Applications are now open for the 2026 Western Australian Innovators of the Year awards, with a record prize pool of more than $300,000 and a new Advanced Manufacturing category debuting as the program marks its 20th year.
Science and Innovation Minister Stephen Dawson said, “Celebrating two decades of local innovators is a remarkable achievement, and the 2026 Innovators of the Year event is set to be one of the largest ever.”
The awards recognise local innovators who have built an early-stage or scaling product, technology, or service. The new Advanced Manufacturing Innovators of the Year Award is open to founders incorporating advanced technology and specialised knowledge into their manufacturing processes.
“With applications now open, we are representing an even greater share of the Western Australian innovation scene through the introduction of the Advanced Manufacturing Innovators of the Year Award. This is a field that consistently creates jobs and offers practical solutions to real-world issues,” Dawson added.
Six categories close in May, two in July
The following six categories close on Wednesday, May 27th, at 11:00 am:
- Emerging Innovation Award
- Growth Innovation Award
- Advanced Manufacturing Award
- Community Benefit and Wellbeing Award
- Energy Innovation Award
- Great for the State Award
Finalists in these categories will progress to an accelerator program starting in July, which will conclude with final pitches and judging.
Two further categories — the Government Innovation Award and the Young Innovators Award — close on Friday, July 24th at 1:00 pm, and don’t involve the accelerator program.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for local innovators, and I encourage them to start preparing their applications now to make sure they have every chance to be a part of this celebration,” said Dawson.
Record female and regional representation
Last year’s round set two participation records, with 40% of applications coming from female founders and 17% from innovators based in regional WA.
Science and Innovation Minister Stephen Dawson said the 2026 edition is shaping up to be one of the largest in the program’s two-decade history, adding that advanced manufacturing is a field that consistently creates jobs and delivers practical solutions to real-world problems. The awards are funded through the Cook Labor Government’s New Industries and Innovation Fund.
Winners and runners-up will be celebrated at the Western Australian Innovators of the Year Awards Ceremony on Monday, November 2nd 2026.
More information and applications are available on the WA Innovators of the Year page.
