The Sustainable Innovative Food Technologies (SIFT) Centre supports the growth of Western Australia’s food and beverage manufacturing sector by providing access to advanced processing equipment in a certified, commercial-scale facility.
Officially opened in February 2024, the $12.2 million Centre is located within the Food Innovation Precinct WA (FIPWA) at Peel Business Park in Nambeelup. It is funded by the department and operated by the Future Food Systems Co-operative Research Centre in collaboration with Murdoch University.
SIFT is open to all WA food and beverage businesses looking to scale up production and trial new products in a low-risk, shared-use environment. The facility offers subsidised access to state-of-the-art equipment, allowing businesses to test and refine products without the need for significant capital investment.
The Centre is expected to support the expansion of the value-added food sector, generate over 150 direct jobs, and contribute approximately $100 million to the WA economy.
Enterprise Support Program (ESP)
The Enterprise Support Program (ESP) is a State Government initiative supporting the activation of the Food Innovation Precinct Western Australia (FIPWA) and the Sustainable Innovative Food Technologies (SIFT) Centre.
ESP offers matched co-funding of up to $600,000 for eligible agri-food and beverage businesses, entrepreneurs and enterprises seeking to deliver innovation and growth-oriented projects.
This grant program supports initiatives that focus on:
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Innovation and value adding
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Product development and diversification
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Export capability and market access
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Commercialisation of research
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Collaborative research and development
Funding is available across three key focus areas:
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Business and product commercialisation, and collaborative R&D
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Investment in common-use equipment at FIPWA
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Access incentives for FIPWA facilities and services
Successful applicants will have up to two years to complete their project and acquit the funds. The program aims to support economic diversification, job creation, and increased food innovation and export capacity across Western Australia’s agri-food sector.
Visit the SIFT website for detailed program information