The City of Fremantle is proud to announce that it has secured the opportunity to host West Tech Fest, Western Australia's premier technology and innovation festival, for the next three years: 2026, 2027, and 2028.
Fremantle Mayor Ben Lawver said Fremantle's unique character, thriving creative community, and strong innovation ecosystem make it an ideal backdrop for this world‑class event.
"We're thrilled to welcome West Tech Fest to Fremantle over the next three years. Hosting this high-profile event in Fremantle aligns strongly with the objectives of our Economic Development Strategy and ensures we can maximise the short‑term activation-related benefits associated with the event as well as any innovative long-term economic outcomes for our city."
Fremantle is increasingly recognised as a living lab, where new ideas, emerging technologies, and early‑stage ventures can be trialled in real urban conditions.
Fremantle's scale, openness to experimentation, and collaborative community create an ideal environment for innovators to prototype, pilot, and iterate solutions.
Fremantle's strong education and training ecosystem further strengthens its position as a host city. With South Metropolitan TAFE and the University of Notre Dame Australia located in the city centre, alongside close links to WA's major universities, Fremantle is a hub for emerging talent, applied research, and industry‑ready training.
"Curtin University welcomes the opportunity for West Tech Fest to call Fremantle home, particularly given its proximity to some of Western Australia's most significant industry and innovation precincts," said Danelle Cross, Director of West Tech Fest and Entrepreneurship at Curtin University.
"With prime industries across the Western Trade Coast on Fremantle's doorstep, this partnership creates a powerful connection between research, industry and entrepreneurship. It provides a unique platform to translate ideas into real-world applications, connecting students, researchers and innovators with global investors and markets," Ms Cross said.
Building on the existing work being delivered through the City's 'Propel Fremantle' program, West Tech Fest will turbo charge the further growth of Fremantle's innovation ecosystem through connecting students, researchers, early‑career professionals and start-up businesses directly with global innovators, investors, and thought leaders.
For national and international visitors, Fremantle will be activated from the moment they arrive, with the city energised by festival activity across streets, venues, and public spaces, reinforcing Fremantle's growing reputation as a leading destination for innovation, sustainability, and future‑focused economic development.
West Tech Festival is made possible thanks to the WA Government who have committed $1.1 million over four years to West Tech Fest through the New Industries and Innovation Fund (NIIF): the most significant funding commitment in the festival's 15-year history.
In 2026, West Tech Fest will run from 7-11 December.
