WA Innovation Calendar

DEADLINE: Solar Sunshot Program (ARENA) Round 1A
2024-12-20 08:00 - 09:00 (Australia/Perth) | online
The Solar SunShot program aims to support innovative solar PV manufacturing facilities in Australia across the solar supply chain.
The total funding allocated for the program is up to $1 billion (total funding allocation). The amount of funding allocated for a funding round will be specified in the relevant funding announcement.
Two funding rounds have been announced under the program, and each round has its own outcomes.
Round 1A
ARENA has allocated $500 million to Round 1A: Solar PV Manufacturing Innovation. Round 1 A focuses on modules, inputs to modules (e.g. solar glass and frames) as well as deployment systems (e.g. innovative solar racking).
Round 1B
ARENA has allocated $50 million to Round 1B: Solar PV Manufacturing Studies: feasibility studies and FEED.

Startup Today: Coffee with a CTO
2024-12-21 10:30 - 12:00 | Zamia Cafe, 50 May Drive, West Perth, WA, 6005
Join us for the next Coffee with a CTO session, featuring Patrick Green -Director of Tekkon and a seasoned CTO with over 20 years of experience in industries like IT, oil & gas, and manufacturing.
Patrick has been a startup founder twice himself, plus has a proven track record of helping startups and scale-ups develop the tech strategies they need to grow, with expertise in team building, platform design, and agile methodologies.
This intimate event at Zamia Café in Kings Park is your chance to connect with Patrick, ask your burning questions, and gain real-world insights into navigating the challenges of tech startups.
Whether you’re a technical or non-tech startup founder exploring the tech landscape or a developer aiming to step into a CTO role, this is the perfect setting to learn and network.
Event Details:
📅 Date: Saturday, 21st December, 2024
🕥 Time: 10:30 AM
📍 Location: Zamia Café, Kings Park
💲 Cost: Just grab a coffee and join the conversation!

DEADLINE: Climate Tech Lab to Market Program
2024-12-27 08:00 - 17:00 | Apply online
EnergyLab’s Climate Tech Lab to Market Program is an 9-week journey, delivered virtually connecting individuals with the resources and mentorship to understand how their research might be commercialised through entrepreneurship – that is becoming a founder, and launching a startup. Paving your path for success, this is your entry point into Australia’s largest network of climate tech entrepreneurs and investors. The Climate Tech Lab to Market program is proudly funded by the NSW Government.

Applications open: 1 December 2024 – 9 March 2025
Interviews: 10 – 14 March 2025
Program runs: 24 March – 22 May 2025

The program costs $450 (including GST) and includes:

9 weeks of workshops, panel discussions and Q&As
Frameworks and course content you can keep and use again
1-1 startup mentoring from one of our exceptional mentors (2x one-hour sessions)
Individual check-ins with our Lab to Market Program Lead
Access to Sydney coworking space

Perth AI Innovators Meetup
2025-01-02 19:00 - 21:00 | The Platform, 256 Adelaide Terrace #3 Perth, WA 6000 Australia, Perth, Australia, 6000, Indonesia
“Perth AI Innovators is a vibrant community of AI enthusiasts, developers, and innovators based in Perth to democratise Artificial Intelligence (AI), especially in Australia.
Perth AI Innovators was founded by Adi Tedjasaputra and Eunice Sari in early 2024 with the following vision and mission statement
Vision
We are dedicated to becoming a platform-agnostic community to democratise Artificial Intelligence (AI) by making AI knowledge and skills accessible to everyone and leveraging the unique strengths of this technology to drive innovation in technology design and development, contributing to the global AI ecosystem.
Missions
We strive to build a diverse and inclusive community where enthusiasts, professionals, and newcomers can collaborate, learn, and innovate together. By fostering a culture of openness and support, we aim to break down barriers to AI adoption and drive forward technological advancements that benefit all sectors of society.
As a platform-agnostic community, we aim to:

To create a future where AI empowers and benefits everyone.
To drive AI advancements with a focus on ethical and equitable development.
To lead programs that educate and inspire individuals from all backgrounds.
To build a network that supports and amplifies diverse voices in AI.
To be at the forefront of creating an inclusive and innovative AI future.“

DEADLINE: 2025 AgriFutures Learning and Development Opportunities
2025-01-08 08:00 - 09:00 | Apply online
These programs are tailored to help you grow, lead, and make a positive impact in your industry. You can apply for one or more of the programs via a single application form and will have the option to answer the questions through either written or video format.
Here’s what’s on offer to you:
👣 Australian Institute of Company Directors Foundations of Directorship
👔 Australian Institute of Company Directors Company Directors Course
🚜 Australian Rural Leadership Foundation Australian Agribusiness Leadership Program
🌱 Australian Rural Leadership Foundation TRAIL Emerging Leaders Program
🤠 Marcus Oldham College Rural Leadership Program
Applications for these opportunities will close Wednesday, 8 January 2025 ⏰
It’s always the right time to develop your skills, make valuable connections and invest in your future.

Lean Startup Perth: First-Timers
2025-01-08 18:00 - 19:00, 2025-01-22 18:00 - 19:00 | online
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).
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,

DEADLINE: Major Research and Innovation Application Support Program
2025-01-10 08:00 - 09:00 | Apply online
The Major Research and Innovation Application Support (MRIAS) Program provides in-principle cash commitments for Western Australian grant applications being submitted to nationally or internationally competitive external grant funding programs (External Programs), to boost their chance of success.
MRIAS aims to promote high-quality research and innovation, enable opportunities for the translation of findings into new knowledge and improved human health and wellbeing, and enhance Western Australia’s standing as a leader in health and medical research and innovation.
In-principle cash commitments of up to $1 million will be awarded through a competitive and merit-based process and successful MRIAS applicants will be provided with a letter of support to submit with their External Program application.
MRIAS applicants must be at the full application stage of the relevant External Program (i.e. not the Expression of Interest stage) and intending to apply to the External Program within twelve months from the closing date for the MRIAS round being applied to.

Morning Startup Presentation
2025-01-15 07:30 - 09:00, 2025-01-29 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

DEADLINE: Operations Coordinator, WA, MTPConnect – WA Life Sciences Innovation Hub
2025-01-15 08:00 - 09:00 | Apply online
MTPConnect is seeking an Operations Coordinator, WA. This is an exciting opportunity to join a leading not-for-profit organisation working to accelerate the rate of growth of the health and medical life sciences sector in Western Australia – and Australia and build a more resilient and competitive medical products industry.
About the opportunity
MTPConnect partners with the Western Australian State Government and the University of Western Australia to deliver the WA Life Sciences Innovation Hub (WALSIH), which aims to accelerate economic growth and create new jobs by supporting the growth of the health and medical life sciences sector in WA. It is one of the four WA Government Innovation Hubs that deliver programs to connect the innovation community, build capacity and new skills, attract investment, and foster commercialisation.
The Operations Coordinator, WA is a newly established role and will report to MTPConnect Director, Stakeholder Engagement, WA. The role will provide comprehensive operational support to the MTPConnect WALSIH team of three, enabling them to deliver on their objectives effectively.
The role is full-time (0.8FTE will be considered) with considerable flexibility; fully remote, office based or hybrid working environments can be accommodated.
This is an opportunity to apply your operational and administration skills and experience to contribute to the growth of WA’s health and medical life sciences sector.

DEADLINE: Australian Offshore Wind (OSW) Innovation Challenge
2025-01-15 09:00 - 10:00 | Apply online
Beyond its crucial role in the energy transition, how can responsible offshore wind also have a net-positive impact on the ocean and biodiversity?

The Offshore Wind Net Positive Challenge presented by Southerly Ten will create opportunities for innovative Australian and New Zealand companies to work with the emerging OSW industry, enabling it to be a force for good for the climate, ocean, and biodiversity.
Deadline extended to 15 Jan 2025

Peel Enterprise Connect Visitors and Guests
2025-01-16 17:30 - 18:30 | Nabo @ Mataya Eatery, 20 Sholl St, Mandurah, WA, 6210
Peel Enterprise Connect Visitors and Guests
Peel Enterprise Connect (PEC) offers an innovative approach to business referral networking, tailored for local business owners. Attendees will have the opportunity to connect with like-minded professionals, engage in a dynamic program of business support and learning, and develop authentic referral relationships. The meetings aim to foster business growth and network expansion in a supportive environment. Thu 16 Jan

DEADLINE (extended): CORE Hot 30 Awards
2025-01-17 08:00 - 09:00 | Apply online
Celebrating the hottest Australian innovators in the mining, energy, resources, oil & gas, space and defence industries.

DEADLINE: Rio Tinto & Founders Factory Mining Tech Program
2025-01-17 08:00 - 09:00 | Apply online
Founders Factory and Rio Tinto are partnering with early stage startups across the world to fund and accelerate technologies shaping the future of mining and expediting the path to a Net Zero future.
Operating from both our hub in Perth and remote, the program offers founders access to Rio Tinto’s industrial expertise and advanced mining facilities in Western Australia, in addition to a 4 month cohort-based support program led by expert operators.

Join the program

Synthetic Biology Australasia (SBA) Seminar
2025-01-17 13:00 - 14:00 | The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley, WA, 6009, Australia
Topic: Artifical Cells & Prodrug development
Discover how artificial cells and organelles interact with mammalian systems, explore the creation of entirely synthetic cells, and learn about innovative approaches using organic chemistry and synthetic biology tools. Whether your expertise lies in chemistry, biochemistry, or beyond, this seminar promises to inspire and ignite new ideas with its multidisciplinary approach.

DEADLINE: Job Opportunitiy – Business Development Manager – IP Commercialisation
2025-01-19 08:00 - 09:00 | Apply online
$133,991 – $141,543 (G09) per annum, plus 17% superannuation
Full time, 2 year fixed term opportunity
Help innovators develop real world solutions to business problems!

The Resources Technology and Critical Minerals (RTCM) Trailblazer was launched in 2022 and supports innovation and commercialisation projects in partnership with industry. Your role will be focused on technologies being supported by the RTCM Trailblazer through the development and commercialisation phases, and you will have experience and/or knowledge relevant to the resources sector.

DEADLINE: Volvo Environment Prize 2025
2025-01-20 07:00 - 08:00 | online
Laureates represent all fields of environmental and sustainability studies and initiatives.
The Prize is awarded by an independent foundation. A Scientific Committee does the initial screening and evaluation of candidates. Internationally renowned scientists in the Prize Jury make the final selection of prize laureate.
The Prize is awarded annually and consists of a hand-crafted diploma, a glass sculpture and a cash award of SEK 1.5 million (approximately Euro 135,000 or USD 140,000). The award ceremony is held in Stockholm or Gothenburg, Sweden in November each year.

Accelerated Mineral Carbonation Research Program Info Session
2025-01-20 10:00 - 11:00 | online
The AMC Research Program includes funding support for:

Breakthrough Projects (2 available up to $750,000 each, financial leverage greater than or equal to 4)

For large-scale, high-risk, high-reward research initiatives
Projects must involve at least one industry partner
3-year duration

Innovation Projects (5 available up to $150,000 each, financial leverage greater than or equal to 4)

For targeted research on specific aspects of mineral carbonation
Projects must involve at least one industry partner
2-year duration

Rapid Response Projects (10 available up to $25,000 each, financial leverage greater than or equal to 2)

For short-term, focused studies addressing urgent challenges
Funding support available to industry, First Nations, university and government organisation applicants
6-month duration

Sign up to the information session and learn more about the program

WADSIH x AI Advancements Evening AI Meetup
2025-01-20 17:00 - 19:00 | Riff, 45 St Georges Tce, Perth, Australia
Learn how to use AI to efficiently manage, organise and automate your email at Evening AI Meetup in Perth’s CBD.
Event Link

Startup Genome Global Growth Webinar
2025-01-21 12:00 - 13:00 | online
Scaleups are the engines of innovation and economic growth, but they often face critical gaps to succeed internationally. That’s where Startup Genome’s Global Growth Program makes a difference.
What you’ll gain:

A deep dive into the Global Growth Program and how it drives effective go-to-market strategies.
Exclusive details about Startup Genome 2025 programs, including enrollment details and costs.
Steps to secure a spot for your region’s top scaleups in this transformative program.

AWS User Group Meetup: re:Invent re:Cap Community Edition
2025-01-21 17:30 - 19:30 | Riff, 45 St Georges Tce, Perth, Australia
This meetup event is run by a group of Amazon Web Services (AWS) enthusiasts sharing their experiences with the AWS platform.
Learn more here

DEADLINE: EmpowerHER Investment Ready Program
2025-01-22 08:00 - 09:00 | Apply online
EmpowerHER is tailored for women-led startups that have moved beyond the idea stage and are making progress toward investment readiness. Whether you’re a solo founder with a clear vision, part of an established team with strong female leadership, or even if you’re unsure whether you’re at the right stage for this program, all female entrepreneurs are encouraged to apply. Read more here

Regional Business HQ: 2025 Digital Trends
2025-01-28 11:00 - 13:00 | online
This is a practical workshop about building your business. This isn’t one where we talk about flying cars, or robots cooking your dinner when you are not home. These are the trends Nicky (workshop facilitator) believes will have the most significant impact on your business in 2025 and are the most important for businesses to have on their radar.
This workshop is presented as part of the Digital Solutions Program.

DEADLINE: Lithium Industry Loan Facility
2025-01-31 08:00 - 09:00 | Apply online
The State’s rapid lithium industry growth over the recent years has placed WA as a global leader in supporting the renewable energy transition, with WA currently supplying approximately 50% of the world’s lithium. In the last financial year, WA’s lithium industry generated more than $8 billion in sales and supported more than 11,000 local jobs. The loan facility is part of the of Western Australian Government’s $150 million lithium support package to protect jobs, ensure WA’s lithium industry continues to grow and sustain our economy.
Applications for the Lithium Industry Loan Facility open Friday 20 December 2024 and will close 5:00pm Friday 31 January 2025.

Investor and Founder Meetup – Perth
2025-02-03 18:00 - 20:00 | Parmelia Hilton, 14 Mill Street, Perth, WA, 6000
Start the year with an evening of networking, drinks, and insights on 2025’s top investment trends, opportunities, and expectations.

The event concludes with drinks and an engaging networking session. Investors, Founders and Industry Participants are welcome to join the session.

AgriFutures: Discover Australia Webinars
2025-02-04 - 2025-02-05 | online
Curious about Australia’s agrifood tech ecosystem? Join this webinar in February for an Introduction to Australia to gain valuable insights into the unique opportunities shaping Australia’s thriving agrifood innovation landscape. The event will include:

High-level insights into Australia’s agrifood tech ecosystem, including key industries and innovation priorities.

Insights into innovation support networks and resources for scaling your business into the Australian market.

Introductions to key individuals driving research, collaboration and innovation in agrifood tech.

There are Various Dates Available between February 4 – 5 for session 1 & 2.
Visit AgriFutures website to view the available times.

CORE Community Coffee
2025-02-05 10:00 - 11:00 | CORE Innovation Hub, 191 St. Georges Terrrace, Perth, WA, 6000, Australia
Join CORE Innovation Hub for a coffee and a chat and meet the local Perth energy and mining ecosystem.
Community Coffee is a great way to meet local innovators, technologists and entrepreneurs working to solve some of the big challenges. This is your opportunity to connect with CORE members and guests and find out more about the opportunities and the challenges within the sector.

The Australian Critical Minerals R&D Hub: Mobilising Australia’s critical minerals industry
2025-02-05 10:30 - 11:30 | online
Join CSIRO to find out more about what is happening across federal government in critical minerals, how technical expertise from the Hub’s partners is having an impact, and to find out more about the Hub’s future plans.

They will provide:

background on the technical expertise the 3 partners have been providing to inform Australian Government policy
detail on the research projects underway
insight into the engagement and collaboration opportunities with Australia’s strategic partners.

Perth Biodesign 2025 Flagship Program Info Session
2025-02-05 12:00 - 13:00 | online
​Register now for this live session with the program directors and program alumni.
​​​You’ll learn all about the program structure, what’s involved, how past cohorts went, tips for the application process and the time commitment. You’ll also hear from Biodesign alumni about their experience and there will be plenty of time for questions!
