Tech / Data / AI – Page 3 – WA Innovation Calendar

2026 AI for Good Innovation Factory – Australia

Innovate Australia is proud to host the Australian chapter of the United Nations’ International Telecommunication Union AI for Good Innovation Factory Contest. This global Competition and Summit brings together AI startups, industry experts, and thought leaders to showcase AI-driven solutions addressing the world’s most pressing challenges, aligned with the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Building on last year’s successful inaugural event, the 2026 program has attracted an even stronger pipeline of Australian AI startups. Five finalists will be selected to pitch at the Australian Final on Tuesday, 27 May 2026, 5:30 pm AWST at The Platform, Level 3, 256 Adelaide Terrace, Perth, with the event also live-streamed to a global audience.

The finalists will present cutting-edge AI solutions across critical sectors such as energy, education, advanced technologies, sustainability, and climate action, all aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The press and public are invited to attend this showcase of cutting-edge AI innovation.

Proudly supported by Meshpoints, the Department of Energy and Economic Diversification, the City of Perth, and industry partners, this event reinforces Perth’s growing global reputation as a leader in AI innovation and social impact. Be part of this global movement and help shape the future of AI-driven progress.

Learn more and register for the event

Have an AI solution that can improve the world? You can still apply by visiting Innovate Australia’s website: https://innovateaustralia.org.au

ACS WA Tech Summit: Navigating the Digital Frontier

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.

Cicada x GRDC Agtech Elevate Intensive [online]

Elevate: Turn Innovation into Impact

This agtech focused Elevate is a fully-funded,2-day intensive for researchers, innovators, and early-stage startups ready to explore commercialisation pathways in the grains sector – from soil to seed and everything in between.

Designed specifically for deep tech innovation in agriculture, this workshop is backed by the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) and includes a supporting e-learning module to keep the momentum going beyond the room.

Across two packed days, you’ll work alongside industry leaders, seasoned entrepreneurs, and commercialisation experts who know what it takes to grow an idea into a venture that’s fundable, scalable, and farmer-ready.

DEADLINE: Cicada x GRDC Stride Program

Achieve traction in the Grains market

Stride is a 6-month coaching program where where you can adapt your deep technology to solve challenges in the grains industry. Experts-in-residence will guide and coach you on the value chain and how to translate and integrate your technology for commercial adoption.

The Stride program is tailored to precisely what you and your team are seeking to achieve in order to have an impact on the Grains market. The program is available online and in-person for Australia-wide based businesses.

Apply before 30 April 2026.

Let’s Talk Real Estate Tokenisation

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.

Practical AI workshop for SMEs

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.

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.

Blockchain and the Law in Australia and Abroad

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!

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.

Tag: Tech / Data / AI