Meshpoints, supported by Lotterywest, continues its mission to strengthen and grow Western Australia's innovation ecosystem. By fostering collaboration among entrepreneurs, innovators, and changemakers, Meshpoints elevates the local landscape, providing critical resources for early-stage projects.
In our latest funding round, we are thrilled to announce 9 new grant recipients, with a total of $275,655 awarded. This funding empowers individuals and organisations to grow, innovate, and scale their initiatives, marking another significant milestone in driving innovation across the region. These grants offer vital support to nurture fresh ideas and fuel ecosystem growth.
Discover more about each of these newly funded initiatives below.
EduFest WA, Bloom
EduFest WA aims to transform education in Western Australia by providing educators with tools and strategies to foster innovation and entrepreneurship among students, preparing them for the future workforce. Through workshops and conferences in Perth, Geraldton, and Bunbury, the initiative will directly impact 200 attendees, equipping them to inspire creativity, problem-solving, and critical thinking in their schools and communities. This initiative received $18,090 under the Catalyst Create stream.
Mapping the Western Australian First Nations Startup Support Ecosystem, First Nations
The "Mapping the Western Australian First Nations Startup Support Ecosystem" initiative aims to strengthen the landscape for First Nations entrepreneurs by identifying resources and gaps in support. Through stakeholder engagement, resource mapping, and gap analysis, the project will empower First Nations startups with better access to support, networking, and capital. The initiative will culminate in a comprehensive report to guide future efforts in building a more inclusive and vibrant entrepreneurial community in Western Australia. This initiative received $25,000 under the Catalyst Create stream.
Engineering more diverse and inclusive ocean solutions, The Hub on SX (HOSX)
The "Engineering More Diverse and Inclusive Ocean Solutions” initiative aims to increase diversity in ocean engineering related to the Indian Ocean through study tours, demonstrations, and immersive experiences. By focusing on outreach to women and individuals from non-English speaking backgrounds, the project fosters peer-to-peer learning and collaboration in marine and coastal engineering, driving culture change in this critical sector. This initiative received $10,000 under the Catalyst Inspire stream.
Blue Assembly WA, Blue Assembly WA Ltd
The grant supports Western Australia's leadership in sustainable ocean economies by enhancing the Blue Assembly WA and the annual State of the Blue Economy Forum. Through collaboration with leading institutions, this initiative promotes ocean health stewardship and sustainable development. Key activities include expanding the State of the Blue Economy event, developing trusted Ocean Accounts, and ensuring broad participation in a transparent process for ocean stewardship, setting a global precedent in sustainable ocean management. This initiative received $45,000 under the Catalyst Create stream.
Tech Innovate Challenge-Bridging the Gap Against Social Isolation, Brightwater Care Group
The Tech Innovate Challenge aims to tackle social isolation among Australia's aging population by driving innovation within Western Australia's tech ecosystem. The initiative brings together corporates, startups, students, and the broader community to create solutions that improve the mental well-being and connectivity of socially isolated elderly individuals. Key activities include ideation workshops, prototype development, and a final showcase event for potential investors and stakeholders. This initiative received $37,500 under the Catalyst Create stream.
The Next Gen Awards West Australian Showcase Evening 2024, Bloom: Centre for Youth Innovation at St Catherine’s College
The Next Gen Awards West Australian Showcase Evening 2024, organised by Bloom: Centre for Youth Innovation at St Catherine’s College, celebrates young innovators, entrepreneurs, and leaders in WA while strengthening connections within the state's innovation ecosystem. The enhanced initiative includes a streamlined nomination process, one-on-one mentoring for nominees, a digital marketing campaign, and a showcase evening featuring pitches, networking, and inspiring presentations. This event highlights the next generation's contributions and potential in entrepreneurship and innovation. This initiative received $8,690 under the Catalyst Inspire stream.
A Future by Design: Academy of the Future, The Platform & Purpose Studio
The ‘Academy of the Future’ aims to revolutionise innovation leadership in Western Australia by democratising access to advanced education in exponential technologies and fostering a global impact mindset. Building on previous successful events, the program will include in-depth sessions, networking opportunities, and a flagship conference, connecting WA’s innovation ecosystem with global thought leaders and positioning WA innovators on the international stage to drive economic growth, job creation, and long-term sustainability. This initiative received $30,000 under the Catalyst Create stream.
Social Design Academy, Innovation Unit ANZ
The Social Design Academy (SoDA) is aimed at empowering organisations and individuals in the not-for-profit sector and government to implement impactful social innovation projects. This 8-month, project-based program enhances design capabilities for social impact and systemic change. Collaborating with key partners like Anglicare WA, Valued Lives Inc, and Impact Seed, the initiative seeks to cultivate a vibrant innovation ecosystem in Western Australia, focusing on sustainability, target audience specificity, and fostering an engaged alumni network within the social innovation community. This initiative received $51,375 under the Catalyst Create stream.
“WA Connects”, Seed Innovation Foundation Pty Ltd (NFP Innovation Hub, Karratha)
The "WA Connects" initiative by SEED Innovation Foundation Pty Ltd aims to empower regional entrepreneurship in Western Australia through a three-year pilot of the Regional Entrepreneurship Accelerator Program (REAP), based on the MIT REAP model. This project seeks to connect metropolitan innovation activities with regional opportunities by establishing best practices and collaboration frameworks among stakeholders. The comprehensive strategy includes governance development, initiative implementation, program delivery, and rigorous evaluation to ensure sustainable growth in the regional ecosystem. This initiative received $50,000 under the Catalyst Create stream.
The 2024 WA Innovation Leaders Congress is taking place at The Hub, Bentley Technology Park on October 11th. Don’t miss your chance to attend and connect with 120+ entrepreneurs, , corporates, government and ecosystem leaders as we work together to build a resilient ecosystem in WA. Learn more and register for FREE here!