Western Australian Nature Tech and Mining Tech Accelerator program cohorts completed an intensive program designed to accelerate the commercialisation of innovative technologies.
Ten startups from Western Australia (WA), Australia more broadly and internationally have gathered in Perth for Founder’s Factory’s Residency Week, held as part of their WA Nature Tech and Mining Tech Accelerator programs.
Held at the halfway point of both programs, the week-long intensive is designed to help accelerate the commercialisation of the cohorts’ innovation technologies and solutions.
The week featured several key events, including a reception with Hon. Stephen Dawson MLC, Minister for Science and Innovation, who gave a welcome address celebrating the State’s thriving innovation ecosystem and welcoming those from outside WA.
Chief Scientist of Western Australia, Professor Sharath Sriram, also attended Beyond Net Zero: Where Nature Meets Industry panel event, delivering welcome remarks ahead of discussions on nature-positive innovation and emerging technologies.
Participants also engaged with the State’s thriving innovation ecosystem through engagements with government and industry bodies including the Department of Energy and Economic Diversification, Department of Mines, Petroleum and Exploration, Department of Water and Environmental Regulation, Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, AusIndustry and CSIRO.
Together, these meetings provided detailed insight into the WA Government’s innovation priorities, the Diversify WA economic framework, state and federal funding and grant opportunities as well as international growth pathways.
The WA Government is proud of its continued partnership with the Founders Factory to deliver the Western Australian Nature Tech accelerator program, now supporting its fifth cohort since launching in 2024.
The four-month accelerator supports the development and validation of nature-tech innovations through mentoring, masterclass, industry engagement and investor connections.
The current Nature Tech cohort includes startups from WA, Queensland and the United States developing technologies across biotechnology, artificial intelligence, robotics and nature-based solutions:
- Byssal – Applying aquafarming practices to restore and strengthen marine ecosystems.
- Clear Carbon – Helping industry reduce water use, energy consumption, emissions and waste through connected operational data.
- Living Oceans – Developing a scalable coral aquaculture platform to support future reef restoration.
- Myco Metals – Recovering valuable metals from mine waste and tailings using fungi-based technology.
- PROXGRID – Developing aerial robotics to maintain live powerlines, reducing wildfire risk and supporting renewable energy expansion.
- Rare Flora – Using plants to restore land and recover critical minerals from mine waste.
Together, they are advancing technologies that support more sustainable industries and nature-positive outcomes.
Since its launch, 30 startups, including 22 from WA, have participated in the program, securing more than $10 million in follow-on investment and achieving significant commercial, research and industry milestones.
The Mining Tech Accelerator Program is supported by Rio Tinto.
For more information, visit the Founders Factory website.
