This morning, I had the pleasure of attending the launch event for the 2023 WA Innovator of the Year Awards at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre’s Riverview Room. Tim McMillan, a seasoned MC, effortlessly guided the proceedings with his professional and charming demeanor.
The Hon Stephen Dawson MLC, Minister for Innovation, opened the event, announcing the awards program for this year and revealing that the winner would receive a whopping $100,000 in prize money. This year’s awards hold extra significance, as the prize pool has been increased by $80,000, bringing the total to $220,000 across six categories.
During the event, the Minister also touched on the WAVES Program, a pilot initiative aimed at addressing the early-stage funding gap in Western Australia. Purpose Ventures Fund, Fund WA, and Quokka Capital were announced as the successful recipients of the program, each set to receive $100,000 in matched annual funding from the WA Government for three years. The three new funds, led by some of the State’s most notable venture capital leaders, are expected to be operational in the coming months and will support local startups and scale-ups.
Additionally, the Innovation Booster Grants (IBG) were mentioned, which are designed to help WA-based startups and small businesses commercialize their innovative ideas or projects and create jobs. The IBG is funded under the New Industries Fund, a key component of the WA Government’s Plan for Jobs, and is designed to build new relationships between innovators, research providers, and specialist commercialization support services.
Kate Lewkowski, CEO of Neurotologix and the 2022 WA Innovator of the Year, spoke about the benefits, recognition, and networking opportunities she gained from the award. Neurotologix, a medtech company that developed a low-cost remote patient monitoring system for dizziness and vertigo diagnosis, has since received a $787,000 Accelerating Commercialisation grant from the Australian Government, just three months after winning the WA Innovator of the Year award.
Les Delaforce, a First Nations founder and Head of Entrepreneurship and Indigenous Business at the Minderoo Foundation’s Generation One, also spoke about his work in facilitating investment, research, and education opportunities to grow and strengthen the Indigenous business sector around the State.
An engaging online/IRL panel discussion was held, featuring Elise Jones, Alan Bradley, Becci Davidson (all from Geraldton) and Brigette McDowell (Karratha) from Cheeditha Energy, and Mat Lewis (Director of the new Creative Tech Village in Bunbury) on stage with the MC. The session highlighted the opening of the Innovator of the Year awards program for 2023, with applications closing at 11 am AWST on Friday, June 9th.
The WA Innovator of the Year awards, established in 2006, are an essential platform for Western Australia’s most talented minds to showcase their groundbreaking innovations and technological advancements. The awards, supported by the McGowan Government’s $16.7 million New Industries Fund, play a crucial role in driving the diversification of the State’s economy and the creation of new jobs.
This year’s awards serve as a testament to the WA Government’s commitment to nurturing and promoting the State’s innovation community. By providing financial support and incentives like the WAVES Program and Innovation Booster Grants, the government is actively working to bridge the early-stage funding gap and help local startups and small businesses thrive.
As a journalist and advocate for innovation, I am excited to see the incredible ideas and projects that will emerge from this year’s Innovator of the Year awards. I encourage all eligible innovators across the State to apply, as this could be a life-changing opportunity to turn your idea into a real business and contribute to the growth and diversification of Western Australia’s economy.
Applications for the 2023 WA Innovator of the Year awards close at 11 am AWST on Friday, 9 June. For more information and to apply, visit http://www.wa.gov.au/IOTY.
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