WA Innovation Calendar

Online Business Model Support
2023-12-26 08:00 - 17:00, 2024-01-02 08:00 - 17:00, 2024-01-09 08:00 - 17:00, 2024-01-16 08:00 - 17:00, 2024-01-23 08:00 - 17:00, 2024-01-30 08:00 - 17:00 (Australia/Perth) | online
Would you like some written feedback on how your small business makes money, who your customers are and how you deliver value to them? Or, if you are only at the early idea stage for a potential business, are you looking for written feedback on potential customers and how you could make money?
Through the Australian Government’s Entrepreneurship Facilitator Program, Innovation Cluster are excited to share our new free online business model canvas template that anyone can complete in their own time and submit to us for feedback!
All you have to do is complete as much of the one-page template as you can by yourself, or make notes and ask us questions within each section if you aren’t sure what to write. Click submit and we will review and send you some written guidance on new ways to grow your business, attract customers and increase profitability!

Lean Startup First-Timers: Getting Started with Customer Development!
2023-12-27 18:00 - 19:30 (Australia/Perth)
This introductory “Getting Started” meeting is for founders (and potential founders) who are first-timers to Lean Startup Perth (or those who wish to get a refresher on Lean Startup). It’s best for you to attend one of these meeting before attending a “Getting On” meeting (although it’s not required).
Hello Perth Founders and Friends,
Have you got a great startup idea? Or have you already started a new business and it’s not going so well? Don’t waste any more time or money on building an app or product, getting PR, or even marketing. Come along to Lean Startup Perth and we’ll help you find a successful business.
This “Getting Started” meeting will introduce you the “big ideas” in Lean Startup and Customer Development. Did you know that Lean Startups don’t do sales, don’t do marketing and don’t do product development? Well, what do they do then? Come along and you will find out that and more,
Created by Eric Ries and Steve Blank, the Lean Startup with Customer Development approach is a radically new way of doing startups. It changes everything about startups (more than most founders, service providers and investors realise). It changes the very meaning of what it is to be a startup.
We suggest new members come along to one of these “Getting Started” meetings to learn about Lean Startup with Customer Development before coming the to “Getting On” meetings. This “Getting Started” meetings are repeated but will only run if there are enough new members attending.
We welcome anyone keen to learn about Lean Startup with Customer Development.
All the best for success!
Cheers,
Ashley.
Organiser, Lean Startup Perth.

DEADLINE: Support for businesses with innovative technologies to expand to India
2024-01-07 08:00 - 09:00 (Australia/Perth) | online
India Australia Rapid Innovation and Startup Expansion (RISE) Accelerator

The India Australia RISE Accelerator program supports start-ups and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) who have mature and innovative technology to expand to Indian markets.

What do you get?
Grants of up to $75,000 and travel allowance.
Who is this for?
Start-ups and SMEs with mature technology and solutions.

Overview
The India Australia Rapid Innovation and Startup Expansion Accelerator (RISE) Accelerator Program supports start-ups and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) working on innovative technology who are considering expansion between India and Australia.
The program support start-ups working on a range of areas such as:

circular economy
climate smart agriculture
clean energy
waste and circular economy
climate smart mobility.

From the program, start-ups will be able to:

gain valuable market, cultural and regulatory insight into the Indian market
fast track connections to the right partners and customers, including on-the-ground mentors, funders, suppliers, distributors, regulators and researchers
grow and scale their technology and research overseas
pilot, adapt and validate technology for a new market
gain visibility of joint-innovation funds, grants and investors in each region.

Up to five rounds of six to eight competitively selected start-ups and SMEs will participate in a nine-month program of cross-border capacity building activities.
Participating start-ups/SMEs will receive a grant of up to $75,000 to support their participation in the Program, and are eligible for a travel allowance to support the costs of national and international travel.
There is no charge for start-ups to apply for the RISE Accelerator program.

DEADLINE: Resources Technology and Critical Minerals Trailblazer Scholarship
2024-01-12 07:00 - 08:00 (AWST) | Apply online
The purpose of this scholarship is to fund research in resources technology and/or critical minerals and to deepen connections with industry.
A successful PhD candidate will receive an attractive scholarship package, covering both stipend and tuition fees, totalling approximately $85,000 per year.
The stipend scholarship is $50,000 per annum (tax-free) for 3 years.
MPhil candidates will be entitled to $50,000 per annum (tax-free) for 2 years, in line with the MPhil timeframe.
Selection for these scholarships is by a competitive process and shortlisted applicants will be notified of outcomes in due course.
As a recipient of this scholarship, you will also have exclusive access to PhD (RTP defined) internship opportunities through Curtin’s own Industry Exchange team.

DEADLINE: WA to USA Market Accelerator Program
2024-01-15 06:00 - 08:00 (Australia/Perth) | online
ARE YOU A HIGH-POTENTIAL WESTERN AUSTRALIAN GREENTECH VENTURE INTERESTED IN ACCELERATING YOUR GROWTH IN THE USA?
Invest & Trade WA (ITWA) invites you to join the WA to USA Market Accelerator Program and 2024 Western Australian GreenTech Mission to Texas from Tuesday 4th March to Tuesday 12th March. This will include a curated program in Houston and Austin, including the annual South by Southwest (SxSW) conference, an essential destination for global professionals seeking discovery, learning, professional development and networking.
The Western Australian GreenTech Mission will intersect with a WA Ministerial Visit to the USA that will officially launch the brand new Invest & Trade WA Americas Hub office, which is based in Austin.

JOINING THE MISSION

If you have been considering expanding to the USA, this initiative will provide an excellent platform to build on your knowledge, skills and networks to go-to-market.

Founders of diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Find out more about the eligibility criteria below.

The WA to USA Market Accelerator Program and GreenTech Mission is free for Western Australian companies to participate in, however you must be able to cover all travel, meal and accommodation costs, including your SxSW pass(es) and any associated travel expenses.

CORE Innovation Hub are program management partners for this mission. The WA GreenTech Innovation Hub is a separate initiative. Those interested in learning more should visit GreenTech Hub (www.wa.gov.au)

WHAT TO EXPECT

Pre-trip briefing and market intelligence sessions to prepare you for the week of in-country education, exposure, introductions and networking

WA To USA Market Accelerator Program, including targeted 1:1 support

A curated program beginning in Houston Tuesday 4 March 2024, before traveling to Austin 7 March 2024 for SxSW and concluding Tuesday 12 March 2024.

Discounted price for you to purchase a SxSW conference ticket for only US$1495

Be part of Team WA at SxSW including attending the Australia House reception and a range of other exclusive invitations as part of the Mission

Flexible program inclusions so you can tailor your trip

Build relationships with fellow cohort founders and other successful Australian founders in the USA

Leverage the new Invest & Trade WA Hub in Austin to grow your international network of potential partners and collaborators

Morning Startup – The Story of Ellis Guitars: From Dream to Global Success
2024-01-17 07:30 - 09:00 (Australia/Perth) | Riff, 45 St Georges Tce, Perth, Australia
This isn’t your typical talk, and Ellis Guitars isn’t your typical startup.
Come and hear one of Western Australia’s untold success stories as Andrew Ellis takes you on his journey from creating his first guitars that were so bad that “they weren’t even worth using as a cricket bat” (his words), to creating sought after guitars played at Madison Square Garden and the Glastonbury Festival, and owned by musical legends like Eddie Vedder of Pearl Jam, and Steve Morse of Deep Purple.
It hasn’t been easy. Andrew has had to learn how to turn failure into success, leading to a treasure trove of wisdom that won’t pop up in any Google search.
In this talk, Andrew will share how strategic upgrades, intelligent approaches, and an entrepreneurial spirit with plain-old grit and determination helped him turn impossible dreams into everyday reality.
So grab a coffee from Joey Zazas on the way in (just tell them you’re heading to Morning Startup), and start the day inspired!
About Andrew & Ellis Guitars
Andrew Ellis is the master luthier behind Ellis Guitars and has been quietly crafting beautiful, custom instruments for the likes of Eddie Vedder of Pearl Jam, Sammy Merendino of Michael Jackson’s band, Steve Morse of Deep Purple, and Kaki King (for her tour with the Foo Fighters), all here in good ol’ Perth! Who knew?!
Ellis Guitars are globally acclaimed for their exceptional craftsmanship and distinctive sound, shipping to over 50 countries. The waiting list for an Ellis Guitar is “how long is a piece of string”.
Andrew isn’t a slouch on the guitar himself with two studio albums and over 400 captivating shows across the world, all complemented by his stunning custom guitars.
Agenda:
7:30 am: Shameless plugs and announcements. Introduce yourself or announce your startup to the Perth startup community!
7:45 am: The Story of Ellis Guitars: From Dream to Global Success
8:30 am: Networking & delicious breakfast treats
9:00 am: Finish
Live stream
This event will also be live streamed for the regions courtesy of the New Industries Fund from the Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation!
Access the live stream here and post-event recording here:
https://perthvideo.com.au/morning-startup-perth/
Regional watch parties
Y.hub Coworking – Office 1/128 Yanchep Beach Rd, Yanchep WA 6035. Note: Y.hub are hosting the watch party the following week on Tuesday as a ‘Lunch and Learn’ from 12pm.
If you’re interested in hosting a ‘watch party’ for your community, let us know (contact@morningstartup.com) and we’ll share your event above.
Grab a coffee courtesy of Tekkon!
In addition to offering talented, cost-effective developers, Tekkon is offering free coffee for the first 30 Morning Startup attendees! Just tell the awesome folks at Joey Zaza’s that you’re heading to Morning Startup to kick start your morning!
Breakfast treats courtesy of KeepSpace
Not only does KeepSpace care deeply about your 3PL ecommerce fulfilment needs, they also care deeply about your 7:30 am stomach fulfilment needs! Thanks KeepSpace for providing breakfast!
Sponsors
Thanks also Ammo Marketing, Beacham Group, KeepSpace and Tekkon for supporting Morning Startup and the Perth startup community! If you need help with marketing, hiring, ecommerce fulfilment, or developers, check them out and tell them Morning Startup sent you!
Thanks also to the New Industries Fund from the Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation for live streaming Morning Startup for the regions, with the amazing folks at perthvideo.com.au.

DEADLINE: Australia – UK Renewable Hydrogen Innovation Partnerships
2024-01-19 08:00 - 17:00 (Australia/Perth) | online
The program provides support to Australian companies for up to $10 million in funding for hydrogen research, development and demonstration projects in partnership with UK companies, as part of the Government’s Strategic International Partnerships measure. Projects should support renewable hydrogen technologies needed to deliver on the Australian Government’s National Hydrogen Strategy and the State of Hydrogen 2022 report. This includes, but is not limited to, the production of renewable hydrogen and derivatives, and the use of hydrogen in hard-to-abate industry (iron and steelmaking, chemicals) and heavy transport sectors.
The objectives of the program are:

advance the development, innovation and application of hydrogen technologies, with goals of reducing costs associated with the development of a renewable hydrogen economy, industrial decarbonisation and accelerating the uptake of net zero technologies to reduce emissions
foster greater collaboration of businesses between Australia and the United Kingdom
leverage private and non-Commonwealth funding towards clean energy projects, technologies and their supply chains in Australia.

Eligibility:

You can apply if you:

have an Australian business number (ABN)
undertake the project with a partner organisation located in the United Kingdom

And are one of the following:

an entity, incorporated in Australia
an incorporated trustee or behalf of a trust
a corporate Commonwealth entity.

You must partner with one or more organisations based in the United Kingdom that has applied for a grant (within 10% to the grant amount) with Innovate UK’s Australia-UK Renewable Hydrogen Innovation Competition.
Find the full eligibility criteria in the Grant Opportunity Guidelines.

Total Amount Available (AUD):

$10,000,000.00

Estimated Grant Value (AUD):

From $10,000.00 to $2,000,000.00

Instructions for Application Submission:

To apply, go to https://business.gov.au/aukhip

DEADLINE: Future Founders Program EOIs
2024-01-22 06:00 - 07:00 (Australia/Perth) | online
Do you have an awesome idea for a new product or service and need to know best next step? 🧠
Perhaps you have a startup business and want to know how to growth hack it to take it to the next level? 🚀
Maybe you working in a business and have innovative ideas to change things up for the better? 🎯
The FUTURE FOUNDERS Youth Entrepreneurship Scholarship was created just for you!
The Scholarship program will equip you with the tools and tips needed to build your dream into reality, providing experts to guide you and hands-on experiences.
🌟 We are offering 10 scholarships to City of Busselton locals aged 16-25, and we’re eager to hear from you, regardless of what stage you are at! 🌟
Those selected for full Scholarship program will receive $5000 worth of training plus a $1000 completion bursary to support your startup business costs or other professional development activities.
If you don’t already have an idea for a business we can give you an environmental focused challenge from our sponsor Plico!
Expression of Interest applications below are open until 22 January 2024.

Future Founders is proudly supported by the Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation; City of Busselton; South West Angels; South West Development Commission, Rio Tinto and Plico.

DEADLINE: EOI’s Future Founders Program
2024-01-24 06:00 - 07:00 (Australia/Perth) | online
Do you have an awesome idea for a new product or service and need to know best next step? 🧠
Perhaps you have a startup business and want to know how to growth hack it to take it to the next level? 🚀
Maybe you working in a business and have innovative ideas to change things up for the better? 🎯
The FUTURE FOUNDERS Youth Entrepreneurship Scholarship was created just for you!
The Scholarship program will equip you with the tools and tips needed to build your dream into reality, providing experts to guide you and hands-on experiences.
🌟 We are offering 10 scholarships to City of Busselton locals aged 16-25, and we’re eager to hear from you, regardless of what stage you are at! 🌟
Those selected for full Scholarship program will receive $5000 worth of training plus a $1000 completion bursary to support your startup business costs or other professional development activities.
Expression of Interest applications below are open until 22 January 2024.
Future Founders is proudly supported by the Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation; City of Busselton; South West Angels; South West Development Commission, Rio Tinto and Plico.

Future Founders Youth Entrepreneurship Program EOI
Applications close at 5pm on Monday 22 January 2024

DEADLINE: Quantum Growth Program
2024-01-24 07:00 - 08:00 (Australia/Perth) | online
Funding to create a national centre to support and grow the Australian quantum industry
The grant will provide funding to create a centre that will undertake industry growth activities to catalyse industry growth, support collaborative research and strengthen Australia’s position as a global quantum leader.

What do you get?
Up to $18.5 million over 4 years for up to 75% of eligible project expenditure.
Who is this for?
Businesses applying as a consortia with an eligible lead applicant. One of the consortia partners must be an Australian industry-based partner working in the quantum sector.

Overview

The program was announced as part of the National Quantum Strategy and is an element of the Growing Australia’s Critical Technologies Industries budget measure announced in the 2023-2024 budget.
The Australian Centre for Quantum Growth (the Centre) will establish itself as a strongly branded, single ‘front door’ for the quantum industry and broader quantum ecosystem in Australia. The Centre will build genuine, strategic and lasting relationships spanning industry, research, consumer and government stakeholders to drive innovation and translation. It will accelerate the growth of the quantum industry in Australia and increase Australia’s global competitiveness by supporting greater collaboration and coordination of research and development, focusing on industry-led solutions that boost the adoption and diffusion of technologies across Australian and international markets.
The Centre will build awareness and promote quantum technologies and their applications to end users. It will also ensure ethics and security are a foundation of the Australian quantum ecosystem by promoting ethical technology adoption and awareness.
The objectives of the program are to establish a Centre that:

grows the Australian quantum industry and promotes collaboration in quantum technologies so as to foster interstate and international trade and commerce
facilitates improved coordination of research and development with a focus on industry-led solutions
educates industry and end users on the opportunities presented by quantum technologies and their numerous applications
promotes the ethical and secure adoption and development of the quantum industry
deepens Australia’s relationships with key international partners, enabling the transfer of knowledge and capital, whilst retaining ownership of our sovereign Intellectual Property
fosters gender equality and First Nations Peoples’ participation in the industry.

Learn more about the National Quantum Strategy.

Check if you can apply

You can apply if you meet the eligibility criteria. The eligibility criteria are a set of rules that describe who we can consider for this grant. You can apply if you:

are applying as a joint consortia
are an eligible entity
have an eligible project
have eligible expenditure
can fund your share of the project costs, and any ineligible expenditure
are applying with at least one Australian industry-based partner working in the quantum sector.

The rules are in the grant opportunity guidelines.

DEADLINE: First Nations Heritage Grants Round 1
2024-01-24 08:00 - 09:00 (Australia/Perth) | online
Funding projects that identify and add Indigenous values to Australian Heritage places
The First Nations Heritage Grants Program aims to assist in adding Indigenous values to Australia’s World and National Heritage listed places. The program also seeks to aid the identification of culturally significant First Nations places.

What do you get?
Grants between $25,000 and $250,000.
Who is this for?
Eligible organisations, government bodies, entities and individuals.

Overview

Round 1 of the First Nations Heritage Grants provides funding for projects that are aimed at:

identifying new Indigenous heritage values at existing World Heritage and National Heritage-listed places
preparing submissions for the addition of Indigenous heritage values to existing World Heritage and National Heritage listings, as applicable
increasing protection of World Heritage and National Heritage-listed places with Indigenous heritage values that may or may not be recognised in the heritage listing for the place
improving management of World Heritage and National Heritage-listed places with Indigenous heritage values that may or may not be recognised in the heritage listing for the place.

Check if you can apply

You can apply if you meet the eligibility criteria. The eligibility criteria are a set of rules that describe who we can consider for this grant. You can apply if you:

are an eligible entity
have an eligible project
have eligible expenditure.

The rules are in the grant opportunity guidelines.

DEADLINE: XPRIZE Challenge Wildfire Registration
2024-01-24 16:00 - 17:00 (Australia/Perth) | online
The $11M XPRIZE Wildfire is a 4-year competition to innovate firefighting technologies that will end destructive wildfires.

The two competition tracks are designed to support near and long-term impact goals and address core fire management problems. The competition tracks will individually and jointly transform how wildfires are managed and fought.

Track A: Space-Based Wildfire Detection and Intelligence
Track B: Autonomous Wildfire Response

DEADLINE: EOIs Support for WA Agtech Start-ups to attend evokeAG 2024
2024-01-25 12:30 - 13:30 (Australia/Perth) | online
Support for WA Agtech Start-ups to attend evokeAG 2024

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) is excited to support Western Australian (WA) agtech start-up businesses to attend evokeAG 2024 in Perth from 20-21 February 2024

evokeAG. creates one meeting place to see what is happening across agrifood tech in Australia and the world. It increases the capability of the Australian ecosystem by attracting leaders, farmers, innovators, accelerators, researchers, universities, corporates, government, and investors to one location for collaboration.
DPIRD is offering one (1) ticket per WA agtech start-up, for up to ten (10) start-ups to attend evokeAG 2024. Start-ups must meet these costs in the first instance and invoice the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) accordingly.
Start-ups from regional WA and first-time applicants for evokeAG. support packages in particular are encouraged to apply.
Expressions of Interest close 5pm 25 January 2024 AWST.

StartupWA Annual General Meeting
2024-01-25 16:30 - 18:30 (Australia/Perth) | WeWork, 152 St Georges Terrace, Perth, WA, 6000
The StartupWA team would like to invite you to join our Annual General Meeting (AGM), followed by networking.
This is a great opportunity to hear what StartupWA has achieved in 2023 and meet the board over networking drinks.
Date: 25th January 2024
Time: 4:30 PM till 6:30 PM
Venue: WeWork, Level 32, 152 St Georges Terrace, Perth 6000.
This AGM will also be live-streamed for members from regional areas and members who are unable to attend in person.
We are looking forward to welcoming you on the day.

DEADLINE: Artificial Intelligence (AI) Adopt Program
2024-01-29 08:00 - 09:00 (Australia/Perth) | online
Artificial Intelligence (AI) Adopt Program
Grants between $3 million and $5 million over four years for up to 50% of eligible project expenditure, for businesses in Australia that can establish centres to help Australian SMEs adopt AI technologies in their business.
Deadline 29 Jan DETAILS

DEADLINE: Early-Stage Investment – Perth Angels
2024-01-30 06:30 - 07:30 (Australia/Perth) | online
Entrepreneurs are encouraged to register their businesses by January 30th at https://gust.com/organizations/perth–angels/public_profile for a chance to secure early-stage investment. The registration will be reviewed by the Perth Angels team and members, leading to the possibility of participating in an exclusive Pitch Night event.

Perth Angels offers a platform for early-stage businesses seeking funding and growth opportunities. Beyond financial support, the platform facilitates co-investing with other angel groups, providing access to mentoring, and connecting entrepreneurs with experienced investors.
Pitch Night provides a valuable opportunity for entrepreneurs to directly present their ideas to Perth Angels, receive advice and feedback from seasoned investors, and network with a vibrant community of like-minded individuals. The event aims to foster potential partnerships and collaborations, ultimately opening doors to funding that can drive business growth.
The Perth Angels team, along with their esteemed panel of investors, is enthusiastic about discovering and nurturing the next generation of disruptive businesses. They believe in supporting visionary ideas and passionate founders, committed to providing the necessary resources and connections to turn entrepreneurial visions into reality.
For inquiries and further information, individuals can reach out to Perth Angels via email at manager@perthangels.com.

Breakfast with Hon. Peter Dutton MP
2024-01-30 07:00 - 08:30 (Australia/Perth) | Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre, 21 Mounts Bay Road, Perth, 6000
The Chamber of Minerals and Energy of Western Australia (CME) invites you to breakfast with the Leader of the Opposition and Federal Member for Dickson, the Hon. Peter Dutton MP.
CME will host Mr Dutton on 30 January as he provides an address, on the important and significant role the Western Australian resources sector plays in the national economy.
CME members will hear directly from the Opposition Leader and enjoy an informal discussion whilst networking over a standing breakfast.
RSVP is essential, please register to confirm your attendance.
Tuesday 30 January 2024
7:00 AM arrival for 7:30 AM presentation
Perth Convention Exhibition Centre – River View Room 4

Implementation of Autonomous Systems in Mining – Workshop
2024-01-30 15:00 - 17:00 (Australia/Perth) | online
Participants in this workshop will work together in a writing exercise to help complete content development for this guideline.

Location

Online

7-9 AM GMT | 8-10 AM CEST | 9-11 AM SAST | 10 AM -12 PM AST | 3-5 PM AWST | 5-7 PM AEST
Background
There are many factors a mine must consider when moving towards the implementation of autonomous systems in their operations. Areas of consideration include health and safety, mine maturity, infrastructure, cost and resource allocation, maintenance and skills requirements, regulatory requirement considerations and more.
About the project
Since the time of this guideline’s initial publication (version one was published in 2019), there have been advancements in the different technological solutions that are available, as well as years of experience and applicable knowledge gained across mine sites globally. This updated version of this guideline will be expanded to include learnings from deployments of the past few years and to ensure considerations are addressed to support the implementation of various autonomous solutions in both the surface or underground environment.
Highlights include
· Making sure there is consideration given to underground mining
· More consideration given to different types of autonomous equipment
· Guidance related to full lifecycle cost; cybersecurity; performance and metrics
· Full new sections on operational readiness and deployment
At the workshop
Participants will work together to help finish off content development for the nearly completed guideline. Specifically, we need help generating content for sections of the guideline related to operational readiness and deployment.

Morning Startup – How to Nail your Customer Interviews
2024-01-31 07:30 - 09:00 (Australia/Perth) | Riff, 45 St Georges Tce, Perth, Australia
Are you nailing your customer interviews?
Speaking with customers is a critical ongoing habit for startup teams in order to continue innovating and focusing efforts on the most important growth opportunities.
But are you making critical mistakes by leading the customer towards answers you want to hear? Or are you extracting genuine insights that, when interpreted intelligently, can take your startup to the next level?
There is an art to asking meaningful questions that allow people to explore their experiences and provide invaluable insights.
In this session, product master-mind, Isis Nair, will share proven techniques and strategies to conduct effective customer interviews. You’ll discover the art of asking the right questions, interpreting responses, and uncovering hidden needs from real-life examples.
Don’t miss this opportunity to sharpen your customer research skills and take your startup to new heights.
About Isis
Isis is an ex-Googler and angel investor with 20 years of experience in product management. She is a software engineer by training and a lifelong adventurer who is passionate about the human side of technology.
Her journey began at Google in Sydney and then Silicon Valley, where she honed her skills before transitioning into product management and executive roles across various high-growth tech startups, including Health Engine, RAC, VGW, Decimal, and NGIS.
Isis has a long history of supporting early-stage startups. She has notably contributed as a director at Founder Institute Perth, and through her mentorship roles at Curtin University’s Accelerate and Ignition programs, where she served as an Entrepreneur in Residence. She has also recently started angel investing through Blackbird’s “Startmate’s First Believers” program.
Most recently, Isis left her executive job at a startup she helped grow from approximately $100 million in revenue to well over $2 billion in 2.5 years to start Isis Nair Coaching/Consulting.

DEADLINE: BridgeTech Program
2024-01-31 08:00 - 09:00 (Australia/Perth) | online
What are your professional development plans for 2024?
Each year 80 people from a diverse range of professions and institutions around Australia are selected to join the BridgeTech Program, delivered by QUT. Fully funded by MTPConnect and a consortium of industry and university partners, BridgeTech Program participants join one of the country’s most significant medtech professional networks.
The program will help you gain confidence and create networks and opportunities in all areas of medtech research commercialisation. You’ll learn through online modules, attend an inspiring seminar series, and network with top medtech companies and a nation-wide professional community.
Learn more about the program

Apply for our 2024 program
Who should apply?
The program is suited to professionals looking to expand their commercialisation knowledge and networks, including:

mid-career researchers and scientists from universities and research institutes
medtech inventors, entrepreneurs and innovators
clinicians and healthcare workers
venture capitalists
legal practitioners including IP lawyers and patent attorneys
business development managers and tech transfer professionals
staff from government agencies

Experience in the sector and a demonstrated interest in medtech commercialisation is essential.
Preparing your application
In assessing merit, the panel will take your responses to the selection criteria into consideration.
To be competitive in the selection process, your application should demonstrate your suitability to the program by including:

the stage of your career
your motivation for applying
how you hope the program will benefit you and contribute to your progress

Submit your application
Applications are now open – closing January 31
We will email you to let you know the outcome of your application in early Quarter 2
Please submit the application form to apply:

DEADLINE: Inquiry into Innovation in WA
2024-01-31 09:30 - 10:30 (Australia/Perth) | online
Inquiry into innovation in Western Australia
The Committee will inquire into and report on Western Australia’s innovation ecosystem,
with reference to:
a) the current state of the innovation ecosystem
b) the role of the Western Australian government in supporting entrepreneurship, start-ups,
and small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs)
c) any other matters that the Committee considers relevant.
Deadline for submissions: 31 Jan 2024
Details HERE

CSIRO: Economic Impact of Generative AI
2024-02-01 08:00 - 09:00 (Australia/Perth) | online
The National AI Centre is excited to host a conversation that explores how Australian organisations can prioritise their time and teams to unlock the economic opportunity of generative AI (GAI) in 2024.
Join experts from the Tech Council and Microsoft Australia to learn more about the broader economic impact associated with GAI in Australia as well as their insights in the priority actions industries can take to accelerate GAI adoption in their business.
The conversation will focus on Australia’s existing comparative advantages in digital innovation that make our industries well positioned to lead in the era of AI.
The management of key risks will also be discussed, including some of the ways that Australian workers can be supported and reskilled, how access to GAI can be made more equitable, especially for small and medium sized enterprises.
This presentation will be based on data captured in the Tech Council’s “Australia’s Generative AI Opportunity” report.

Investor and Founder Meetup – Perth
2024-02-01 18:00 - 20:00 (Australia/Perth) | Parmelia Hilton, 14 Mill Street, Perth, WA, 6000
Investor and Founder Meetup – Perth

About

Join us in Perth for the Wholesale Investor & Founder Meetup, part of an exciting series across Melbourne, Auckland, Sydney, and Brisbane. This event is a unique opportunity to network and engage in discussions about the latest investment trends and technology innovations.
The evening will focus on the dynamic interplay between bullish market sentiments in tech and the rapid adoption of transformative technologies like AI, Robotics, and Genomics.
Expect insights into;

The latest Investment Trends and expectations for 2024
The rise of AI and Data-driven VC Funds
How the Venture funding landscape will change in the next 5 years
The current markets and the investment opportunities they represent
Innovation and technology trends setting the foundations for the venture space over the next decade. This impacts every aspect of how we live, work and play.
Update on some of our Wholesale Investor initiatives and activities
Opportunities for collaboration and participation
Upcoming product features that we will be launching

The event concludes with an engaging session of drinks, canapés, and networking. Open to Investors, Founders, and Industry Participants, this is a pivotal moment in the innovation space!

The CEO SUMMIT 2024 – That Will Never Work
2024-02-02 08:00 - 17:00 (Australia/Perth) | RAC Arena, 700 Wellington Street, Perth, Western Australia, 6000, Australia
The CEO SUMMIT 2024 – That Will Never Work
Join us for an exciting event for CEOs and senior business leaders. The 2024 event is all about pushing boundaries, embracing failure, and finding success in unexpected places.
Prepare to be inspired by industry pioneers, disruptors, and visionaries who have defied the odds.
Network with like-minded business professionals and gain valuable insights from seasoned CEOs who have revolutionised their industries.
Speakers:

Barb De Corti (ENJO Australia)
Dr. Zvi Guterman (CloudShare)
Iris Smit (The Quick Flick & Beauty Fridge)
Kohen Grogan (Yappy Group)
Tim Mazzarol (UWA Business School)

Registration fee includes:

Full day conference
Barista coffee
Morning tea
Lunch
Networking sundowner with canapes and beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic).

DEADLINE: AgriFutures Honey Bee & Pollination Program
2024-02-06 08:00 - 09:00 (Australia/Perth) | online
The AgriFutures Honey Bee & Pollination Program 2023/24 Industry Development Grants are now open and seek to expand industry understanding, knowledge, and skills to drive the Australian honey bee and pollination industry into the future. In particular the 2023 Industry Development Grants are looking to support Early Career Researchers (ECR) on their research journey.
If you have a project or idea that can benefit the Australian honey bee and pollination industry you are invited to apply for a grant valued at up to $7000.
Applications close 12 noon (AEDT) Tuesday, 6 February 2024.
AgriFutures Australia is seeking applications to support industry development, personal development within the industry, seed funding to explore a research problem and travel grants.
These grants (up to $7,000) are available to any entity* that is involved in the Australian honey bee and pollination industry. Applications for the Industry Development Grants may focus on (but are not limited to):

Travel grants
Research funding, including PhD top-ups
Personal development that will benefit industry for example attending conferences, consortiums and educational forums.

This year the focus is the development of Early Career Researchers – ECRs are strongly encouraged to apply.
* If applying as an individual you must have a current ABN
This grant cannot be used to purchase equipment that would be used in day to day private business activities.
