Challenge #3Closed
AI & Society Challenge
The Meshpoints AI & Society Challenge seeks collaborative initiatives that strengthen AI capability, expand access to emerging technologies, and create more inclusive pathways for Western Australians to participate in and shape an AI-enabled future, regardless of sector, stage or postcode.
- 12
- Projects funded
- $195K
- Granted
- $16,250
- Average grant
- 12
- Organisations
Why this matters
Why we ran AI & Society
- 01
Building capability remains a priority
Meshpoints' recent impact evaluation shows a stronger innovation ecosystem, while highlighting ongoing opportunity to build innovation capability.
- 02
AI is reshaping innovation
StartupWA's Startup Pulse Survey reinforces national research on the growing importance of AI capability.
- 03
Emerging participation gaps
The Australian Digital Inclusion Index highlights uneven access to digital capability across Australia.
What it backed
What this Challenge looked for
Projects may focus on education, entrepreneurship, community participation, technology access, industry collaboration or new approaches that build capability across WA's innovation ecosystem. Examples include, but aren't limited to:
AI & Society
- AI literacy
- Responsible AI adoption
- Community engagement
- Knowledge sharing
Future of Work & Entrepreneurship
- Founder capability
- Future skills
- Practical learning
Emerging Industries
- Technology demonstrations
- Access to AI tools & expertise
- Industry engagement
- Emerging technologies
Social Innovation
- AI for social innovation
- Community-led solutions
- Cross-sector collaboration
Beyond the grant
More than just grant funding
Alongside grant funding, successful applicants will receive access to additional support intended to help projects succeed and deliver meaningful outcomes.
Join a community-based cohort
Connect with a cohort of like-minded organisations to share learnings, challenges, and peer support throughout the challenge.
Coworking at Riff for a base in the CBD
Enjoy access to coworking space to support collaboration, productivity, and connection.
Facilitated sessions and check-ins
Participate in structured sessions and regular check-ins to support progress, reflection, and accountability.
Marketing support to enhance your program's reach
Receive marketing support along the way to help amplify your program, attract participants, and increase visibility.
Discount for event space bookings
Access Spacecubed event spaces at a 20% discount to support program delivery, workshops, or community engagement.
Be featured in a public Challenge Outcomes report
Have your project and outcomes showcased in a publicly available report highlighting impact and learnings.
Timeline
Key dates
23 July
EOIs & applications open
27 August
EOIs close
September
Funding awarded
September
Projects commence
Up to 6 months
Project duration
Eligibility
Who can apply
Lead applicants must be a Western Australian not-for-profit organisation — an ACNC-registered charity, an incorporated association, a not-for-profit company limited by guarantee, a non-distributing co-operative, a not-for-profit Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander organisation, a not-for-profit incorporated under statute or charter (such as a university), or a local government authority.
You also need to be a registered Meshpoints Partner. Registration is free and is formalised through a non-binding partner agreement. Eligible organisations can't apply on behalf of (auspice) an individual or an ineligible organisation.
Organisations registered for GST can apply for up to $20,000. Organisations that aren't registered for GST, or that are unincorporated, can apply for up to $15,000. At least 20% of the grant amount must be matched in cash from another source — this co-funding requirement is waived for initiatives supporting CaLD communities, women, regional communities and First Nations people.
All funded activity must be completed within six months of approval.
Funded projects
What this Challenge funded
The 12 projects funded through AI & Society.
 Business Foundations | Smarter Business Systems: Practical AI for Small Business | Nov 2026 | $20,000 |
| Building AI Capability across the South East Coast | Nov 2026 | $15,000 | |
 Chorus | Surfacing Living Impact | Oct 2026 | $12,000 |
 Peel Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. | AI Ready Peel Region | Oct 2026 | $8,000 |
 Linkwest | AI: Ability and Innovation | Oct 2026 | $15,000 |
 Saltwater Country Limited | AI in Business: First Nations Founder Capability Program | Oct 2026 | $20,000 |
 Enterprise Partnerships (EPWA) | AI Yarn: Empowering Kimberley Indigenous Communities to Stay AI-Safe | Oct 2026 | $20,000 |
 FORM Building a State of Creativity | Beyond the Prompt: AI as Creative Medium | Oct 2026 | $15,000 |
 Bloom | Futurescape: WA 2050 | Oct 2026 | $20,000 |
 Pollinators - CityHive | Hands-On AI Labs for the Mid West | Oct 2026 | $20,000 |
 Disruptive Force | Inclusive AI Pilot | Oct 2026 | $20,000 |
 All Saints' College | ReimaginED 2027 | Oct 2026 | $10,000 |