Western Australia's technology and innovation sector is set for a significant week as West Tech Fest 2025 officially commences in Perth. Running from December 8th to 12th, the premier event brings together a diverse group of founders, investors, and industry leaders from around the globe. The festival's opening was marked by a major announcement from the Cook Government, revealing a USD$1.2 million funding injection for 21 local innovators through key strategic grants.
Fostering a Collaborative Innovation Ecosystem
Hosted by Curtin University, West Tech Fest serves as a critical platform for connecting the state's burgeoning tech community with international expertise and capital. The festival is designed to support initiatives that help founders, universities, and corporate partners share knowledge and build valuable relationships. This annual event successfully places Western Australian talent on the global stage, attracting a prominent lineup of tech industry visionaries and decision-makers to the state.
Government Funding Boosts Local Innovators
In a significant boost for the local economy, the Cook Government announced that 21 businesses will share over USD$1.2 million in grant funding. The investment comes from the latest rounds of the Innovation Booster Grant (IBG) and the Commercialisation Bridge Grant (CBG). These grants are funded through the state's USD$26.5 million New Industries and Innovation Fund, aimed at nurturing local talent and fostering economic diversification.
The Innovation Booster Grant distributed over $497,474 among sixteen early-stage founders and small to medium-sized enterprises. With individual grants of up to $33,000, the IBG is designed to enhance capabilities and help commercialise innovative projects across various sectors. Recipients include ventures in AI-powered climate tech, medical devices, and agricultural technology, showcasing the breadth of local ingenuity.
Furthermore, five high-potential businesses were awarded a total of $994,000 through the Commercialisation Bridge Grant. These grants, ranging from $33,000 to $165,000, are crucial for bridging the funding gap between early-stage development and significant market growth. The funding supports companies in fields such as renewable energy, mining electrification, and digital health platforms, accelerating their path to commercial success.
Science and Innovation Minister Stephen Dawson highlighted the diversity of the recipients, noting that two-thirds were from regional areas, First Nations-founded, or female-founded. This outcome, he stated, is a clear indication of the growing diversity within Western Australia's innovation economy. The targeted funding underscores the government's commitment to providing quality jobs and business opportunities for all Western Australians.
Festival Highlights and New Initiatives
The 2025 program features a dynamic schedule of events, including the flagship West Tech Main conference at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre. Another key event is the City of Perth Innovation Showcase, which will highlight the state's leading innovation hubs in cybersecurity, life sciences, and clean technology. These events provide invaluable opportunities for attendees to learn from world-class speakers and network with industry peers.
This year introduces a new initiative, West Tech Pitch, which is integrated into the West Tech Main program. This platform is specifically designed to enhance the visibility of local talent by giving early-stage founders a unique opportunity to present their ideas directly to investors. The initiative aims to facilitate crucial connections that can help transform innovative concepts into real-world commercial outcomes and successful ventures.
A strong focus on diversity and inclusion is also woven throughout the festival's agenda. Specialised events such as West Tech Women and the First Nations House Summit are dedicated to promoting equity within the technology sector. These are complemented by a series of satellite activities delivered in partnership with local innovation organisations, ensuring a comprehensive and inclusive program for all participants.
As West Tech Fest unfolds, its impact is expected to extend far beyond the week's events, sparking new collaborations and reinforcing the state's growing strength in technology. The combination of global networking opportunities and strategic government investment solidifies Western Australia's position as a vibrant and supportive hub for innovation. The festival and the associated grants represent a clear commitment to building a resilient, diverse, and forward-thinking economy.