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Bloom Pitch Night (2.0)

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.

Public Event: Defence Innovation on Tap

Truth Under Attack: Understanding Information and Cognitive Warfare and How Research and Innovation are Responding.

The Defence Science Centre and Western Australia’s Team WA Universities including – The University of Western Australia, Murdoch University, Edith Cowan University and Curtin University, warmly invite you to join us for the launch of a new event series, Defence Innovation on Tap.

Over the coming year, this series will deliver four free, public events hosted in local venues across Perth. Each session will showcase how WA universities, together with their defence and industry partners, are addressing complex technological and capability challenges to help build a safer and more resilient state, nation, and global community.

Designed for a broad audience, the discussion will be presented in accessible language, making it an ideal opportunity to gain new insights while connecting with colleagues from across the defence, research, and wider community sectors.

From Drones to Decisions — How Women are Shaping Resources Technology

From Drones to Decisions — How Women are Shaping Resources Technology

Dr Catherine Ball — Scientific Futurist, Author & Founder

From tracking turtles off Western Australia’s coastline to advising on the future of autonomous mining, Dr Catherine Ball has witnessed firsthand how technology is transforming industries.

In this keynote, Catherine will explore how drones, AI, robotics and automation are reshaping the resources sector — and why women are uniquely positioned to lead this transformation. Drawing on her experience founding the World of Drones Congress and advising global innovation challenges, she will challenge attendees to move from passive observers to active architects of mining’s technological future.

Date: Wednesday 6 May 2026
Time: 7:30am – 8:45am
Location: Perth Convention & Exhibition Centre
Format: Sit-down hot breakfast, keynote and panel discussion
Ticket Type: Add-on event to GRX26 registration or book standalone ticket.

DEADLINE: WAIOTY Young Innovators Award

Awarded to a WA high school aged individual or team (1 to 5 people) who have developed an outstanding innovative product, technology, process or service that clearly demonstrates an economic, social or environmental benefit to Western Australia. In addition to the $1,000 cash prize awarded, the winner/s will receive $15,000 value in-kind support facilitated by the Young Entrepreneurs Academy (YEA) and includes:

  • Bespoke entrepreneurship masterclasses – 4 x 1.5-hour classes
  • Professional case study development
  • Up to 10 hours of mentoring and development support
  • Participation in West Tech Fest events and activities

DEADLINE: AEA Innovate Grant Round 3

Innovate grants support mid-stage research commercialisation through competitive grants of up to $5 million for a maximum period of 24 months.

These grants are available for researchers at Australian universities to collaborate with industry to advance projects that already have laboratory proof-of-concept.

Grant recipients are expected to be able to increase the technology and commercial readiness of their innovation to reach proof-of-scale. This includes developing and testing prototypes or pilots for new products, processes or software in an industry-relevant environment.

EduFest WA 2026

EduFest WA Perth has been designed for educators ready to explore fresh ideas, develop their skills and create learning experiences that inspire and engage today’s students, preparing them with the capabilities they need to thrive in an ever changing future. Across the day, attendees will hear from leading voices in education, unpack the changing needs of the next generation of learner and explore practical strategies to bring innovative yet impactful learning experiences to life in a school community, including how to leverage digital tools, foster industry connections and leverage innovative approaches to learning design.From keynote conversations and educator panels through to masterclasses, networking and a hands-on design sprint, the day is built to help attendees rethink learning, strengthen connections and leave with something tangible they can take back into their own context.

The Future of Energy: Innovation, Risk & Opportunity

What does the future of energy look like- and who is shaping it?
Join us for an engaging panel discussion bringing together leaders across industry, research, finance, and startups to unpack the technologies, risks, and opportunities driving the global energy transition.

Speakers

Sinead Thompson — Environmental Engineer, Department of Energy and Economic Diversification. Working on Pilbara industrial activation and helping industry with decarbonisation plans across offshore wind, hydrogen, solar, and more.

Jason McFarlane — Director, GreenTech Innovation Hub WA. 20+ years in innovation, regional development, and sustainability transitions. Leading WA’s efforts to connect challenge owners with solution-makers in climate tech.

Zach Aman — Pro Vice-Chancellor (Enterprise Education), UWA. Professor of Chemical Engineering with a focus on upstream hydrocarbon systems and bridging enterprise, education, and research.

DEADLINE: Australasia GreenGown Awards

Applications are now open for the 2026 Green Gown Awards Australasia, celebrating the institutions and individuals driving sustainability leadership across the tertiary sector.

This year includes a new Digital Futures category, recognising innovative digital projects that enhance sustainability in tertiary education. The biennial Powerful Partnership category also returns, celebrating high-impact collaborations within and beyond the sector. With a broad mix of organisational and individual categories, there are plenty of opportunities to showcase your work.

Organisational categories are open to any tertiary education establishment – including all post-16 educational institutions such as universities, colleges, TAFE, Polytechnics and learning and skills institutions. Individual categories are open to staff and students of ACTS member organisations.

DEADLINE: Falling Walls Pitch Competition (Perth)

FALLING WALLS LAB IS COMING TO PERTH
Which wall will your research break? Pitch your innovative idea in just three minutes, showcasing a breakthrough that positively impacts science and society.

Deadline to Apply 25 May 2026

Disruptive Science Webinar: Sensing and Materials

Join experts from ANSTO and industry to explore how quantum sensing is transforming nuclear technologies, enhancing safety, strengthening security and unlocking powerful new capabilities for the future.

Quantum technologies are moving rapidly from theory to real world application, including in nuclear technologies. In this webinar, hosted by ScienceMeetsBusiness on behalf of ANSTO, experts explore how quantum sensing could transform capabilities, safety and security across nuclear technologies and other industries.

Join us to discover how ultra-sensitive quantum sensors can enable more precise measurements, earlier detection of anomalies, and enhanced monitoring in complex environments. We will examine practical uses, current research directions on materials, and what these advances could mean for industry, government, and research organisations.

If you work in the nuclear sector, engineering, defence, security, or advanced manufacturing, this session will give you valuable insight into where quantum sensing is heading and why it matters now.