West Tech Fest 2025 opened in Perth today, running until 12 December. The festival showcases Western Australia’s leading technology and innovation projects. Founders, investors, universities, and industry leaders are attending.
Twenty-one local innovators will share $1.9 million in funding through the Innovation Booster Grant (IBG) and Commercialisation Bridge Grant (CBG). Two-thirds of the recipients are regional businesses, First Nations founded, or female founded.
Sixteen recipients of the IBG received a total of more than $750,000. Grants of up to $50,000 support early-stage founders, small businesses, and startups to develop innovative projects. Five recipients of the CBG were awarded $1,150,000. CBG grants help businesses bridge the funding gap between early commercialisation and growth. Both grant programs are funded through the $40 million New Industries and Innovation Fund.
Notable IBG recipients include ARCA, which is developing AI climate-tech software for primary industries, Bounceback Tennis with a tennis ball reinflation device, and GeoTechTronix, which is creating deep learning systems to track rockfalls at mine sites. CBG recipients include Australian Flow Batteries, working on vanadium flow batteries for homes, and Electric Power Conversions, developing electric mining trucks.
West Tech Fest features major events including West Tech Main on 9 December, the City of Perth Innovation Showcase, and West Tech Women. A new initiative, West Tech Pitch, allows early-stage founders to present ideas to investors. The festival also highlights diversity through First Nations and women-focused events.
The festival provides a platform for WA innovators to reach national and international audiences, connect with investors, and showcase emerging technologies in clean tech, life sciences, and cyber security.