Western Australian innovators are now encouraged to submit their applications for the Innovators of the Year 2024 competition.
Marking its 18th year, the annual competition has increased its prize pool to a record-breaking $240,000, the government said in a news release.
In addition to the augmented prize money, the event has introduced additional awards, elevating the number of recognized innovators from 6 to 8.
Alongside winners in the Emerging (pre-revenue) and Growth (post-revenue) categories, there will now be two runners-up, as well as three additional awards in the new energy, well-being, and ‘Great for the State’ categories.
The recipients of these seven awards will collectively share the $240,000 prize pool.
A new category, ‘Government Innovator of the Year’, has been established to honour innovative public servants who contribute novel products, services, technology, and innovations in their work that enhance and add value to public service delivery.
The awards ceremony provides a platform to commend and reward outstanding innovators in WA, showcasing the diverse sectors in which they operate across the state.
Innovation and the Digital Economy Minister Stephen Dawson remarked that the Innovators of the Year awards program in WA continues to highlight the outstanding local innovators in the state for its 18th year.
“I encourage any Western Australian innovators to consider applying for the awards program. It is a fantastic opportunity to not only boost your business but also receive some real hands-on support to take your innovation to the next level,” Dawson noted.
He expressed excitement over the increase in the prize pool by an additional $20,000 this year and the introduction of extra awards, expanding the total from 6 to 8, including a government category.
This, he noted, would allow more businesses and innovators to receive the recognition they deserve.
Last year’s Overall Winner of WA Innovator of the Year was Portable PPB Pty Ltd for their gold detection innovation.
Many finalists and winners from the previous year have garnered media recognition for their accomplishments, receiving significant promotion for their innovations.
This year’s finalists will be unveiled in August and will subsequently participate in an accelerator program designed to support them in expanding their ideas and businesses.
The winners of WA Innovators of the Year 2024 will be announced during a ceremony in October.
Applications close at 11 am AWST on Friday, 31 May.
For further details, visit the New Industries Fund: WA Innovator of the Year website.
