// // The new creative tech hub has already hit the ground running...
The Creative Tech Village, Western Australia’s Creative Tech Innovation Hub has officially been launched, in a bid to boost the emerging creative and immersive tech industries.
The hub will run as a state-wide network that will bring together and support tech creatives online and in person at its headquarters in Bunbury.
The Creative Tech Village aims to promote industry partnerships with regional innovation hubs, the startup community and the education sector.
Innovation and ICT Minister Stephen Dawson, and Regional Development Minister and Member for Bunbury Don Punch joined around 120 attendees at an event in Bunbury to launch the Village last week.
We know that emerging creative and immersive technology industries have the potential to make a significant contribution to our economy, and create future-proof jobs for Western Australians.
Minister for Innovation, Stephen Dawson MLC
“The McGowan Government is investing $1.2 million in the Creative Tech Village to help boost these emerging industries, and support training and upskilling across the State.
The funding is provided through the New Industries Fund. It will be delivered over four years in enabling collaboration with Edith Cowan University, the City of Bunbury, industry and local communities.
Edith Cowan University’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Regional Futures), Professor Cobie Rudd, describes the hub as a virtual village for tech creatives.
“[The Hub] is a Statewide connector model that will link businesses and creative enterprises in regions using digital and immersive technologies,” she said.
“It will focus on emerging technologies including gaming and software development. It will support creative industries such as design, music, advertising, film, and media.”
Panel at the launch: David Santoso (Singhasari CEO), Minister Punch, ECU’s Matt Allen and HerHelp founder Lexy McDonald.
Village goes global
Along with marking the official launch of the Village, the event in Bunbury saw a significant initial milestone with its first international initiative known as The Creative Tech Exchange. This agreement was signed between Edith Cowan University, and Singhasari SEZ, a tech hub in Indonesia.
The Creative Tech Exchange aims to create new international partnerships with creative, tech and innovation collaborators globally.
Partnering with schools
At a more local level, it was announced that the Village is partnering with local high schools in the South-West region to deliver the Innovation Academy.
The Academy initiative is facilitated by Manea Senior College for Year 10 to Year 12 students with eight high schools in the South-West participating.
“It is exciting to see local high schools already partnering with the hub to empower students and help them develop skills for the jobs of the future,” Regional Development Minister Mr Punch said.
The program is developed to equip students with skills for future career opportunities in the innovation space and empower them to see themselves as changemakers.
WACTIH led by Director Mat Lewis joins the State’s three established innovation hubs in life sciences, data science, and cyber security.
Anneke has an interest in the Western Australian startup community, is a contributor at Startup News and Reporter at The Property Tribune. She studies a Bachelor of Arts and Commerce, Journalism and Economics at Curtin University.
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