• Six scholarships totalling more than $130,000 provided for Western Australian entrepreneurs to undertake innovative projects related to agriculture or aquaculture
• The scholarships support development of industry and jobs in regional WA
• Research could lead to new businesses to create jobs and diversify the economy

The McGowan Government has announced six new scholarships for WA entrepreneurs through the Agriculture and Aquaculture Entrepreneurship Program.

The scholarships provide up to $30,000 which can be used for travel to research international and Australian best practice, as well as for local commercialisation, testing, training and knowledge sharing.

The successful applicants were selected by an independent evaluation panel.  Three of the six entrepreneurs live in regional WA and the scholarships cover a range of WA regional industry sectors.

The new scholarships are awarded to:

• Mr Jonathan Bilton and Athair Aquaculture Pty Ltd - Supporting technology transfer to accelerate the development of the WA scallop industry
• Dr Sofie De Meyer and MALDIID Pty Ltd - rapid and accurate quality control technology for legumes
• Mr Robert Kelly and Livestock Systems Pty Ltd– identifying best practices for buying livestock
• Ms Kelly Pearce– supporting the development of a new data integration platform for WA farmers
• Mr Luke Wheat and Future Green Solutions Pty Ltd– researching mechanised production of insect proteins for aquaculture feedstock
• Mr Adam Wilson and Great Southern Truffles Pty Ltd – finding better ways to create value-added products with truffles.

These scholarships are an investment in exciting new innovations for WA. They could lead to new agriculture and aquaculture businesses, products and exports – ultimately growing jobs and creating a more diverse economy.

The program is supported through the State Government's $3.41 million Science and Agribusiness Connect initiative.

More information is available at: www.jtsi.wa.gov.au/agriculture-and-aquaculture