.png){kind=logo}
How can we better showcase Western Australia’s innovation ecosystem so it’s recognised as a place where ideas and entrepreneurs thrive?
Western Australia has many of the foundations of a strong innovation ecosystem; growing venture capital activity, world-class research, sector strengths in areas like medtech, energy and resources, and a new wave of emerging innovation-driven industries.
Yet recent ecosystem research highlighted a clear visibility and confidence gap. The November StartupWA Report found that 98% of ecosystem participants believe WA startup success stories are “rarely or only somewhat recognised”, limiting public understanding, investor engagement and the talent pipeline.
This Challenge directly responds to that gap, inviting ecosystem-led solutions that elevate WA’s innovation stories, strengthen confidence in local capability, and position Western Australia as a place where ideas can be tested, scaled and celebrated.
Only 42% of participants believe WA’s innovation programs and services match the quality of those available interstate, and fewer than half are confident that founders are choosing to stay and build in WA long-term.
The impact of low visibility is tangible through reduced investment interest, lower public understanding of innovation, a thinner talent pipeline and founders looking interstate or overseas for opportunities.
By telling better stories, activating the ecosystem in new ways, and showcasing what’s already working, WA can position itself as a credible launchpad for innovation and growth.
In collaboration with Ocean Impact Organisation & For Blue, the project will develop a series of case studies showcasing the financial and non-financial returns of investing in WA startups. It aims to build confidence among new and emerging investors by making the value of WA innovation more visible, credible and accessible. $20,000 has been awarded to The Hub on SX.
The initiative delivers targeted workshops and coaching to help regional founders develop investor-ready narratives and professional communication skills. These activities culminate in a public showcase event designed to increase broad awareness of regional innovation. $14,950 has been awarded to South West Angels.
Supporting 20 - 30 WA circular fashion designers, this program will deliver workshops, professional content creation and integrated festival exposure to build brand, storytelling and commercial capability. The initiative aims to boost visibility of WA’s circular fashion sector while creating lasting opportunities for designers. $20,000 has been awarded to Circular Fashion Council.
This project will deliver WA’s first comprehensive report on how local founders are adopting AI, supported by multimedia case studies and an open-source research pipeline. The initiative will showcase real-world applications, inform decision-making, and strengthen confidence in WA’s emerging AI ecosystem. $20,000 has been awarded to St Catherine’s College.
This initiative will showcase First Nations founders across WA, highlighting regional entrepreneurship while connecting to statewide and international networks. Through short-form videos, social content, and podcast interviews, the campaign will create a reusable digital library as a pre-launch to a live storytelling event. $20,000 has been awarded to Saltwater Country Ltd.
A curated storytelling series featuring founders and sector leaders across key industries in the City of Fremantle, this initiative will combine live sessions, case studies and digital content to amplify WA innovation nationally, while building local skills, confidence and connections. $17,600 has been awarded to Fremantle Chamber of Commerce.
This initiative will deliver professional founder stories designed to help address the gap in how entrepreneurial pathways are represented in WA schools. Featuring founders across various industries, they will be distributed alongside curriculum-aligned learning resources to YEAWA partner schools. $20,000 has been awarded to Curtin University.
A national program connecting Australian innovators to global opportunities, this initiative will deliver a competition, workshops and a live finals event, producing founder profiles and content that highlight innovation outcomes while strengthening international visibility and collaboration. $20,000 has been awarded to Innovate Australia.
.png){kind=logo}
