Young Innovator, Gov Leader 2025 Finalists Announced

• Six finalists have been announced across the WA Young Innovators of the Year and Government Innovators of the Year categories in the 2025 WA Innovators of the Year Awards
• The new WA Young Innovators category highlights the creativity and entrepreneurial potential of our State's high school aged students
• Finalists will receive tailored project development masterclasses from sponsors YEA and AIMI, with winners to be revealed at the WAIOTY Awards Ceremony on 3 November 2025

Six inspiring innovators have been announced as finalists in the final two categories of the 2025 Western Australian Innovators of the Year Awards (WAIOTY).

The inaugural WA Young Innovators of the Year category, sponsored by the Young Entrepreneurs Academy of WA (YEA WA), attracted 34 applications from high school aged students across the State.

The three finalists included students from Perth Modern School, IDEAcademy and Willetton Senior High School, each demonstrating the creativity and entrepreneurial spirit of Western Australia's next generation of innovators.

The Government Innovators of the Year category, introduced in 2024 and sponsored by the Australian Innovation Management Institute (AIMI), also drew strong interest this year with entries from both local and State Government organisations.

Three finalists have been chosen, showcasing innovation in public sector services and delivery.

All finalists are developing solutions to real-world challenges from a unique perspective, complementing the 24 other finalists across the five remaining categories of the program.

Finalists will also benefit from tailored support:

• YEA WA Young Innovators Award finalists will participate in four bespoke entrepreneurship masterclasses and receive up to 10 hours of mentoring and development support; and
• Government Innovators Award finalists will gain access to AIMI's Certified Innovation Catalyst Program, with places available for up to five team members from each finalist team.

Winners of both categories, along with all other 2025 award winners, will be announced at the WAIOTY Awards Ceremony on Monday, 3 November 2025 at Crown Perth.

There have been several contributors to this year's awards, including WAIOTY major sponsor Rio Tinto and supporting sponsors Wesfarmers, Woodside Energy, Business News, Biodesign Australia, CERI, Wrays, BetterLabs, Nexia Australia, CSIRO, Moore Australia, AIMI, and the YEA WA.

For more information, visit: https://www.wa.gov.au/organisation/department-of-energy-and-economic-diversification/wa-innovators-of-the-year-2025-finalists

As stated by Science and Innovation Minister Stephen Dawson:

"These categories recognise the creativity and drive of young people and government employees, shining a light on innovators who don't often get the chance to showcase their ideas publicly.

"It is inspiring to see high school students and public sector teams tackling real-world challenges and developing solutions that will benefit Western Australians now and into the future.

"The WA Innovators of the Year Awards continue to grow, and these finalists demonstrate the talent and innovation that make our State a leader on the national and global stage."

YEA WA Young Innovators Award

Government Innovators of the Year