WA Innovation in Spotlight at West Tech Fest 2025

• West Tech Fest 2025 kicks off today, running from 8-12 December across Perth
• 21 local innovators receiving $1.9 million funding boost thanks to New Industries and Innovation Fund
• West Tech Fest features flagship events including West Tech Women, West Tech Main and the City of Perth Innovation Showcase
• Supported by the Cook Government and partners, West Tech Fest brings together founders, investors, corporates and ecosystem leaders
• Cook Government committed to providing quality jobs and business opportunities for Western Australians and making more things here

The wait is over for Western Australia's pre-eminent technology and innovation showcase, West Tech Fest, which officially opened today and runs until 12 December.

Hosted by Curtin University, West Tech Fest supports initiatives that help founders, universities, investors, corporates and ecosystem builders connect, share knowledge and build relationships.

As part of West Tech Fest, the Cook Government has also announced 21 recipients for the latest rounds of the Innovation Booster Grant (IBG) and Commercialisation Bridge Grant (CBG).

The recipients are set to share in over $1,900,000 in grant funding from the IBG and CBG. Regional businesses, First Nations founded and female founded businesses made up two-thirds of those successful in being awarded a grant.

Sixteen recipients received more than $750,000 in Innovation Booster Grants between them, with a maximum of $50,000 available to applicants in this round. The IBG targets early-stage founders, innovation-driven SMEs, and startups in Western Australia to improve capability and commercialise innovative projects.

A total of $1,150,000 was awarded to five successful applicants for the CBG. Grants for the CBG this round were between $50,000 and $250,000. CBGs assist innovation-driven businesses and startups in Western Australia by providing support to bridge the funding gap between early-stage commercialisation and break through growth.

Funds for both the IBG and CBG are provided via the $40 million New Industries and Innovation Fund. For more information see: https://www.wa.gov.au/organisation/department-of-energy-and-economic-diversification/new-industries-and-innovation-fund-grants

Each year, West Tech Fest puts local talent on the global stage and attracts a prominent lineup of international founders, investors and CEOs, along with tech industry visionaries.

The 2025 program features several major events for innovators and investors across Perth, including West Tech Main on 9 December at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre and the City of Perth Innovation Showcase, highlighting WA's leading innovation hubs in cyber security, life sciences and clean technology.

West Tech Pitch is a newly launched initiative this year as part of West Tech Main, designed to enhance the visibility of our local talent and offering early-stage founders the platform to pitch before investors.

Specialised events will promote diversity and inclusion within the technology sector, including West Tech Women and the First Nations House Summit, alongside a series of satellite activities delivered in partnership with local innovation organisations.

With the WA Government as the Premier Partner and contributing $500,000 over two years, the festival aims to explore transformative technologies and innovation that can drive meaningful change across a range of sectors.

For more information, visit https://westtechfest.com.au/

As stated by Science and Innovation Minister Stephen Dawson:

"The opening of West Tech Fest marks the start of a week that will showcase WA's talent, spark new collaborations and highlight the State's growing strength in technology and innovation.

"This year's program offers an outstanding opportunity for attendees to learn from world-class speakers, showcase their talent and build the connections that help turn innovation into real-world outcomes.

"It's also great to see another batch of local innovators set to reap the benefits of the Innovation Booster Grant and Commercialisation Bridge Grant.

"Seeing two-thirds of the latest recipients come from either regional areas, be First Nations founded or have a female founder is another clear indication of how diverse WA's innovation economy has become."

Innovation Booster Grant recipients

Commercialisation Bridge Grant recipients