Entrepreneurship / Startup / Business – Page 3

From Idea to Impact: Unlocking Additive Manufacturing for SMEs

Additive manufacturing (AM) is transforming how products are designed, produced and delivered – and for SMEs, the opportunity is real.

From faster product development and lower tooling costs to greater design freedom and on-demand production, AM enables businesses to move faster, reduce waste and unlock new revenue streams.

Join us for an information session at Curtin University to explore how your business can get started. We’ll cover practical applications of AM, SME tailored funding opportunities, and how working with Australia’s research community can help turn ambition into real outcomes.

What you’ll learn

Where AM creates real value for SMEs – from prototyping to production-ready parts

How to navigate technology, materials and investment decisions

How collaboration with research partners can reduce risk and accelerate innovation

How to access AMCRC’s STARTER Funding Program to support your AM journey

Why attend?

Gain practical insights and a clearer pathway to adopt additive manufacturing -supported by the right partners.

If you already have ideas in mind, this an opportunity to discuss them.

For SME manufacturers, engineers, innovation leaders and decision-makers looking to explore additive manufacturing and collaborative R&D opportunities.

PS: Prior the information session at 8:30am, you have the opportunity to tour the John de Laeter Centre, Curtin University’s Advanced Property Evaluation Centre. If you are interested in the tour, please select the option when registering.

DEADLINE: Australian Manufacturing Awards

Australian Manufacturing Awards recognise excellence by businesses and individuals in Australia’s manufacturing sectors.

They present a unique chance to associate your brand with the elite of Australia’s manufacturing sector as the first major national awards event at scale for the Australian manufacturing sector.

The awards are supported at all levels of government and backed significantly by both business and academia, as well as a mass cross section of manufacturers.

Judging is conducted independently of Industry Update to ensure maximum transparency and fairness, with the Awards Advisory Council convening the judging panel and overseeing the process.

Nominations are open to all businesses that operate within the Australian manufacturing sector, across a wide range of categories. Winners will be announced in Melbourne for the 2026 awards.

Apply by 12 June 2026

DEADLINE: Meshpoints WA Innovation Ecosystem Survey (extended)

The WA Innovation Ecosystem Survey 2026 is now open, inviting founders, innovators, investors, mentors, and ecosystem supporters to share their perspectives on what’s working, where the gaps are, and what support is needed most.

The survey takes just 5–7 minutes, is anonymous, and will directly inform future programs, funding priorities and ecosystem initiatives across Western Australia. Plus, you can opt in at the end to go in the draw to win 1 of 3 $100 VISA gift cards.

👉 Complete the survey here by 15 May 2026:
https://platform.echoimpact.io/survey/02bd6085-0f65-4c62-94eb-c54f1666aede

Meshpoints, powered by Spacecubed and supported by Lotterywest, exists to build a stronger culture of innovation in Western Australia.

Celebrating a Decade of Plus Eight

This year marks a major milestone for Plus Eight, 10 years of backing founders, building startups and shaping the next generation of innovation. To celebrate, we’re bringing together alumni, partners, founders and the wider startup community for a special evening.

Join us as we celebrate 10 years of impact and the final days of applications for our 10th Plus Eight Accelerator cohort.

Alongside drinks and networking, the evening will feature a series of reverse pitches from alumni and program partners, sharing firsthand what Plus Eight has meant to them, how the program helped shape their journey, and why they believe founders should apply.

If you’re considering applying for the Accelerator, this is a rare opportunity to hear directly from the people who have been through it, meet the team behind the program, and connect with founders, mentors, investors and supporters from across the ecosystem.

Whether you’re a Plus Eight alum, ecosystem supporter, or founder curious about applying for the 2026 Accelerator, we’d love to have you there.

Tuesday 12 May | 5:00pm – 7:00pm
Spacecubed | 45 St Georges Terrace, Perth

DEADLINE: Curtin Ignition Scholarships 2026

Curtin Ignition is an intensive training program for aspiring entrepreneurs, academics and corporate innovators to trial and then prepare business ideas for the commercial environment. Ignition comprises of practical teaching sessions, expert clinics, mentor sessions and experienced advice and support from leading entrepreneurs and innovators.

In 2026, there are 20 fully funded scholarships (valued at $3,750 each) available for the Curtin Ignition program. Eligibility criteria for each of the 2026 scholarship can be found in the PDFs below.

City of Albany is offering one (1) fully funded scholarship for residents in the City of Albany with a novel business/idea/innovation.
City of Bayswater is offering two (2) fully funded scholarships for businesses or residents in the City of Bayswater with a novel business/idea/innovation.
City of Cockburn is offering two (2) fully funded scholarships for individuals or businesses in the City of Cockburn with a novel business/idea/innovation.
City of Fremantle is offering one (1) fully funded scholarship for businesses or residents in the City of Fremantle with a novel business/idea/innovation.
City of Kalamunda is offering one (1) fully funded scholarship for businesses or residents in the City of Kalamunda with a novel business/idea/innovation.
City of Rockingham is offering one (1) fully funded scholarship for businesses in the City of Rockingham with a novel business/idea/innovation.
City of South Perth is offering one (1) fully funded scholarship for businesses or residents in the City of South Perth with a novel business/idea/innovation.
City of Subiaco is offering one (1) fully funded scholarship for businesses or residents in the City of Subiaco with a novel business/idea/innovation.
City of Swan is offering two (2) fully funded scholarships for businesses or residents in the City of Swan with a novel business/idea/innovation.
City of Wanneroo is offering two (2) fully funded scholarships for businesses or residents in the City of Wanneroo with a novel business/idea/innovation.
Curtin Business School is offering up to five (5) fully funded scholarships for aspiring entrepreneurs who face financial barriers with a novel business/idea/innovation.
Curtin Business School Indigenous and TSI is offering up to two (2) fully funded scholarships for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander persons with a novel business/idea/innovation.
Curtin Commercialisation and Entrepreneurship is offering up to 25 fully funded scholarships for Curtin staff or students with a novel business/idea/innovation.
CyberWest Hub is offering one (1) fully funded scholarship for Cybersecurity or ICT security-related businesses with a novel business/idea/innovation.
DPIRD (Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development) is offering three (3) fully funded scholarships for students, individuals, or businesses in the agrifood, fibre, or fisheries industries with a novel business/idea/innovation.
Landgate is offering three (3) fully funded scholarships for individuals or businesses using location-based data with a novel business/idea/innovation.
Peel Development Commission is offering one (1) fully funded scholarship for businesses or residents in the Peel region with a novel business/idea/innovation.
RCTM – Trailblazer is offering up to ten (10) fully funded scholarships for individuals or businesses in the energy and resources sectors with a novel business/idea/innovation.
Town of Victoria Park is offering two (2) fully funded scholarships for businesses or residents in the Town of Victoria Park with a novel business/idea/innovation.
Wrays is offering two (2) fully funded scholarships for founders of early-stage businesses with a novel business/idea/innovation.

Key dates

Ignition 2026 will run from Saturday 15 August and 17-21 August 2026.
Applications open at 5pm on Thursday 7 May 2026.
Scholarship Applications close at 4pm on Thursday 4 June 2026.
Fully funded application close at 4pm on Tuesday 11 June 2026.

DPIRD 2026 WA Export Roundtable Breakfast Series

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

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.

Australian Financial Review Mining Summit

The Australian Financial Review Mining Summit 2026, presented by the Minerals Council of Australia.

📅 Wednesday 27 May 2026
📍 The Ritz-Carlton Perth

The forum will bring together senior government officials and business to explore the opportunities and challenges of Australia’s mining and resources sectors.

Attendees can expect to hear insights and advice across a range of topics, including:

the future of mining in Australia;rare earths and critical minerals; investment appetite across the industry; and digitalisation and decarbonisation.

Supporting Regional Business Owners and Entrepreneurs

Regional business owners and entrepreneurs face significant challenges of long hours, high stress and isolation, putting both their wellbeing and ventures at risk.

Join us to: Explore real challenges in the regional business ecosystem | Share insights and experiences | Build practical, fundable ideas | Collaborate with others passionate about change

Who Should Attend: Regional business owners, entrepreneurs, innovators | Not-for-profits | Community organisations | Anyone passionate about creating impact

Delivered by Innovation Cluster as part of the Meshpoints Regional Activation Series supported by Lotterywest & Spacecubed