Meshpoints is excited to announce the formation of the Government Innovation Funders Network, a new community of interest designed to bring together government agencies committed to supporting innovation and entrepreneurship across Western Australia. This network not only aims to enhance collaboration and share best practices but also to ensure that innovation support efforts are well-coordinated, avoiding duplication and addressing any gaps within the ecosystem.
This COI will serve as a collaborative space where representatives from various government agencies can cross-compare their innovation initiatives, refine strategies, and work together to improve the accessibility of funding for innovators, entrepreneurs, and changemakers in WA.
Several organisations are actively contributing to the growth and development of WA’s innovation landscape. Below is an overview of their roles and how they are driving progress.
The Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation
JTSI plays a pivotal role in supporting WA’s innovation ecosystem through various government grants and programs, notably the $25.8M New Industries Fund. During the inaugural meeting, JTSI provided updates on the upcoming government innovation grants, including the Innovation Booster Grant, X-TEND WA grants, Commercialisation Bridge Grants, and the WA Innovators of the Year awards.
Lotterywest
Lotterywest shared critical updates about its governance, including the addition of two new board members and a new CEO. This strategic funding body is instrumental in supporting WA's innovation landscape by providing significant financial resources to various initiatives.
The City of Perth
The City of Perth supports a business environment that is conducive to innovation ecosystem growth, by facilitating a range of programs and activities including Economic Development Sponsorships, Local Activation Grants, Venue Support Grants, and more. The City collaborates with a range of ecosystem partners, supporting key initiatives that help drive Perth’s reputation as a global hub for technology and innovation. These objectives are in line with the City's three strategic pillars — ‘liveable’, ‘sustainable’ and ‘prosperous’. The City of Perth is dedicated to supporting innovation ecosystem events and programs that cultivate a vibrant landscape, where creative minds can excel and new ideas thrive in order to attract top talent, enhance entrepreneurship and promote investment.
The City of Fremantle
The City of Fremantle’s Propel Fremantle accelerator program is making waves in the innovation space, particularly in the blue economy, sustainability, and creative tech sectors. The program recently completed its first round successfully and is gearing up for the second round of funding applications. By focusing on these critical sectors, Fremantle is positioning itself as a leader in fostering sustainable innovation.
The City of Joondalup
The City of Joondalup has been proactive in updating its economic development strategy, which identifies globally innovative ecosystems, health, education, and digital development as key priorities. Joondalup is also exploring transformative advancements in transportation, autonomous vehicles, and robotics, supported by recent MOUs that align with their commitment to innovation and technological growth. With a Council that supports innovation in the digital economy as a driver of the local economy, the City of Joondalup is currently reviewing and updating their digital strategy and have appointed an operator to deliver a new incubator and innovation hub in the Joondalup City Centre.
Spacecubed
Spacecubed continues to drive innovation through its Plus Eight Accelerator program, now in its eighth year. Additionally, Spacecubed is refining its Meshpoints funding body and is looking to establish a more formal structure for co-funding initiatives to maximise impact.
Our vision for the Government Funders Network is to build a stronger, more agile startup environment in Western Australia. Stay tuned for updates as we continue to work together to drive positive change and create opportunities for the next generation of innovators.
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