Meshpoints increases support for WA innovation ecosystem by funding 6 initiatives, totalling $104,820
Meshpoints, supported by Lotterywest and Spacecubed, aims to support entrepreneurs, innovators, and changemakers while building a strong and resilient ecosystem in WA. In its latest funding round, Meshpoints has proudly supported six projects, amounting to $104,820. Project funding runs across three streams, catering to projects of different stages, including:
- Catalyst Inspire supports activities or initiatives that attract ‘new to ecosystem’ participants, growing the overall participation in innovation and entrepreneurship.
- Catalyst Create supports new collaborative programs or initiatives that build innovation and entrepreneurship capacity and capability.
- Lotterywest IdeaStarter provides support to grow the skills of innovators to test and validate early-stage ideas. Grants are provided to existing incubators and accelerators to support participants going through their programs.
Below, we delve into the impact of Meshpoints' support, highlighting key initiatives ranging from incubator programs like Curtin Accelerate and Perth Biodesign to innovative ventures funded through Catalyst Create.
New, early-stage ideas will be progressed under Lotterywest IdeaStarter funding through two incubator programs, Curtin Accelerate and Perth Biodesign. These programs support the growth of early-stage ideas within the WA innovation ecosystem and help local founders take their ideas to the next level.
Curtin Accelerate nurtures cohorts of 7-15 startups annually from a diverse range of industries, such as mining, technology, education and market research. Perth Biodesign, run by the UWA Biomedical Innovation Team, brings together leaders from healthcare, technology, and business to explore opportunities in digital health and medical technology.
4 new initiatives have been funded under the Catalyst funding stream, including:
Catalyst Create
- Creative Ability ($8,820) - Run by MyPlace WA, this initiative aims to develop an effective entrepreneurship education framework tailored to enhance business skills and entrepreneurial abilities among disabled creative practitioners, promoting accessibility and inclusion within the community and economy.
Catalyst Inspire
- Breakfast Club ($10,000) - The Peel Chamber of Commerce Breakfast Club is a dynamic educational platform designed for entrepreneurs, startups, and small businesses in the Peel region. Held every two weeks, this club regularly attracts a strong turnout of up to 30 businesses from the local community. Through Catalyst funding, the Peel Chamber of Commerce aims to establish the program as a reliable and sustainable model for bolstering the innovation and entrepreneurial ecosystem in Peel.
- Climate Tech WA ($10,000) - Climate Salad, in collaboration with CORE Innovation Hub and WA+, organised a multi-faceted event aimed at fostering learning and networking within the Western Australian climate tech community. Over 100 participants attended their 3-hour event, which featured a keynote by founder Mick Lubinskas, an innovators spotlight, and networking opportunities. Additionally, a separate investor meeting connected WA startups with potential investors and one-on-one sessions allowed founders to meet with Climate Salad Leadership.
- SouthStart ($5,000) - StartupWA, in collaboration with the New Industries Fund and Meshpoints, supported 20 local Western Australians to attend _SOUTHSTART in Adelaide, a three day festival that engaged and celebrated the innovation community.
Interested in Meshpoints?
To find out more about Meshpoints and the funding available for not-for-profit organisations based in WA, click here to explore our website. We look forward to working with you to create a more innovative society in WA.