WA Innovation Calendar

CORE Innovation Hub Meetup
2025-09-03 10:00 - 11:00 (Australia/Perth) | CORE Innovation Hub, 191 St. Georges Terrrace, Perth, WA, 6000, Australia
CORE Innovation Hub builds ecosystems and innovation infrastructure for the resources and energy sector.
CORE Innovation Hub has successfully established the first of its kind, national ecosystem for suppliers, researchers, entrepreneurs and industry to connect and collaborate on innovative solutions across the mining, resources, energy, defence and space sectors.

CERI: Investment Readiness Program
2025-09-03 17:00 - 19:00, 2025-09-10 17:00 - 19:00 | 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

Science 2035: Australia's Future National Symposium
2025-09-04 07:00 - 14:30 | online
This National Symposium is essential for industry leaders looking for in-depth analysis to inform their future directions, for science and policy leaders tasked with shaping the Australian science, education and immigration landscapes, and for philanthropists needing to make nation building investment decisions.
You are invited to join for these critical conversation and to share this invitation widely with your networks.
Speakers

Professor Ian Chubb AC FAA FTSE, Convenor of Australian Science, Australia’s Future: Science 2035
Tony Cook PSM, Secretary, Department of Education
Professor Kate Darian-Smith FASSA, President, Academy of Social Sciences in Australia
Robyn Denholm, Chair, Strategic Examination of Research and Development
Professor Susan Dodds FAHA, Deputy Chair, Australian Research Council
Professor Mark Ferguson, Chair, European Innovation Council, former Chief Scientific Adviser to the Government of Ireland
Professor Stephen Garton AM FAHA FASSA, President, Australian Academy of the Humanities
Professor Barney Glover AO FTSE, Commissioner, Jobs and Skills Australia
Rosemary Huxtable AO PSM, Lead, National Health and Medical Research Strategy
Professor Chennupati Jagadish AC PresAA FRS FREng FTSE, President, Australian Academy of Science
Joseph Mitchell, Assistant Secretary, Australia Council of Trade Unions (ACTU)
Meghan Quinn PSM, Secretary, Department of Industry, Science and Resources
Adjunct Professor Peter Rossdeutscher AM, Chair, Industry Innovation and Science Australia
Professor Lynette Russell AM, Monash Indigenous Studies Centre, Monash University
Professor Margaret Sheil AO FAA FTSE, Vice Chancellor, QUT and Secretary Policy, Australian Academy of Science
Professor Peter Shergold AC FASSA, Chair, Australian Research Council
Dr Hayley Teasdale, Head Science Policy and Advice, Australian Academy of Science
Martijn Wilder AM, Chair, National Reconstruction Fund

The event will be held in Canberra and there will be an online live stream
Read more about the event and register: https://www.science.org.au/news-and-events/events/national-symposium-2025

Alternative sources of capital: Strategies, trade-offs & founder insights
2025-09-04 08:00 - 09:00 | online
Join three seasoned operators who’ve each mastered different paths to capital as they share real stories, strategic insights, and the trade-offs that matter most when choosing your funding approach.
​What You’ll Walk Away With:

​Founder-funding fit: How to identify which capital strategy aligns with your business and personal goals

​Real trade-offs: What you actually gain and give up with grants, bootstrapping, and alternative capital

​Myth-busting: Common misconceptions that trip up founders in today’s funding landscape

​Practical insights: Mistakes to avoid and strategies that actually work

DEADLINE: Local Capability Fund (LCF) 2025-26 Rounds
2025-09-04 12:00 - 15:00 | Apply online
The Local Capability Fund (LCF) uplifts Western Australian businesses with financial support to expand, build capabilities and enhance their competitiveness to access greater opportunities across the public and private sectors.

Structured into rounds that target different types of businesses and business needs, the LCF supports a range of activities to empower small to medium businesses, including equipment upgrades, training and accreditation, operational improvements and more.

The Local Capability Fund elevates local businesses, creates jobs and contributes to a stronger WA economy. There are 5 rounds, listed below:

LCF 2025-26 – Aboriginal Business Round – with Clean Energy Incentive

Submissions are now open.
Submissions close 3:00PM 4 September 2025 (AWST).

LCF 2025-26 – Digital Transformation Round

Submissions are now open.
Submissions close 3:00PM 4 September 2025 (AWST).

LCF 2025-26 – Regional Supplier Round

Submissions are now open.
Submissions close 3:00PM 4 September 2025 (AWST).

LCF 2025-26 – Standards Compliance Round

Submissions are now open.
Submissions close 3:00PM 4 September 2025 (AWST).

LCF 2025-26 – Supplying Key Projects Round

Submissions are now open.
Submissions close 3:00PM 4 September 2025 (AWST).

Submission Workshop: 'Harnessing Data & Digital Technology'
2025-09-04 14:00 - 16:00 | Curtin, 137 St Georges Tce, 137 St Georges Terrace, Perth, WA, 6000
Join this workshop session to help prepare submissions in response to the Productivity Commision’s Interim Report

The Productivity Commission’s Interim Report on ‘Harnessing Data and Digital Technology’ can be found at https://www.pc.gov.au/inquiries/current/data-digital#interim
This session will primarily focus on the Artificial Intelligence issues covered in the Interim Report, with a particular focus on the Productivity Commission’s request for feedback on a high profile and controversial topic, the issue of copyright materials being used to train AI models.

Introduction and overview of the Productivity Commission’s ‘Harnessing Data and Digital Technology’ Interim Report
Machine Learning & the Copyright Act – should text & data mining (TDM) be made an exception to copyright infringement?
Overview of other issues in the Interim Report – Data Access, Privacy Regulation, Digital Financial Reporting
Submission process (deadline for submissions is 15 September 2025).

This event is a joint initiative of the WA Data Science Innovation Hub, Perth Machine Learning Group, Stratocumulus Legal and Stirling & Rose.

CERI: Concept to Creation
2025-09-04 17:00 - 19:00 | 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

2025 AAMEG Awards Ceremony and Reception
2025-09-04 17:15 - 20:00 | Pan Pacific Hotel Perth, 207 Adelaide Tce, Perth, WA, 6000, Australia
AAMEG welcomes members and non-members to attend the seventh annual Africa Awards, to be held at the Pan Pacific Hotel in Perth.
The Ceremony ties in with the second night of Africa Down Under conference, where a formal Cocktail Reception – sponsored by CrossBoundary Energy – is set to be held.
Whether you are nominee, or are simply interested in learning more about how good ESG principles can be applied in the mining and resources sector; you are welcome to attend.
THE CATEGORIES ARE:

Excellence in Social Development Award, Sponsored by Minerals Council of Australia: For community engagement and local development projects making a real difference.
Excellence in Innovation Award, Sponsorship Available: For clever, forward-thinking ideas that lift performance, sustainability, or outcomes for people on the ground.
Operational Excellence Award, Sponsored by JTSI (now DEED): For companies leading the way in safety, efficiency, and responsible practices.
The Change Maker Award, Sponsored by Perenti: For a not-for-profit or charity that’s delivering meaningful, measurable impact in Africa.
The Rising Star Award, Sponsorship Available: For emerging talent that’s shaping the future of our industry.

Pitch Perfect - Small Business Sales Pitch Competition: Held in the Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale
2025-09-04 17:30 - 20:30 | Serpentine Jarrahdale Community Resource Centre, 2 Paterson Street, Mundijong, WA, 6123
Join the Byford Co.Lab for an inspiring evening where 10 passionate local entrepreneurs take the stage to pitch their businesses to YOU! This isn’t just another networking event – it’s your chance to discover the innovative minds shaping our community’s future.

Circular Economy for a Sustainable Future
2025-09-04 18:00 - 20:00 | Murdoch University
Towards a Circular Economy: Rethinking Waste, Resources and Innovation
Join UNAA (WA) for an engaging event exploring how Western Australia can transition to a circular economy. Hear from industry leaders, innovators, and community changemakers who are reimagining systems of production and consumption to reduce waste, regenerate natural systems, and build a more sustainable future.
This event aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, in particular: SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production, SDG 13 – Climate Action, and SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals.
The event will be addressed by prominent voices in sustainability who have vested interest in the advancement of environmental goals and creating more sustainable cities.
All proceeds go towards supporting UNAA WA’s Environment Committee’s work to promote awareness and action towards reaching UN SDGs, raising the visibility of worthy organisations and individuals committed to the cause.

DEADLINE: Smart50 2025
2025-09-05 08:00 - 09:00 | Apply online
Smart50 is SmartCompany’s premier award program that elevates and celebrates exceptional innovation, growth and the community of small and medium businesses across Australia. Deadline 12 Sept

THE SMART50 CATEGORIES

These are 12 dedicated category awards that recognise leaders in community, innovation and more

THE SMART50 AWARDS LIST

For 15+ years, SmartCompany’s annual award list counts down the 50 fastest growing Australian SMEs.

Learn more and nominate https://events.smartcompany.com.au/smart50_awards_2025

DEADLINE: 2025 Shaping Australia Awards
2025-09-05 08:00 - 09:00 | Apply online
The Shaping Australia Awards, proudly presented by Universities Australia, shine a spotlight on the impactful contributions universities make each day – shaping our nation’s future through teaching, research and community service.
‍Two winners per category will be awarded – one selected by the Australian public through the People’s Choice voting system, and one chosen by a panel of eminent Australians.
The awards celebrate excellence in teaching, research and community service, acknowledging the contribution universities and the people in them make to Australia and Australians.
Nominate by 5 September 2025

SBA Small Business Awards 2025
2025-09-05 18:00 - 23:00 | Rendezvous Hotel, 148 The Esplanade, Scarborough, WA, 6019
Join for the SBA Small Business Awards 2025 – a night dedicated to honouring the businesses that drive innovation, growth, and resilience.
More than just an event, it’s a platform to recognise the achievements and impact of small and local businesses, appreciate their hard work, dedication, and generosity, and celebrate their success and contributions to our community.

DEADLINE: Blackbird Giants Mentoring Program
2025-09-07 08:00 - 09:00 | Apply online
Giants is a free online program run by Blackbird twice a year, with eight week cohorts it is specifically for aspiring, early-stage founders. All you need are the beginnings of an idea that you’re hoping to explore and validate.
Book mentoring sessions to receive personalised advice and join live content sessions based on the stage of your startup. Plus, once you’re in the community, you have lifetime access to a Knowledge Hub of pre-recorded resources.

Summary of eligibility requirements

You must be actively working on a startup idea.
At least one person in the founding team has a connection with Australia and New Zealand.
You have been working on the startup idea for less than two years.
All members of the founding team are over 18 years old.
If your startup idea is an agency, services business, intrapreneurship project, charity, social enterprise or lifestyle business, you are not eligible for Giants.

CRC-P Round 18 Information Session
2025-09-08 11:00 - 12:30 | online
Join us for an informative online session to get all the info you need to maximise your chances of winning a CRC-P grant.

The CRC-P grants are highly competive and there have been significant changes between Round 17 and 18. This online information session will give you the tools you need to maximise your chance of success. The session is presented in partnership with the Department of Industry, Science, and Resources and gemaker.
CRC-P grants support industry-led collaboration with short term (up to three years) matched funding of up to $3 million to develop innovative technologies, products, and services. Projects must:

develop a product, service or process that will solve problems for industry and deliver real outcomes
benefit small to medium enterprises (SMEs)
include education and training activities

Round 18 of the CRC-P grants scheme is now open and closes on 7 October 2025, 5:00pm AEDT.

Get Investment Ready Webinar
2025-09-08 16:00 - 17:30 | online
For startup founders, small businesses and entrepreneurs who want to learn about raising capital from angel (early stage) investors.
Join Tash Teakle and Amy Carter-James for this interactive online workshop taking you through different types of investors and what they look for, various pitch types and structures, along with common mistakes and tips for capital fundraising.
Tash is an experienced early stage investor who has helped multiple startups through her Innovation Cluster and AgriStart businesses focusing on agtech, sustainable industries, business strategy, and regional innovation. She was on the judging panel for the WA Innovator of the Year Awards for over 6 years, along with being the co-founder of co-working space The Set and having multiple board roles including Chair for Busselton Jetty Inc.
Amy is a startup founder who founded a multi-award-winning social enterprise in Mozambique, lifting thousands of people out of poverty while creating one of the world’s top sustainable tourism businesses. She is now co-founder of Raaise, an online fundraising copilot with powerful workflows and tools to streamline a fundraise along with investor matching to maximise chances of success for startups driving planet-positive solutions.
Brought to you with thanks to the Department of Energy and Economic Diversification’s New Industries Fund X-TEND WA Program

StudyPerth - Pitch to Purpose: Grand Final Pitch Night
2025-09-08 17:00 - 19:30 | StudyPerth Student Hub, 555 Wellington Street, Perth
Join StudyPerth for their Pitch to Purpose: Grand Final Pitch Night, where international students and recent graduates pitch their skills, vision, and potential directly to WA businesses and recruiters.

This event offers a unique opportunity to meet highly skilled, job-ready international students and graduates across various fields, including IT, Data Science, Finance, HR, Marketing, Geoscience, Engineering, Law, and more.
Please complete this RSVP form to secure your spot. Numbers are limited.

Centurion’s Green Milestone: Off-Grid Battery Electric Trucks in Action
2025-09-09 09:00 - 12:00 | Centurion, 1300 Abernethy Road, Perth Airport, WA, 6105
Come see Centurion’s latest off-grid battery electric trucks in action at our Green Milestone event – it’s going to be electrifying!

Join AIE at Centurion for an exciting showcase of off-grid battery electric trucks revolutionizing the transportation industry. Witness these eco-friendly vehicles in action and learn about the future of sustainable transportation. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to see cutting-edge technology in motion!
Centurion is proud to announce a major milestone in sustainable transport — the commissioning of its South charging site at Perth Airport, bringing our full fleet of 30 Mercedes-Benz eActros 300 Battery Electric Trucks into operation.
This $36 million project, delivered in partnership with ARENA, Daimler Truck, Cape Dunstans, Switch Batteries, and bp Australia, is Australia’s first fully off-grid, renewable-powered truck fleet. Supported by 4.4MW of rooftop solar, 10.3MWh of battery storage, and 15 dual-port fast and slow chargers, the project demonstrates how industry collaboration, renewable energy, and innovation can create a greener, more resilient future for freight and logistics.

An introduction to Australian Government procurement for suppliers workshop
2025-09-09 11:00 - 12:00 | online
An introduction to Australian Government procurement for suppliers workshop. This session is intended as an introductory session to help potential suppliers understand how to participate in Australian Government procurement and contracting opportunities.
What you’ll learn:

Why you may want to sell to the Australian Government
What the Australian Government buys and how
Procurement methods and industry engagement
How to start the process to sell
Responding to an approach to market
What to expect if you win a contract
What to expect if you don’t win a contract

Building your best tender response workshop. This session will provide businesses with practical steps for developing stronger tender responses and build their understanding of the process for lodging a tender submission.
What you’ll learn:

A brief overview of the Commonwealth Procurement Framework
How Australian Government organisations approach the market
Best practices for responding to an approach to market
Tender writing tips and key elements for a successful response
Common pitfalls and how to avoid them

The sessions will run for approximately 60 minutes, including time for Q&A.

Applying to register your R&D activities
2025-09-09 11:00 - 12:30 | online
The Department of Industry, Science and Resources holds regular information sessions and forums to help build understanding about the R&D Tax Incentive (R&DTI).

Co-hosted by the department and the Australian Taxation Office (ATO), information sessions enable you to apply for the R&DTI with confidence. With live guidance from program specialists, get practical resources on program requirements including assessing eligibility, planning, applying and record-keeping.
Designed for:

companies preparing to apply or seeking more program information.

What you will learn:

understanding the differences between applying, registration and eligibility
insights from the experience of registration team members
common issues seen in applications and how to avoid them
the information needed in records and evidence to support your application
practical tips for completing your application effectively
where to get support and further resources.

Format:

1-hour interactive presentation

Purpose Ventures: Student Seminar with Derek Gerrard
2025-09-09 13:00 - 14:00 | Mannkal Economic Education Foundation, 31 Hood Street, Subiaco, WA, 6008
Join as Derek Gerrard discusses entrepreneurship and innovation and Purpose Ventures.
Derek Gerrard is a seasoned entrepreneur, investor, and advisor with over 25 years of experience in the tech startup ecosystem. As the Founder of Purpose Ventures, a Perth-based venture capital fund, Derek is dedicated to backing purpose-driven founders and helping them scale companies that create meaningful, global impact. From Pre-Seed to Series B, he seeks out ambitious founders chasing their life cause, those who are bold enough to build globally significant businesses with purpose at their core.

2025 HARVEST Agtech Innovation Showcase & Pitch Night
2025-09-09 17:00 - 19:00 | Burswood on Swan, 1 Camfield Dr, Burswood, WA, 6100
This Agtech Innovation Showcase & Pitch Night is an expo style networking event featuring the latest businesses looking to innovate in the Agtech industry. These start-ups and SME’s will have their innovations on display and pitch for investment opportunities.
The businesses have all been participants in the HARVEST Agtech Accelerator program. HARVEST is WA’s leading business development program for businesses looking to innovate in the Agtech industry.
2025 HARVEST Agtech Innovation Showcase & Pitch Night

Morning Startup Presentation
2025-09-10 07:30 - 09:00 | Riff, 45 St Georges Tce, Perth, Australia
Morning Startup – Perth
If you’re involved in a startup, or thinking about starting one, chances are you can learn from others that are doing and thinking the same.
Morning Startup is a fortnightly morning catchup where founders, potential entrepreneurs and others in the startup community (VCs and Angels welcome) get together to learn something interesting, get feedback on idea, vent frustrations, and meet some new friends in the game.
If you’re not a morning person, we also host a casual afterwork catchup on the first Wednesday of each month called Founder Sundowner.
We look forward to seeing you there!
You can contact the organisers either by sending a message through this meetup group, or via:

contact@morningstartup.com
slack.morningstartup.com
twitter.com/morningstartup
facebook.com/morningstartup
linkedin.com/company/morning-startup

Blak Angels Investor Network Breakfast
2025-09-10 08:00 - 10:30 | The Shoe Bar and Cafe, 376-420 Wellington Street, Perth, WA, 6000
Blak Angels Investment Network Breakfast – Connecting Captial with First Nations Innovation
An exclusive breakfast bringing together First Nations startup founders and investors to build powerful connections and drive Indigenous-led innovation.
Hear from Blak Angels investment Network and exceptional Indigenous founders as they share insights, opportunities, and success stories. Discover new partnerships, exchange ideas, and accelerate investment in First Nations businesses.
Speakers

Hon Stephen Dawson MLC – Minister for Regional Development; Ports; Science and Innovation; Medical Research; Kimberley
Jahna Cedar OAM – Cedar Consulting Enterprises; Co-Chair, First Nations X
Gordon Cole – Chairperson, Noongar Chamber of Commerce & Industry
Sam Edgar – Founder, Kaarli; NAIDOC Business of the Year, NAIDOC Awards 2025
Jasmin Kadic – Managing Director, Benang Infrastructure
Kent Matla – Chair, Australian Innovation Management Institute; Board Director, First Nations X

This event is presented in collaboration between the Black Angels Investment Network and First Nations X, with generous support from the New Industries Fund, Department of Energy & Economic Diversification.

AARP Networking Event
2025-09-10 08:00 - 11:00 | Australian Automation and Robotics Precinct, Pederick Rd, Neerabup, WA
The Australian Automation and Robotics Precinct (AARP) is a world-leading collaborative innovation hub and Australia’s largest test and development site supporting the advancement of automation, robotics, remote operations and zero emissions technologies globally.
As a leading global destination for technology trailblazers, the AARP’s state-of-the-art facilities provide large corporates, small to medium enterprises and startups access to multi-purpose and multi-use test beds for testing and development of robotics and autonomous equipment to accelerate technology development in real-world conditions, without the obstacles of accessing a production environment.
Each month the AARP hosts exciting events designed to connect the robotics and automation ecosystem, share insights, and explore the latest in robotics technology.

Industry Tour of the Western Trade Coast - Tour, Talk and Lunch
2025-09-10 09:00 - 14:00 | Gary Holland Centre, 19 Kent Street, Rockingham, WA, 6168
The Western Trade Coast Industry Tour, offers timely insights into WA’s evolving industrial and energy landscape.
Held alongside the 24th Energy in Western Australia Conference, this tour aligns with the broader theme of Progressing WA’s Energy Economy with Confidence & Pace. It’s a practical opportunity to explore how strategic precincts shape the state’s energy, infrastructure, and manufacturing future.
This half-day tour provides a grounded overview of the Western Trade Coast, one of WA’s most important industrial corridors. Participants will visit key locations such as the Australian Marine Complex, Westport, and emerging clean energy hubs.
Tour Highlights:

Australian Marine Complex, Henderson – Defence, shipbuilding, and AUKUS
Kwinana & Rockingham Industrial Areas – Energy and industry in transition
Latitude 32 – Land supply and logistics integration
Westport – Perth’s next-generation port development
Energy & Renewables – Hydrogen, battery materials, and future industries
Infrastructure Pipeline – Road, rail, and planning updates
Live Q&A on board – Engage with industry commentators throughout the journey

Designed for professionals across infrastructure, energy, logistics, and government, the tour offers insight, connection, and real-time context.

INVESTinWA | Investing in Innovation Seminar | Bunbury
2025-09-10 09:30 - 15:30 | Bunbury Geographe Chamber of Commerce and Industry, 15 Stirling Street, Bunbury, Western Australia, 6230, Australia
In collaboration with the South West Angels and supported by the Bunbury Geographe Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BGCCI), INVESTinWA is proud to present a unique seminar on best practices and opportunities in innovation investing.
Free to attend and includes a light networking lunch, this seminar will help you understand why innovation matters, who is driving innovation, and where the investment opportunities lie.

Hear from industry practitioners in innovation investing, specialists in finance and tax considerations and legal agreement issues.
Understand why innovation matters, who is innovating and the opportunities in innovation investing.
Assess your own strengths, gaps, And preferences to start building your own individual investment thesis as a guard rail to guide your choices – where you wish to get your share in WA’s innovation.

Spotlight on Commercialisation Series for Curtin Staff and Students
2025-09-10 12:30 - 13:30 | Curtin University
Exclusive to Curtin staff and students, the Spotlight on Commercialisation series introduces the principles of research commercialisation, what’s involved, and what support mechanisms are in place for them at Curtin for early-stage commercialisation projects.
Managing IP with Intan Oldakowska

Gain a basic understanding of how Intellectual Property (IP) can benefit your research career and be used to leverage commercialisation activities with founder of RexOrtho and EarFlo Intan Oldakowska. This session will cover basic concepts and terminology related to IP management and showcase how research-based discoveries can be a valuable asset in the commercialisation pathway.

Funding Sources

This session will explore how to keep your project on the path towards commercialisation, addressing gaps in technical and commercial development through a range of internal and external funding opportunities.

Pitching and Storytelling

Turn your research into a compelling narrative that captivates your audiences, making your research not just understood but also felt and remembered. This session will give you the tools to pitch your research story confidently and with poise.
This series is supported by the Resources Technology and Critical Minerals Trailblazer. Curtin University has partnered with The University of Queensland and James Cook University, together with industry partners across Australia, to accelerate innovation, commercialisation and research in the resources technology and critical minerals sector.

WA BioCheers with Orthocell
2025-09-10 17:00 - 19:30 | Fraser’s Kings Park, 60 Fraser Avenue, Perth, WA, 6005, Australia
BioCheers brings together AusBiotech members and non-members in the life sciences, including therapeutics, medical technology (devices and diagnostics), digital health, and agri-biotech sectors.
These informal networking events provide an opportunity to catch up with friends and colleagues, share ideas, build relationships and make new contacts in Western Australia’s vibrant biotechnology community.
