May 2022

Welcome to this edition of the New Industries WA newsletter which aims to keep you informed of recent updates and success stories within Western Australia's innovation community, in addition to upcoming events and current opportunities available to SMEs and startups.

Search begins for Western Australia's Innovator of the Year 2022

Minister for Innovation & ICT Hon Stephen Dawson MLC officially opened this year's WA Innovator of the Year (IOTY) program at a launch event, attended by 150 members of industry, government and academia on 3 May 2022.

The WA IOTY program, funded through the Western Australian Government's New Industries Fund, has showcased innovative and entrepreneurial individuals, businesses and creative minds since 2006.

Finalists involved in this year’s program will have the opportunity to undergo a variety of commercialisation training sessions, in addition to receiving a promotional videography and photography package. Six awards, with a total prize pool of $140,000, are also on offer.

Applications are open now until 31 May 2022, 11am AWST.

Visit wa.gov.au/IOTY for further details.

WA Data Science Innovation Hub's 'Data Science for Business' Conference & Exhibition

Explore how AI, machine learning and advanced analytics is growing and strengthening WA businesses.

With three streams running over two days – conference, exhibition and upskilling workshops – this event will facilitate the connections, conversations and learnings required to advance the uptake of data science capability, projects and technologies in WA.

Register at WA Data Science for Business

Limited number of free passes are available to those in Regional WA- those residing or working outside of the Perth Metropolitan area. Get in quick and submit an EOI.

The WA Data Science Innovation Hub (WADSIH) was established by the Western Australian Government's New Industries Fund as a conduit between government, academia and industry to foster cross-sector collaboration and build data science capability.

Western Australia’s leaders gather for first Brain Gain Roundtable

Western Australia's brightest entrepreneurs and pioneers of innovation gathered at a special event on 4 May 2022 to discuss how to retain homegrown talent and attract both domestic and international returning residents and new business minds to set up, innovate and create new jobs in the state.

The Brain Gain Roundtable is another initiative from the Western Australian Government's New Industries Fund.

Click the following link to know more: WA Brain Gain Roundtable

Minister consults with regional innovation stakeholders

Western Australian Innovation & ICT Minister Hon Stephen Dawson MLC met with members of another new group, the Regional Innovation Industry Advisory Group (RIIAG). This has been established to ensure a strong regional perspective and input into the ongoing delivery of the state's innovation programs.

The RIIAG is composed of two representatives each from the Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation, the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, the Western Australian Regional Development Commissions and key regional innovation sector representatives.

Meeting at least three times a year, the RIIAG will guide the Western Australian Government's approach to regional innovation policy delivery and innovation promotion and engagement.

$25.5 million boost to expand Western Australia's cyber security services

The significant increase in funding, through the Western Australian Government's Digital Capability Fund, will ensure Western Australia has world-class cyber capabilities in place that will help keep Western Australians safe and secure online.

Click the following link to know more: WA Cyber Security Funding Boost

New funding for AROSE and Curtin University’s Binar space program

The Western Australian Government has announced a $6.5 million injection into the state’s ambitious space program. The extra funding will go towards two key space initiatives – Australian Remote Operations for Space and Earth (AROSE) and Curtin University’s Binar Space Program.

Click the following link to know more: WA Space Program Boost

Curtin blazes a trail for resources research commercialisation

Curtin University has been named the first of Australia’s Trailblazer universities to receive a share of more than $242 million in Federal Government funding, to develop a research commercialisation hub which will turn research outputs into breakthrough services, products and businesses.

Click the following link to know more: Curtin Media Release

Events & Opportunities

The Biointellect 'Venturer' Program- Perth
MTP Connect's one-day course is designed for those who are looking to leverage external funding to accelerate the commercialisation of their product or to take their startup to the next level.

Location: The University of Western Australia
Date: 12 May 2022
Time: 09:00 am - 05:00 pm

For more information and to register: Biointellect Venturer Program

Join investors and innovators to explore the investment landscape in WA life sciences at the Life Sciences WA Investor Series - LAUNCH!

17 May 2022, 3.30 pm - 6.00 pm AWST

For more information and to register: Life Sciences WA

WA MTP Sector May Spotlight Event

Join Brandon Capital’s Dr Helga Mikkelsen in conversation with MTPConnect’s Dr Tracey Wilkinson for a fireside chat discussing funding and investment opportunities available to WA startups and SMEs through the Brandon BioCatalyst.

For more information and to register: WA MTP Sector Spotlight

Submit your Healthcare Challenge for 2022
The WA Health Hackathon will bring together a diverse group of data professionals and students to explore innovative digital and data-driven solutions to real world healthcare challenges. Challenges can be put forward by WA-based clinicians, medical researchers, provider organisations, academia, government and industry.

Challenge submissions close 27 May 2022, 5.00pm

If you need support in defining your challenge, or you'd like to discuss your challenge's eligibility, please reach out to the WADSIH team, wadsih@curtin.edu.au

Curtinnovation Awards for entrepreneurs and startups

Submit your idea to the 2022 Curtinnovation Awards for your chance to win a share of a prize pool valued at up to $100,000, plus the opportunity to present your idea to Perth’s research, business and investor community, and scholarships to participate in Curtin’s Ignition or Accelerate programs.

Applications open until 10 June 2022.

For more information: Curtinnovation Awards

Landgate’s SPUR Location Grants Program

A collaborative Western Australian Government initiative, designed to leverage the state’s location information and deliver value to the land sector. $25,000 in grant funding will be allocated to up to five eligible candidates.

Applications open 1 June until 31 July 2022.

To join the SPUR information session on 3 June 2022, register here

For more information: SPUR Location Grants Program