WA Innovation Calendar

Defence Science Centre Continuum Event - Trusted Autonomy
2025-09-25 10:00 - 15:00 (Australia/Perth) | Anzac Club, 28 St Georges Terrace, Perth, Western Australia, 6000, Australia
The Defence Science Centre (DSC) are excited to announce the first of the Continuum briefings, focusing on Defence IS&T priorities.

Join the Defence Science Centre (DSC)for a unique two-part event:

Trusted autonomy briefing

This event opens with Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG) research and project leads from related areas providing an insight into Trusted Autonomy and its place in Defence capabilities. Gain direct insights into DSTG priorities and understand them in a Western Australian context.

Collaborative Research Grant (CRG) Briefing & Networking opportunity

Get application guidance from the DSC early in the CRG Expression of Interest period and connect with DSTG and industry partners. There will also be time for prospective applicants to pitch their capability to the briefing participants (max 3min each). Select the add-on ticket option to reserve your spot. Get a head start on the collaboration!

Pilbara Supplier Summit
2025-09-25 11:00 - 17:30 (Australia/Perth) | Mia Mia House in the Desert, 32 Kalgan Drive, Newman, WA, 6753
Hosted in Newman, connect with other small business owners, meet industry leaders and decision makers, while building your team’s capability and discovering growth pathways for your business.
Expressions of interest are now open to showcase your business at the Pilbara Supplier Summit. Exhibiting at the Supplier Summit is free but is by expression of interest only. EOI Form (Deadline August 22)

Connecting Quantum Researchers in WA
2025-09-25 14:00 - 16:00 (Australia/Perth) | The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley, WA, 6009, Australia
Join representatives and quantum researchers from UWA, ECU, Murdoch and Curtin University to learn more about Quantum Australia.
About Quantum Australia
Quantum Australia are the National Centre for quantum industry growth. Their mission is to foster the journey from being quantum-curious to becoming quantum advocates, driving transformative change in the adoption of quantum technologies and positioning Australia at the forefront of the global quantum landscape.

CERI: Concept to Creation
2025-09-25 17:00 - 19:00, 2025-10-02 17:00 - 19:00 (Australia/Perth) | The Centre for Entrepreneurial Research and Innovation (CERI), Level 1, 22 Stirling Highway Nedlands, WA 6009, 6009, Australia
Learn from industry experts on what you need to do when growing your startup and business for success.

Topics Include:

Intellectual Property and Licensing
Business Model and Sales
Company Formation and Accounting

Learn more here: https://www.ceri.org.au/programs/concept-to-creation

Farming in Two Worlds: Integrating Physical and Digital Agriculture - Lecture by Prof Salah Sukkarieh
2025-09-25 17:30 - 18:30 (Australia/Perth) | The UWA Institute of Agriculture, 1 Underwood Avenue, Floreat, WA, 6014
2025 Hector and Andrew Stewart Memorial Lecture by Prof Salah Sukkarieh
All members of the public are invited to attend this exclusive lecture hosted by The UWA Institute of Agriculture. It will be delivered by Salah Sukkarieh, Professor of Robotics and Intelligent Systems at the University of Sydney, and focused on ‘Farming in Two Worlds: Integrating Physical and Digital Agriculture‘ at UWA Bayliss Lecture Theatre G33.
Drawing on current research and implementation, the talk will highlight how real-time robotics in the field, Internet of Things (IoT) sensing networks, and AI-driven analytics are transforming everything from soil and water management to crop and animal monitoring and farm labour. It will examine how the digitisation of models – often referred to as Digital Twins – can operate in parallel with real-time sensing systems, providing a framework for forecasting, scenario testing, and timely interventions.
The lecture will present real-world case studies demonstrating how these technologies are already being applied in farming systems across scales and contexts. The lecture sets out a vision in which the integration of physical and digital domains enables agriculture to become more responsive, sustainable, and resilient in the face of complex challenges.

Bloom: REACH Fellowship 2025 Finale
2025-09-25 18:00 - 21:00 (Australia/Perth) | Bloom Lab, Crawley, 2 Park Road, Crawley, WA, 6009
Following a successful inaugural cohort, the program returns with a bold new group of subject matter experts. This media training fellowship supports mid-career professionals and industry leaders to share their expertise and influence the public conversations around WA’s future.
By platforming underrepresented voices from across WA’s communities, REACH ensures media outlets and public forums reflect the full spectrum of expertise our state has to offer.
In addition to showcasing the work of our Fellows and our team, you will have the opportunity to sign up to be a REACH Mentor. Whether that be now or in the future, it’s a great way to help make a positive difference to the news we all love.

Bloom Curtin Club: Find a Co-Founder
2025-09-25 18:00 - 21:00 (Australia/Perth) | St Catherine’s College Curtin, 433 University Bvd, Bentley, WA, 6102, Australia
Are you an early-stage founder in search of the perfect co-founder to bring your vision to life? Whether you’re a developer, marketer, finance bro, or somewhere in between, Find a Co-Founder is designed to connect ambitious people like you.
When you purchase your ticket, you’ll be asked to submit a short blurb about yourself—your background, your skills, and what you’re looking for in a co-founder. The committee will use that info to pre-match you with potential partners before the event even begins.
At the Event:

Developers wear blue, marketers green, finance experts pink, and everyone else—miscellaneous—gets pink.
Speed-Dating Style Intros: Meet multiple matches quickly and efficiently in a structured, fun way.
2 Truths and a Start-Up Idea: Prepare to brainstorm, laugh, and maybe even spark a real idea from a “shitstorm.”
Can you identify your best-match connection? Those who guess correctly win free tickets to our next event!

Whether you’re searching for your technical co-founder, your marketing genius, or your strategic numbers guru—this is the room to be in.

DEADLINE: Curtin Accelerate Program
2025-09-26 08:00 - 09:00 (Australia/Perth) | Apply online
Curtin Accelerate is designed for founders of early-stage innovation driven business with a connection to Curtin looking to establish or scale their market presence.
To be eligible, at least one of your team members must be a Curtin alumni, researcher, staff member or student, or have participated in a Curtin Entrepreneur program such as Curtin Ignition or the Curtinnovation Awards.
Applications close Sunday 26 October. Read more about the program here: https://www.curtin.edu.au/engage/entrepreneurs/curtinnovation-awards/

Commercialisation Bridge Grant Information Session
2025-09-26 09:00 - 10:00 (Australia/Perth) | online
The CBG is administered by the Department of Energy and Economic Diversification and targets innovation-driven SMEs and startups in Western Australia, to provide them with support to bridge the funding gap between early-stage commercialisation and ‘break through growth’ to assist them in becoming sustainable, profitable and scalable businesses.
Join this online information session with a Q&A to find out more.

Innovation in Medicine 2025
2025-09-26 17:15 - 21:00 (Australia/Perth) | Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, 6 Verdun Street, Nedlands, WA, 6000, Australia
A flagship student-industry event, with an insightful panel discussion centred around the theme: the Evolution of Biomedical Engineering.
Panelists will share valuable insights into the advancements and transformations within biomedical engineering, highlight the variety of roles across the medtech industry, and reflect on their unique career journeys.

DEADLINE: CSIRO Innovate to Grow: Critical Minerals
2025-09-28 08:00 - 09:00 (Australia/Perth) | Apply online
Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO, is inviting small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to apply for its free eight-week online program, Innovate to Grow: Critical Minerals.
The program helps SMEs with innovative ideas investigate new research and development (R&D) opportunities, refine their concepts and better position themselves for growth in Australia’s critical minerals sector.
CSIRO’s Innovate to Grow: Critical Minerals is open to SMEs developing or supplying solutions in the following sub-sectors:

Discovery
Hard rock mining
Processing
Sensing and sorting
Characterisation
Sustainable mining technologies
Battery technology
Other

Application deadline extended to 28 September 2025

DEADLINE: Pitching Opportunity - Renewables Startup Showcase
2025-09-28 19:00 - 20:00 (Australia/Perth) | Apply online
Early stage founders in renewable energy, clean tech and climate tech are invited to apply to pitch at the sixth annual Renewables Startup Showcase happening in Melbourne on Tuesday 25 November.
The Renewables Startup Showcase, delivered in partnership with Innovation Bay, brings together Australia’s most promising startups and top investors to supercharge growth and innovation.
If selected, you’ll receive:

Personalised pitch coaching and prep support over four weeks
Stage time in front of leading VCs, angels, and strategic investors
Profile and promotion across Innovation Bay’s national network
A seat at one of the most influential tables in climate tech

DEADLINE: Fortescue Innovation Grants Program
2025-09-30 08:00 - 09:00 (Australia/Perth) | Apply online
Opens 1 September 2025 and Closes 30 September 2025
The Fortescue Innovation Grants aim to inspire Pilbara based community members to innovate and embrace green and sustainable initiatives, events and programming. Grants of up to A$25,000 (GST exclusive) are available for eligible applications, supporting community initiatives within the council boundaries of the Town of Port Hedland, City of Karratha, Shire of Ashburton and Shire of East Pilbara.
Focus areas

Environment and sustainable innovations to minimise climate risk
Education and development to build capacity for a sustainable future
Access to and adoption of green technologies, sustainability and renewable energy through future-focused innovations and environmentally responsible measures

DEADLINE: International Innovation Awards 2025
2025-09-30 08:00 - 09:00 (Australia/Perth) | Apply online
These awards recognise outstanding innovations across the globe.
By spearheading the Innovation Revolution, the International Innovation Awards® (IIA) is the most coveted regional recognition programme where it recognises outstanding innovations, and in the process encouraging organisations to continue investing in innovations.

DEADLINE: Social Design Academy (SoDA)
2025-09-30 08:00 - 09:00 (Australia/Perth) | Apply online
The Social Design Academy (SoDA) is an 8-month, project-based program, which supports organisations, leaders, and practitioners, to deliver real world innovation projects and grow their design capability for social impact and systems change.
Facilitated by a team of experienced Social Innovation Practitioners, the Design Academy runs as an online program with fortnightly workshops, regular coaching sessions, and peer-to-peer meetups, alongside a cohort of like-minded professionals and organisations.
Apply by 30 September 2025

DEADLINE: 2026 MRIWA PhD Scholarships
2025-09-30 08:00 - 09:00 (Australia/Perth) | Apply online
The 2026 MRIWA Scholarships round has launched and is available for students undertaking a higher degree by research (HDR) in innovative research in the minerals industry.
Scholars appointed to these scholarships will receive financial support via an annual stipend of over $41,000, and a research and travel allowance over $5,900, as well as professional development and communications training benefits provided through the MRIWA Education and Workforce Program.
Supporting and empowering mining industry thought leaders and research champions of the future
Closes Sept 30 2025

DEADLINE: SERD Issues Paper Submissions
2025-09-30 08:00 - 09:00 (Australia/Perth) | Apply online
The panel have released issue papers that are open for comment until 30 September.
https://consult.industry.gov.au/strategic-examination-rd-issues-papers

Unlock food, beverage and agricultural opportunities in the Republic of Korea
2025-09-30 10:00 - 10:45 (Australia/Perth) | online
The Republic of Korea is Australia’s fourth largest bilateral trading partner. Along with energy, food security is considered part of national security, with the Republic of Korea relying mostly on imports as a food source.
Join this webinar to learn about consumer trends and how Austrade is working to promote Australian products in this market.
Key topics

Overview of the Republic of Korea
Consumer sentiment and trends
Insights on doing business in the Republic of Korea
Austrade’s forward calendar of activity for the sector

Who it’s for
This event is designed for both new-to-market and existing food, beverage and agribusiness exporters to the Republic of Korea.

Selling to Indonesia: improve your retail and digital promotion
2025-10-01 00:00 - 12:45 (Australia/Perth) | online
Join this Austrade webinar to learn about strategies and hear success stories. This includes how others have combined in-store promotion and digital marketing when promoting their products.
Key topics

Consumer behaviour and expectations – what drives purchasing decisions, and what Indonesian consumers like when they shop
Types of in-store promotion – for example, point-of-sale or gift with purchase
How to combine in-store promotion and product launches with digital marketing
Next steps and what to consider before starting promotion

Who it’s for
Packaged food, beverage and consumer product businesses that are exporting, or want to export, to Indonesia.

DEADLINE: Deloitte 2025 Tech Fast 50 Awards
2025-10-01 08:00 - 09:00 (Australia/Perth) | Apply online
For more than two decades, Deloitte’s Tech Fast 50 Australia awards has been one of the longest-standing tech award programs and has celebrated the country’s fastest-growing tech companies – the startups that have scaled up – with many going on to become local and global powerhouses.
Every year, the Tech Fast 50 team discover the top 50 Australian technology companies by revenue growth rate over three years, with the top performer crowned our overall winner.
Learn about the categories and how to apply: Deloitte 2025 Tech Fast 50 Awards

DEADLINE: Kickstarter Challenge 2025
2025-10-01 08:00 - 09:00 (Australia/Perth) | Apply online
Aspiring female founders are invited to submit their business idea across a range of categories. An expert panel of judges will then review the submissions, selecting 5 finalists who will have the incredible opportunity to pitch their ventures and compete for a share of $60,000 in equity-free funding and a suite of invaluable business support resources.
Categories:

Health, Wellbeing and The Care Economy
Environment and Sustainability
Community Impact
Technology
Education

DEADLINE: West Tech Fest Pitching EOIs
2025-10-01 08:00 - 09:00 (Australia/Perth) | Apply online
West Tech Fest is seeking EOIs for early stage startups interested in pitching at West Tech Pitch, powered by the City of Joondalup.
What you’ll get:

Be spotlighted at Australia’s largest gathering of tech leaders, investors, decision makers and startup operators
Complimentary Ticket to West Tech Main
Coverage across West Tech Fest’s platform

Who we’re looking for:

Startup incorporated and under 5 years old
Raised less than $5M to date
At MVP stage or beyond
Founders from anywhere in the world (must be present in Perth on December 9th)

How to apply:

Submit your pitch deck and 2-minute founder video below.
Tell us about your startup, the problem you’re solving, and the impact you’re making.

Timeline:

Applications open: September 10th
Applications close: October 1st
Selections announced: Mid-October
Pitch day: December 9th, 2025 at West Tech Main

Note: Selected founders must arrange their own travel to Perth Convention Centre. International founders welcome – selected finalists from outside Australia will receive guidance on travel arrangements and local connections.

DEADLINE: Theo Murphy Initiative (Australia)
2025-10-01 14:00 - 15:00 (Australia/Perth) | Apply online
The Theo Murphy (Australia) Fund was established to further scientific discovery and supports activities that aim to provide tangible benefits to Australia’s early- and mid-career researcher (EMCR) community. The fund is administered by the Academy on behalf of the Royal Society and provides grants for activities and events that support the fund’s purpose.
In this round, TMIA will support at least three Flagship activities empowering transformative initiatives, up to seven Amplify activities demonstrating potential to amplify the impact of existing projects or initiatives, and several Participation Support grants to assist with the cost of attending and participating in an event or activity.
Applicants will need to demonstrate how the proposed activity will support knowledge development in the relevant STEM-related field(s) of research.
For more details on the application process, eligibility criteria and assessments: https://www.science.org.au/supporting-science/awards-and-opportunities/theo-murphy-initiative-australia
Applications close 5pm (AEST) 1 October 2025.

HILT CRC public webinar: Using the Aluminium Stewardship Initiative (ASI) Method to support aluminium decarbonisation
2025-10-01 15:30 - 16:30 (Australia/Sydney) | online
The Aluminium Stewardship Initiative (ASI) Performance Standard V3 (2022) calls for certifying ASI Entities (no matter where they sit on the aluminium value chain) to “establish a Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions Reduction Plan and ensure a GHG Emissions Reduction Pathway consistent with a 1.5-degree warming scenario”.
The ASI Method (published in 2024) is a unique, whole-of-value-chain model that allows companies to articulate 1.5-degree aligned pathways and demonstrate conformance with this requirement.
In this webinar, ASI Climate Change and Decarbonisation Director Chris Bayliss will explore the ASI Method’s “sectoral decarbonisation approach”, which has applicability throughout the aluminium value chain, from mining to end use and recycling.
Associate Professor Emma Aisbett from the Australian National University will share the HILT CRC perspective. Emma leads HILT CRC’s project on certification and verification (⁠RP3.006), which is working with industry partners to make sense of the rapidly evolving rules for measuring and certifying embedded emissions across aluminium, cement and other sectors. Her team’s research is helping companies these frameworks and how to position themselves for market access and competitiveness in a low-carbon economy.
The presentations will be followed by an audience Q&A.

METS Exchange - Smarter Processing
2025-10-01 16:00 - 18:00 (Australia/Perth) | The Melbourne Hotel, 33 Milligan Street, Perth, WA, 6000
Join for the launch of Austmine’s new METS Exchange series, where mining and METS come together to share innovation in action.
This first event will shine a light on mineral processing: the engine room of production and one of the biggest opportunities for performance improvement. As the sector faces increasing pressure to lift recovery, reduce costs and meet sustainability targets, fresh thinking and smarter solutions are more important than ever.
The event will explore how emerging technologies are transforming processing – improving plant control, boosting efficiency, and delivering more from every tonne. Through a series of short, high-impact presentations, hear how innovation is being applied to real challenges across the plant, and what’s next on the horizon.
Designed to deliver maximum value in minimal time, METS Exchange combines focused presentations with time for networking and open discussion. It’s a space for mining professionals and technology developers to connect, share insights and spark new ideas.

CERI: Investment Readiness Program
2025-10-01 17:00 - 19:00 (Australia/Perth) | The Centre for Entrepreneurial Research and Innovation (CERI), Level 1, 22 Stirling Highway Nedlands, WA 6009, 6009, Australia
Master your investment pitch, and learn what investors are looking for when getting your startup investment ready!

What to expect

Identifying gaps in the startup idea, collateral, and validation
Addressing these gaps by building evidence, rigour, and clarity into the proposed solution through building out a tested viable business model
Understanding the mechanics of raising capital and ensuring overall readiness including developing a capital strategy and how to pitch to investors

Learn more here: https://www.ceri.org.au/programs/investment-readiness

DEADLINE: Endeavour Awards
2025-10-02 08:00 - 09:00 (Australia/Perth) | Apply online
Recognising Australia’s Best Manufacturers
Recognised as the premier Awards program within the manufacturing industry, the evening is a chance for all involved in manufacturing across Australia to celebrate the many successes within the industry, to help share these successes with a broader audience, to network, and to learn more about the many remarkable personalities and enterprises that make the industry great.
Nominating is free, and must be completed using this online form by Thursday 2 October 2025 at 11:59pm.

DEADLINE: Japan Society for the Promotion of Sciences Postdoctoral Fellowships
2025-10-02 08:00 - 09:00 (Australia/Perth) | Apply online
The Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS), in association with the Australian Academy of Science, offers postdoctoral fellowships for Australian researchers to undertake collaborative projects with Japanese host researchers at JSPS-affiliated institutes in Japan for between 12 and 24 months.
The JSPS Postdoctoral Fellowships for Research in Japan provide the opportunity for Australian postdoctoral researchers to conduct cooperative research with leading research groups in universities and other Japanese institutions, under the guidance of their Japanese hosts.
The program aims to help such researchers advance their own research while contributing to the advancement of research in Japan and the counterpart countries

Freo Founders Sundowner @ Mons. O’Shea
2025-10-02 17:00 - 19:00 (Australia/Perth) | Mons O’Shea, 6 South Terrace, Fremantle, WA, 6160
This is a catchup for startup and tech founders who are keen to shoot the breeze with other founders whilst enjoying a drink and taking in the ambience of Fremantle.
This is a casual event with no agenda but with a mission to inspire and help founders grow their businesses by sharing successes, failures and a few laughs.
The group is open to startup founders and founders who have been there and done that, as well as those just starting out and looking for a group to learn from and vent with.
