Search is on for next WA Innovator of Year

The McGowan State Government is calling on bright local innovators to submit their application for the 2021 Innovator of the Year program.

Established in 2006, the program supports and recognises Western Australian trailblazers with a promising new product, technology or service that is at the emerging innovation or growth phase of development.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to highlight how their innovation will benefit WA economically, socially or environmentally.

In 2019, Mining & Process Solutions (MPS) was named WA Innovator of the Year for its development of a non-toxic, biodegradable and reusable liquid to extract certain metals, including gold, silver, copper and nickel, from ore.

MPS used the prize money to build a facility in Perth to demonstrate the technology to Australian gold mining companies. The company has since expanded its channels to market by establishing partner laboratories and agents in Canada, the United States, South Africa and the Philippines.

The program has six awards, with a total a prize pool of $140,000 available to help winners commercialise their innovations. This includes the 2021 WA Innovator of the Year Overall Winner, who will receive a prize of $70,000.

Sixteen semi-finalists will receive intensive business commercialisation training, including pitch presentation skills, one-on-one mentoring, a legal health check and financial planning tools. Eight finalists will also receive a professionally edited video of their innovation.

The McGowan Government thanks primary sponsor Rio Tinto and sponsors Woodside, Wesfarmers, Business News, iPREP WA, Wrays, CERI, Griffith Hack, Murfett Legal and Moore Australia for supporting the program.

Applications open today and close on Monday, May 10, 2021. More information about the program and how to apply is available from: https://www.wa.gov.au/organisation/department-of-jobs-tourism-science-and-innovation/new-industries-fund-wa-innovator-of-the-year

As stated by Innovation and ICT Minister Don Punch:

“Western Australian innovators play an invaluable role in growing and diversifying the state’s economy, and creating the jobs of the future.

“For almost 15 years, the WA Innovator of the Year program has nurtured and showcased local innovative and entrepreneurial ideas – supporting emerging companies with commercialising their product, technology or service.

“I look forward to seeing the innovations highlighted by this year’s program, and how we work with the people behind them to create and support local WA jobs.”