuse or broader adoption across government agencies.
3. Time to value
Projects should demonstrate a clear pathway to delivering measurable value within a relatively short timeframe of three to nine months.
4. Feasibility and agency readiness
Applications should demonstrate readiness, a realistic approach to delivery and an appropriate track record of successfully delivering data or digital projects of a similar scale or complexity.
5. Cost efficiency and collaboration
Projects should maximise value for money by contributing existing funding and leveraging industry and academic expertise.
6. Risk management
Applicants should demonstrate that AI-related risks are understood, managed and supported by appropriate governance arrangements and safeguards.
Why is the WA Government investing in AI?
The WA Government announced the $10 million AI Investment Fund on 10 June 2026, with applications officially opening on 24 August 2026.
At the time of the June announcement, the Government also announced the establishment of a Public Sector AI Centre of Excellence. The centre is intended to help the public sector deploy AI solutions to reduce administrative burdens, improve decision-making and process information more efficiently.
The Government also announced an AI uplift team, which will provide specialist expertise to help agencies deliver high-value AI solutions that can potentially be scaled across the public sector.
The $10 million AI Investment Fund is also intended to create opportunities for partnerships between government, industry and universities to pilot and scale initiatives that demonstrate clear productivity or service-delivery benefits.
Western Australian Minister for Science and Innovation Stephen Dawson said the advancement of AI presents significant opportunities to enhance service delivery across government functions.
He said establishing an AI Centre of Excellence and an investment fund would help ensure Western Australia remains at the forefront of technological innovation and that its public sector has the resources needed to respond to evolving needs.
Source: WA Government, Office of Digital Government – Artificial Intelligence Investment Fund. WA Gov
