WA Innovation Calendar

Meshpoints Town Hall: Introducing Our Resilience & Wellbeing Challenge
2026-04-23 08:00 - 11:00 (Australia/Perth) | Riff, 45 St Georges Tce, Perth, Australia
Join the second Meshpoints Town Hall of 2026, which will share key updates, introduce new opportunities, and outline how you can get involved in the next phase of Meshpoints’ Challenge-led funding model.
Key announcements and opportunities include:
🧠 Introducing Challenge #2: focused on resilience and wellbeing for founders across WA’s innovation ecosystem. This will be grounded in insights from StartupWA’s latest founder survey and recent mental health and wellbeing roundtable, helping shape the challenge, why it matters, and the types of initiatives we’re looking to support. Up to $100,000 in total funding is available, with up to $20,000 per initiative.
🚀 Announcing Challenge #1 recipients: hear directly from the not-for-profit organisations funded through our Promotion & Storytelling Challenge, and the impact they’re aiming to create.
💡 Interactive workshop: designed to help you develop and submit a strong expression of interest for Challenge #2.
Following formalities and announcements, there will be an optional hands-on workshop where you’ll be guided through shaping an initiative aligned with the founder wellbeing Challenge. You’ll leave with a clearer concept, practical guidance, and the opportunity to submit your Expression of Interest on the spot.
Please note, this Town Hall is exclusive to Meshpoints Partners. If you’re not yet a Partner, you can join for free to access this event and future funding opportunities. Click here to join as a partner!

From IP to Investment: What Investors Look for in a Patent Portfolio
2026-04-23 10:00 - 11:00 | online, Australia
The first session in Victorian Medtech Skills and Devices Hub’s 2026 Medtech Skills Online Spotlight Series, this free lunchtime webinar will show you how investors assess your IP and how to position it to support funding.
If you’re developing a medtech idea, securing investment depends on more than the innovation itself. Investors look closely at your patent position to assess risk, ownership, and commercial potential.
This session will show you what matters and how to avoid common IP gaps that can delay or block funding. You’ll learn how investors assess these key areas of your patent portfolio and what to prioritise.

NewQ Webinar: From Quantum Idea to Quantum Startup
2026-04-23 11:00 - 12:00 | online, Australia
In this live webinar, the Quantum Australia team will walk you through how NewQ works, what to expect each week, and how to know if the program is right for you (or your students, team or collaborators).
This webinar will also include a showcase of NewQ participants, sharing the kinds of ideas, technologies and pathways teams are exploring through the program.

Heading to the horizon: innovation showcase and platform launch
2026-04-23 15:00 - 17:00 | City of Fremantle, Fremantle, WA, Australia
For Blue, City of Cockburn and support partners invite you to “Heading to the Horizon”, a showcase of emerging marine, maritime and naval innovations, and launch of new platforms and services for innovators, SMEs, corporates and investors.
This is your opportunity to see a vetted selection of the best innovations from the Cockburn instance of the Blue Gravity incubation program, and to get exclusive insight into the future support for ocean innovators, blue economy export market development and the best pathways and pipeline of ocean innovations.
Please arrive at 15:00 for networking before an official welcome at 15:30 followed by an hour of pitches, panel discussions and announcements, then networking from 16:30 to 17:00.

MarketOpen Investor Sundowner
2026-04-23 17:00 - 20:00 | Panorama Club, 3/201 Oxford Street, Leederville, WA, 6007
A rare opportunity for ASX-listed companies to present their best pitch to a curated audience of sophisticated investors, brokers, and industry professionals.
The line up: Buxton Resources | Viking Mines | Minrex Resources Limited (ASX:MRR) | Leeuwin Metals Ltd | Antares Metals Limited | Charger Metals | Strata Minerals Limited
MarketOpen’s Exclusive Investor Sundowner held at the Panorama Club, and sponsored by NAB, Leeuwin Wealth, Relait, Response Heavy Equipment Rentals and Frontline Drilling.

TRaCE R&D Co-Funding Webinar
2026-04-24 10:30 - 11:30 | online, Australia
Innovative businesses in clean energy and recycling are invited to this webinar to learn about co-funding options available through the Trailblazer for Recycling and Clean Energy (TRaCE) program. You’ll also hear directly from Mark Armstrong of CO2 Australia, one of our partners, on how it’s enabled their innovation journey.This interactive session will run on Friday 24 April from 12:30 to 1:30 AEST, and in addition to funding, will cover access to the University’s facilities, expertise, and the application process.

ON Innovation: Navigating Research Funding Opportunities
2026-04-28 12:00 - 14:00 | online, Australia
Navigating Research Funding Opportunities
Explore the funding landscape with expert guidance. Understand pathways, eligibility considerations, and how to position your research for success across a range of funding options.
The Foundation Skills online workshop series has been designed to give researchers from all types of research organisations a practical, confidence-building introduction to key skills that support successful research careers. The series offers a practical and flexible entry-point opportunity for researchers and teams to develop core entrepreneurial competencies and enhance their innovation readiness, with guidance on where to take their ideas next.

CERIously Overbooked
2026-04-28 17:00 - 20:00 | The Centre for Entrepreneurial Research and Innovation (CERI), Level 1, 22 Stirling Highway Nedlands, WA 6009, 6009, Australia
This marks CERI’s inaugural meetup for 2026, uniting kindred spirits hungry to push boundaries, shake up norms, and leave a mark on the world. Expect lively discussions, shared insights, and a sprinkle of laughter as we learn together in a way that’s not just educational but downright enjoyable.
The first book featured will be For Foods Sake, a book that pulls back the curtain on the food industry, revealing how processed foods are made, marketed, and manipulated to sway your choices.
“Centre for Entrepreneurial Research and Innovation (CERI) guides innovators to create impact. A social enterprise supporting the next generation of Western Australia’s entrepreneurs. Our programs are curated to educate and empower early-stage entrepreneurs, PhD students, and visionaries within the Western Australian community. We offer a range of services to help your startup grow. From education to mentorship, workplace residency, industry exposure, and access to an extensive network of experts and like-minded people”

Blockchain and the Law in Australia and Abroad
2026-04-28 17:00 - 20:00 | Curtin CBD (137 St Georges Tce), 137 St Georges Terrace, Perth, Western Australia, 6000, Australia
Join us in person for a deep dive into how blockchain technology is shaking up legal landscapes both in Australia and around the world. Whether you’re curious about regulations, compliance, or the future of digital assets, this event is your chance to get the lowdown from industry insiders.
Don’t miss out on the current regulatory updates, expert insights, and networking with industry professionals!

Y Combinator Insights for Australian Founders
2026-04-29 07:00 - 09:00 | online, Australia
​Y Combinator is widely regarded as the world’s leading startup accelerator. If you’re an Aussie founder considering an application, join 77 Partners for a practical, no-fluff AMA on what YC looks for, how to craft a standout application, and how to make the most of the program.
​Hosted by our Venture Partner Yotam Rosenbaum (YC W11), with additional YC alumni from Australia and the US, this session will cover what to expect, common pitfalls, and tactical tips specific to ANZ founders—followed by open Q&A.

Agtech Innovation Workshop
2026-04-29 09:00 - 14:00 | Wrays, Australia
This one day interactive workshop will provide networking opportunities for innovators in the Agtech sector, exploring industry challenges, identifying target customers, refining value propositions, and validating ideas.
Topics Covered:

Agtech sector challenges and opportunities
Target customers across the ag industry value chain
Value propositions for agricultural end users
Validation strategies tailored for ag industry stakeholders
Funding, investment and support services for commercialising agtech
Creating and protecting Intellectual Property
Applying for the HARVEST Agtech Accelerator program (currently open for applications)

Shaping the Skies: Advancing Aerial Drone Innovation in WA
2026-04-29 10:00 - 11:30 | Australian Automation and Robotics Precinct, Pederick Rd, Neerabup, WA, Australia
Do you have a passion for aerial drone technology? Join decision makers, pilots, researchers, drone builders, and ReOCs for an exciting event as we explore WA’s upcoming developments in aerial drone technology.
This event brings together industry professionals, technology developers, and aspiring enthusiasts from across WA to connect, share the latest developments, and discuss real-world applications in the aerial drone sector. It is designed to foster new connections and spark fresh collaborations and conversations across the community.

WA Sports Innovation Update & Insights – The Future of Fan Engagement and Stadium Experience
2026-04-29 17:00 - 19:30 | Town Hall at Riff, 45 St Georges Terrace, Perth, Western Australia, 6000, Australia
This event has been postponed to June-July 2026. Stay tuned for updates.
Join us for an engaging session on the latest developments in Western Australia’s sports innovation ecosystem, featuring key industry leaders and changemakers. Canapes and drinks will be provided.
Panel: The Future of Fan Engagement and Stadium Experience

Facilitator – Cassandra Calleja – The Sports Networker
Cass is a Fractional Commercial and Fan Experience Director working across sports organisations, venues and technology providers in Australia and APAC. Her experience spans major events, venues and leading sports technology platforms, including roles with VenueNext (Los Angeles), ECAL, EngageRM and MyVenue. She most recently served as Head of Business Development & Client Relations at SVB LIVE a leading global sports venue conference as well as the Steering Committee for the SEAT Conference. Her work focuses on strengthening the connection between fan experience, commercial performance and venue operations.

Panellist – Matt O’Sullivan – Head of Data & Technology, Fremantle FC
Matt has recently started in the newly created role of Head of Data & Technology at Fremantle Football Club having spent 12 years in technology roles at Chelsea FC in the Premier League. Matt will share what he learned from his experience in the EPL, how it differs from the Australian sports environment and what fan engagement looks like for a professional sporting club.

Panellist – Chris Andrich – General Manager – Venues, VenuesWest

Chris has been involved in sports facilities management for over 30 years, with more than 17 years’ experience as General Manager of Venues at VenuesWest. VenuesWest owns and manages Western Australia’s best sport and entertainment venues on behalf of the State Government. Chris will provide insights on the changing needs of fans across VenuesWest’s portfolio of facilities.

Panellist – Martin Schlegel – Executive Chair, ASTN

Martin has more than 25 years of experience in the sports technology and sports manufacturing industries. His regular travels into the US and European markets provide the ASTN with deep insights and connections into these markets. Martin will share what he is seeing globally from his recent experiences in stadia, fan and digital engagement.

Let's Talk Real Estate Tokenisation
2026-04-29 19:00 - 20:00 | online, Australia
Connect with investors, marketplace operators, and builders in the RWA space.
Get inspired by local and global success stories from the Blocksquare ecosystem.
Whether you’re in real estate, finance, blockchain and crypto or Web3, this is your opportunity to engage with pioneers leading the tokenization movement.

DPIRD 2026 WA Export Roundtable Breakfast Series
2026-04-30 07:30 - 10:30 | Duxton Hotel, 1 St Georges Tce, Perth, WA, 6000, Australia
The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development’s 2026 WA Export Roundtable Breakfast Series is a four‑part program aimed at providing Western Australian businesses with practical, strategic and experience‑led insights into global export environments.
Exclusive to agrifood and beverage businesses, the Roundtables offer a rare opportunity to engage directly with peers and experienced exporters.
Each roundtable builds on the last, so attendees are encouraged to participate in all four sessions.
30 April 2026: Roundtable Breakfast #1—Volatility is the new normal
25 June 2026: Roundtable Breakfast #2—Market selection without regret
20 August 2026: Roundtable Breakfast #3—What breaks first when producers go export-facing
15 October 2026: Roundtable Breakfast #4—Designing resilience without over-diversifying

Practical AI workshop for SMEs
2026-04-30 10:00 - 12:00 | Curtin CBD (137 St Georges Tce), 137 St Georges Terrace, Perth, Western Australia, 6000, Australia
WADSIH & the National AI Centre are hosting a practical session around responsible AI, solving business problems and practical how-to demos
The National AI Centre and the WA Data Science Innovation Hub (WADSIH) invite small and medium business leaders to explore how AI can work for your business practically and responsibly. This is a hands-on workshop, so be sure to bring your laptop.
This session will provide information from the National AI Centre on essential practices for responsible AI and move into a practical workshop with a focus on solving business problems, how-to demos on agentic AI tools (e.g. Claude Cowork) and how to use AI responsibly.

UWA Data Institute - Research Bytes | Discover. Engage. Connect.
2026-04-30 16:00 - 18:00 | The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley, WA, 6009, Australia
Join us for a dynamic Research Bytes session held each semester by the UWA Data Institute, where UWA researchers showcase the latest developments across data-driven science, engineering, health, and the humanities.
This event highlights how innovative research is tackling complex challenges, fostering cross-disciplinary collaboration, and unlocking new opportunities for industry engagement.
From emerging ideas to applied solutions, this session offers a unique glimpse into the breadth and impact of data-driven research happening right here in WA. Whether you’re in academia, industry, or simply curious about where data meets impact, this is an event you won’t want to miss.

Four on the Floor - four creatives. one floor. open conversation.
2026-04-30 17:00 - 20:00 | South West, WA, Australia
Join us on Thursday 30 April at Riversmith for a relaxed evening of community and connection with Four on the Floor as we bring together four creative thinkers for unscripted open conversation.
Just good thinking, honest stories and the kind of conversations that only happen when interesting people share the same floor. What follows is an open conversation about creativity, process, failure, success, the messy business of making ideas real and everything in between.
All welcome – this is an opportunity to meet and chat with other like-minded people in our industry. Registering is essential for our planning and catering we hope to see you there!
Thanks to Riversmith, Creative Tech Village, Dormilona and Beerfarm – supporting the creative industries.

Bloom Pitch Night (2.0)
2026-04-30 18:00 - 20:00 | St Catherine’s College Curtin, 433 University Bvd, Bentley, WA, 6102, Australia
Bloom is bringing you Pitch Night (2.0) — a fun, low-pressure night where you can get up and share pretty much anything. Pitch your startup. Pitch your side hustle. Pitch your friend. Practice your public speaking. Test out a random concept. Overshare a little. We’re not here to judge, we’re here for the vibes.
In collaboration with Sidequesters of Perth, this event is all about making pitching feel playful, social, and actually fun. You do not need to be super polished, super professional, or have your life together. This is a space to show up, have a go, and enjoy being around other creative, ambitious, and slightly chaotic people.
Expect short pitches, fun energy, drinks, nibbles, and a crowd that’s here to support, laugh, hype each other up, and maybe hear the next big idea… or just a very convincing case for why someone’s friend is the catch of the century.

Innovation Shed - Develop Skills. Build Business. Create Momentum.
2026-05-01 09:30 - 13:00 | Riff, 45 St Georges Tce, Perth, Australia
Innovation Shed is a hands-on learning session for early-stage Perth Innovators, from idea stage through to pre-revenue businesses.
Work directly on your idea alongside experienced mentors across six skill stations: Strategy & Validation, Product Development, Financial Planning, Marketing & Growth, and Innovator Wellbeing & Leadership. Less theory, more doing, leave with real progress on your innovation.
Fri 1 May, Riff: powered by Spacecubed.

2026 40under40 Awards
2026-05-01 18:30 - 23:00 | Crown Perth, Great Eastern Highway, Perth, WA, Australia
The 2026 40under40 Awards is Western Australia’s pre-eminent program that recognises and celebrates the state’s leading entrepreneurs, innovators, and future business leaders under the age of 40.
Each year, one exceptional individual is selected from the 40 winners as the First Amongst Equals.

State Quantum Showcase
2026-05-04 08:00 - 18:00 | The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley, WA, 6009, Australia
Quantum Australia offers international delegations a curated engagement program providing direct access to the country’s quantum ecosystem.
The program connects delegates with Australian quantum technology companies, research institutions, universities, and local industry end users that are exploring or adopting quantum technologies across priority sectors.

BrewHub and Connect –May
2026-05-04 10:00 - 11:00 | Australian Automation and Robotics Precinct, Pederick Rd, Neerabup, WA, Australia
Join for Brew Hub and Connect at the Australian Automation and Robotics Precinct.
This morning tea style event is a great opportunity to meet and connect with AARP users the broader robotics innovation ecosystem.

Site visit: PROK Australia manufacturing facility in Perth WA
2026-05-04 10:00 - 12:30 | PROK, 285 Collier Road, Bayswater, WA, 6053
Site visit: PROK Australia manufacturing facility in Perth WA
Join Engineers Australia for an exclusive site visit to PROK’s Western Australian facility, a global leader in conveyor component manufacturing. This session offers a deep dive into the engineering precision required to support the world’s most demanding mining operations.
Participants will explore the end-to-end production of high-performance pulleys and rollers, gaining insights into advanced automation, material science, and the rigorous testing protocols that ensure reliability in extreme environments. We will address the technical challenges of conveyor optimisation and the innovative design shifts currently driving efficiency and sustainability across the bulk materials handling industry.
Beyond the machinery, this tour focuses on the practical application of engineering excellence in a local manufacturing context. Attendees will engage with PROK’s technical experts to discuss real-world maintenance strategies, failure analysis, and the integration of smart technology into traditional hardware. This is a unique opportunity to see how Western Australian engineering is setting international benchmarks for safety and throughput.
Whether you are involved in asset management, structural design, or mechanical operations, you will walk away with a bolstered understanding of the lifecycle and performance of critical conveyor infrastructure.

From innovation, to industry, to impact: Translating Digital Health R&D
2026-05-04 12:00 - 14:00 | online, Australia
The rapid evolution of technology means digital health research is advancing fast. But too often, it struggles to translate into real-world impact – falling flat in practice.
What does industry need from researchers to make their discoveries work? Bringing together healthcare leaders with experience across R&D and implementation, this webinar will reveal: what industry looks for in digital health research, talent and partnerships | what makes (or breaks) the transition from research to real-world application | how to design research that is relevant, scalable and implementation-ready | actions researchers can take to increase uptake of their work.
If you want your research to land beyond the lab, this session will give you a clearer view of how to align with industry priorities and deliver impact where it matters.
Experience insightful presentations followed by a panel and audience-led Q&A discussion.

Blue Economy Webinar: What’s it Take to Develop Offshore Wind in Australia?
2026-05-04 13:00 - 14:30 | online, Australia
This Blue Economy CRC webinar will present the findings of the project ‘Pre-conditions for the Development of Offshore Wind Energy in Australia’ in three work packages, outlining what it takes to build an offshore wind industry in Australia.
Including Q&A & facilitated by Professor Marcus Haward.

ALTA Innovation in Mining & Metallurgical Processing Conference
2026-05-05 08:00 - 2026-05-07 17:00 | Pan Pacific Hotel Perth, 207 Adelaide Tce, Perth, WA, 6000, Australia
ALTA is a world-class annual mining and metallurgical processing conference, and a leading platform for innovation. ALTA conferences are well-known for providing exceptional opportunities to share ideas and develop new connections.
The carefully crafted program is practically oriented rather than academic, and the themes running through the conference reflect key current and developing technology trends.
Learn more and register here: ALTA Innovation in Mining & Metallurgical Processing Conference

Global Resources Innovation Expo (GRX26)
2026-05-05 08:00 - 2026-05-07 17:00 | Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre, 21 Mounts Bay Road, Perth, 6000, Australia
At GRX26, mining operators, METS innovators, engineers and constructors, processing and logistics specialists, government, research institutions, and global partners come together to share what’s working, challenge what isn’t, and commit to the collaborations that will shape our sector’s future.
This isn’t just where Australia’s resources advantage is discussed—it’s where it’s activated.

Spacecubed Breakfast Club: Meet Plus Eight Investor, Kaizen West
2026-05-05 09:00 - 10:00 | SPACECUBED, 45 St George Terrace, Perth, WA, 6000, Australia
Thinking about applying for the Plus Eight Accelerator? This is your chance to gain real insight before you do.
Join us for a special edition of our monthly Breakfast Club as we welcome Jason Waller, CEO of Kaizen West, who are investors and a key partner in the Plus Eight Accelerator, for an open and honest conversation about what it takes to stand out.
Whether you’re already working on your application or just starting to explore the opportunity, this session is designed to give you clarity, confidence, and a deeper understanding of what’s ahead.
You’ll hear directly from both the Plus Eight team and Kaizen West on what they look for in founders, how the program works, and what happens beyond the application stage. There will also be plenty of time to ask your own questions and connect with other founders in a relaxed setting over breakfast.

CSIRO Conversations: Quantum for Every Business
2026-05-05 10:00 - 11:00 | online, Australia
Quantum is moving fast and it’s already creating real opportunities for Australian businesses. This event unpacks what’s real and what’s coming next.
Quantum is at the same stage AI was a decade ago, quietly moving from research labs into real world tools. This event helps industry understand what’s real, what’s hype, and where the near term opportunities lie and who can help. Where today’s computers check one option at a time, quantum can explore many possibilities at once. That makes it powerful for decision making and resource management when it comes to things like routing trucks, detecting minerals, managing patients in a hospital, securing communications or modelling new materials.
Quantum is becoming practical and commercially relevant far sooner than most businesses expect. It’s already emerging in:

Supply chains: quantum inspired optimisation is helping logistics companies reduce fuel use and manage disruptions.
Finance: banks are exploring quantum safe encryption to protect transactions.
Quantum sensing: ultra precise measurements for mining, agriculture, health and defence.

Our expert panellists will translate a complex emerging technology into a grounded, industry relevant discussion on:

What quantum technologies can do today.
What’s coming next.
How Australian businesses can prepare responsibly and competitively.
How quantum intersects with supply chain resilience, national security, and economic pressures.

Pre-submit your questions to the expert panellists ahead of the webinar
