Mat Lewis, an ECU Alumnus with extensive regional and international experience, has started his new role overseeing burgeoning regional WA’s creative enterprises at the state’s first Creative Tech Innovation Hub (WACTIH) in Bunbury.
The WACTIH, which was announced several months ago by the Minister for Innovation and ICT Stephen Dawson, and Don Punch, the Member for Bunbury, is a unique partnership between the state government, Edith Cowan University South West and the City of Bunbury.
It will be funded via the WA government’s New Industries Fund at $1.2 million over four years, with cash and in-kind contribution from its partners. It is designed to offer much-needed support for regional creative enterprises.
Professor Cobie Rudd, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Regional Futures) & Vice-President ECU said the search for a candidate to lead the centre had been intensive and well-considered given it requires a unique skillset covering creativity, technology and business acumen.
“This leadership role is pivotal to the success of this Hub, which essentially is a creative exchange,” said Professor Rudd.
“The Director had to be someone who has the ability to draw together startups, entrepreneurs and innovators, businesses and creative enterprises and really nurture and facilitate the collaborations that will form the backbone of this creative-tech eco-system.”
Minister for Innovation Stepehen Dawson welcomed the appointment of Mr Lewis to the role.
“The McGowan Government has developed the Creative Technology Innovation Hub as a platform to support our regional innovators.
Mr Lewis brings a wealth of experience through his work with industries in the South West which will assist emerging and established businesses and expand the State’s presence in the global digital supply chain of services, content and code.
Stephen Dawson, Innovation & ICT Minister
Previously, Mr Lewis was the Manager, Trade, Innovation, Creative & Tourism, at the South West Development Commission, where he worked for 15 years. He also worked as a TradeStart Advisor from 2005 to 2015 at the Australian Trade Commission (Austrade).
Mr Lewis has an extensive background in export market development for the wine, food, tourism, creative and innovation sectors. He has focused on the development of the creative sectors, resulting in the development of the Emergence Creative Festival and the Creative Corner.
He is also a co-founder of the South West Angels, a locally driven investment group that focuses on investment in regional projects. He may also be spotted playing a jazzy bass guitar at the sundowner drinks of the annual Rotto Tech Fest every year.
Professor Rudd added “The South West is proudly home to hundreds of digital and creative businesses and innovators, and the WACTIH will enable industry growth by linking research and education in the use of digital and immersive technologies.
“The WACTIH will see ECU collaborate with the State Government, City of Bunbury, the South West Development Commission, and industry to help stimulate WA’s emerging creative and immersive technology industry and grow a future-ready workforce across Western Australia.
“The inclusive and collaborative management of the WACTIH is a vital element in driving economic value in the regions through business and skills transformation for increased, long-term advantage.”
Mr Lewis began his role last week, on the third of October.
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