Support for regional creative enterprises is set to receive a boost, with the State Government investing $1.2 million over four years to establish the State's first Creative Technology Innovation Hub in Bunbury.
The WA Creative Technology Innovation Hub (WACTIH) was announced today by Innovation and ICT Minister Stephen Dawson in Bunbury, and will operate in collaboration with the State Government, Edith Cowan University, City of Bunbury and industry to stimulate and grow Western Australia's emerging creative and immersive technology industry.
The hub will assist in growing a future ready workforce, entrepreneurs, start-ups and innovators in WA and its regions. The hub will focus on creative digital industries including gaming, experiential and immersive technology, software development, product design, advertising, film and media.
The WACTIH will help businesses and creative enterprises grow by linking research, entrepreneurship and education in the use of digital and immersive technologies.
While the South-West is home to over 320 creative and digital businesses, the WACTIH will help support hundreds more businesses across the State with specialised advice and services.
Funded through the McGowan Government's $16.7 million New Industries Fund, the WACTIH will join the State's established innovation hubs in life sciences, data science and cyber security to build capability and capacity to diversify the economy, leverage new commercial opportunities and create jobs.
As stated by Innovation and ICT Minister Stephen Dawson:
"Today's announcement of the Creative Technology Innovation Hub is a boost not only for creative tech enterprises across the State, but a vote of confidence in our regional innovators.
"The hub is set to drive economic value in the regions through business and skills transformation for increased, long term advantage.
"The McGowan Government's New Industries Fund supports and accelerates WA's innovative startups, emerging businesses and small and medium enterprises to diversify local and regional economies and create jobs and industries.
"Through the new hub, the McGowan Government aims to expand the State's presence in the global digital supply chain of services, content and code."
As stated by Bunbury MLA Don Punch:
"I'm thrilled that the McGowan Government has committed $1.2 million to establish Western Australia's first Creative Technology Innovation Hub in Bunbury.
"Bunbury is the gateway to our State's pristine South-West region and is now proudly home to hundreds of digital and creative businesses and innovators.
"I look forward to the establishment of the WA Creative Technology Innovation Hub and the significant opportunities and benefits it will offer to the Bunbury community."
