StartupWA

We’re urging the WA startup sector to join us in calling on the Cook Labor Government to extend the New Industries Fund (NIF) beyond 2025, with a $100M budget over the next 4 years. Without this vital support, Western Australia’s innovation ecosystem will face significant challenges. “If the NIF is not extended, WA risks losing its momentum as a hub for innovation". “We are already seeing pressure on businesses and households from the rising cost of living. Removing this funding would make it even harder for entrepreneurs to succeed, jeopardising not only jobs but the economic diversification that our state urgently needs, said Charlie Gunningham, Chair of StartupWA.” https://lnkd.in/g92gF9Sw

. StartupWA Chair Charlie Gunningham addressed the MAIN West Tech Fest conference today, introducing the new power-packed board, and called on the State Government to renew the New Industries Fund with $100M, as well as the other 'Top 10 Priorities' list (www.startupwa.org/topten). There have been some impressive new announcements from the State Government this week, including $736K for the latest rounds (of 12) Innovation Booster and Commercialisation Bridge Grant recipients (230+ applied), $33.6M to the (5) Chevron Gorgon's Lower Carbon Grants recipients and 7 venture capital recipients of $45M from the WA Venture Capital Initiative. But what of the $25.8M New Industries Fund? Its funding expires June 2025...

✨ The best week of the year is here! 🚀 The longest-running tech festival in the country, 30 events over 4 days, it's West Tech Fest... 🥂 CONGRATS and a HUGE thank you to chief organiser Danelle Cross, with the wonderful Sarah Kahle, Kali Norman, Tamara Cook, Tiffany Watson, Deborah Cheal, ChPP & Elaine Awad. And to the founders Rohan McDougall, Paula Taylor, Larry Lopez & Bill Tai for your vision, energy and passion for tech in WA. Get out there and enjoy! There are still tickets for a few events... >> https://lnkd.in/dVDq4mwW #WTF2024 #WestTechFest #Tech #WA

🚀 Exciting News from StartupWA! 🚀 We are thrilled to announce the appointment of five new directors to our board, including a new Chair! This marks another significant step forward in our mission to champion innovation and entrepreneurship across Western Australia. Join us in welcoming our new board members as we continue on this exciting journey to advocate, drive growth and create impactful opportunities for startups here in WA. Together, we are paving the way for the ventures of tomorrow! ⏩️ Charlie Gunningham | Chair ⏩️ Hayley Boneham ⏩️ Matthew Larner ⏩️ Paul Robinson ⏩️ Kate Spencer These new members of the Board will work alongside Lacey Filipich, Jo Hawkins, PhD, Patrick Jodas and Josh Van Ross to fullfill our commitment to fostering a thriving startup ecosystem. By engaging with government bodies, corporate partners, and non-profit organisations, we will continue to provide the vital resources and support needed to elevate the early-stage innovation and technology sector within WA. Thanks to outgoing Chair Jason Balchand and Vice Chair Kay Solanki GAICD CIECL for the hard work and dedication you have shown to StartupWA and the ecosystem. If you are not already a member of StartupWA, it's free to join so make sure you register here and join us for the next exciting things to come - https://www.startupwa.org/ #StartupWA #Innovation #Leadership #Entrepreneurship #WesternAustralia

📢 We're excited to announce that our GreenTech Roundtable Report is now live! This report captures key insights from the event held in August where founders, government officials, and business leaders came together to explore the challenges and opportunities for GreenTech startups in Western Australia. The report focuses on five critical areas: 1️⃣ Talent acquisition & retention 2️⃣ Funding & investment barriers 3️⃣ Regulatory & market 4️⃣ Government's role in fostering innovation 5️⃣ Strategies for enhancing collaboration Access the full report and download your copy here: https://lnkd.in/g8eS-nDC This initiative was proudly supported by Carbon Transition Pathways (CarbonTP) and Grant Thornton Australia. #GreenTech #Innovation #StartupWA #Startups #Scaleups #Decarbonisation #ESG

📣 One week to go until the GreenTech Roundtable Report Launch Event. Powering Change: What's Missing in GreenTech Startup Support? Join us for a dynamic panel discussion with industry experts as they explore strategies and challenges in scaling GreenTech startups in WA. Date: Wednesday, September 18th Time: 5:00 pm - 7:30 pm Location: Grant Thornton, Perth CBD A limited amount of tickets are still available. Get yours here 👉 https://lnkd.in/gZ6pN5Mf #ReportLaunch #GreenTech #Startups #Innovation #PanelDiscussion

 ⭐ Speaker Spotlight: Meet Robert Minson ⭐️ We’re excited to have Rob as one of four expert panellists at the GreenTech Report Launch. He will join the discussion on “Powering Change: What’s Missing in GreenTech Startup Support.” Rob is the CEO of Carbon Transition Pathways (CarbonTP), a leading consultancy focused on guiding energy-intensive industries in hard-to-abate sectors through the energy transition. Under his leadership, CarbonTP has expanded its services beyond consulting and advisory, actively developing a portfolio of energy transition-related companies. Rob brings a wealth of experience from Australian and international markets, with expertise in pipeline construction and operations, upstream oil and gas, energy, software, and consulting. He has advised energy companies of all sizes across North America, EMEA, and Asia Pacific on corporate strategy and planning, portfolio management and optimisation, economics, and field development planning. Throughout his career, Rob has developed and managed several software products that are now utilized by some of the largest organizations in the energy sector. Get your ticket(s) here 👉 https://lnkd.in/gZ6pN5Mf #GreenTech #SpeakerSpotlight #ReportLaunch #Innovation

⭐ Speaker Spotlight: Meet Renu Kannu ⭐ We're excited to welcome Renu as a panellist at the GreenTech Report Launch on September 18th. Renu is the Business Partnerships and Ecosystem Lead at CORE Innovation Hub, Australia’s first innovation hub for the resources sector. She led the 2024 Western Australian GreenTech Mission to the USA, showcasing her commitment to fostering global connections and innovation in the GreenTech space. Renu is passionate about cultivating meaningful business partnerships within the mining, resources and energy sectors to support and help grow CORE Innovation Hub's national network of Hubs (Perth, Adelaide and Newman) and Innovation Precincts. CORE was recently appointed as Operator to activate the Australian Automation and Robotics Precinct in Neerabup (The AARP), 40km north of Perth, and the AARP is being developed as a world-class facility to help companies, universities and government, locally and globally, test, develop and apply autonomous, advanced robotics, remote operations and zero emissions technologies. As the Business Partnerships and Ecosystem Lead, Renu is focused on building partnerships and fostering a thriving robotics and automation community in WA. Hear Renu’s insights about what's missing in GreenTech startup support in WA. Get your ticket(s) here 👉 https://lnkd.in/gZ6pN5Mf #GreenTech #SpeakerSpotlight #Innovation #ReportLaunch

 ⭐ Speaker Spotlight: Meet Tim Helfers ⭐ Tim will be sharing his insights as a panellist at the GreenTech Report Launch. Tim is the Managing Director of Globe Power and Director of Generators Australia, a company he helped establish in 2014 to provide power solutions for the rental industry. With a focus on continuous improvement, Tim is at the forefront of designing and manufacturing renewable energy products that utilise solar and lithium battery technologies aimed at reducing diesel consumption and carbon footprints. Recently, he launched Globe Power, a company dedicated to selling these innovative products. Globe Power's offerings include micro and off-grid Lithium-Ion Batteries, Solar Generators, and Solar Lighting Towers, all engineered by an Australian team. These products are rigorously tested in challenging environments worldwide, ensuring efficiency, flexibility, and durability while minimising running costs. Join us for the event on September 18th! Get your ticket(s) here 👉https://lnkd.in/gZ6pN5Mf #GreenTech #SpeakerSpotlight #Innovation

⭐ Speaker Spotlight: Meet Kylie Chalmers ⭐ We're excited to have Kylie joining us as a panellist at the GreenTech Report Launch on September 18th. Kylie is the Managing Director of Pilbara Solar, a leading renewable energy development company committed to empowering First Nations people to be commercial partners and owners of renewable energy projects happening on Country. With a focus on building a sustainable future for WA, Kylie brings people together to create strong partnerships that will deliver beneficial outcomes for all. The Pilbara Solar team are working to assist businesses make the switch to clean power and reduce their carbon footprint. For Kylie, the best way to create positive change is through tangible, physical projects that work and are built up to scale. As Australia aims to generate most of its power from renewable sources by 2030, it’s crucial to recognise that the best land for large-scale projects is primarily Native Title land. Achieving rapid, large-scale rollout of socially sustainable projects is only possible through partnerships with First Nations people. Don't miss the opportunity to hear from Kylie and other industry leaders at the GreenTech Report Launch. Get your ticket(s) here 👉 https://lnkd.in/gZ6pN5Mf #GreenTechReportLaunch #SpeakerSpotlight #RenewableEnergy