Western Australia is home to a fast-growing, globally connected innovation ecosystem, and international founders are choosing Perth as a strategic base to scale into new markets. Through Perth Landing Pad, supported by the City of Perth, high-growth startups and scaleups gain access to local networks, mentoring, industry partners, and a soft-landing pathway that helps them explore, validate and expand in Western Australia.
As the program enters its fourth year, we’re shining a spotlight on one of our current participants, ARLYX. Founded by Michael Simard, ARLYX is developing autonomous utility vehicles designed to improve safety and efficiency in complex operational environments, with early applications in underground mining.
Michael’s path to founding ARLYX began with firsthand research into mining automation challenges.
“Underground mines face daily inefficiencies in material handling and logistics; tasks that are still highly manual and expose workers to risk. With my background in robotics engineering, I founded ARLYX to create autonomous vehicles that can safely move materials in complex underground environments,” Michael shared.
Today, ARLYX is finalising its third prototype, engineered for robust real-world use, and developing simulation tools and operator interfaces to streamline deployment.
WA represents one of the world’s most advanced and active mining regions, making it a powerful test market for emerging industrial technologies.
“I’m looking to validate our technology and business model in one of the most advanced mining ecosystems in the world. The Perth Landing Pad is helping us connect with contract miners, OEMs, innovation hubs, and identify a pilot project site for early deployment.”
Through the program, Michael has already immersed himself in Perth’s tightly connected innovation ecosystem, attending industry events, visiting robotics testing facilities, and meeting with mining operators and technology partners.
“There’s a real shift happening in mining. Companies want adaptable, flexible equipment solutions, and those options are still limited. The industry is transforming faster than expected, and Perth Landing Pad has helped us position our strategy accordingly.”
For ARLYX, growth in Western Australia means establishing a technical base and partnership office within an innovation hub, supporting:
“Our long-term vision is to make Perth our Asia–Pacific operations centre,” Michael explained.
One standout difference Michael has experienced is how collaborative Perth’s innovation ecosystem is.
“Perth’s ecosystem is smaller than cities like Montreal or Toronto, but it’s highly focused and execution-driven. People want to see technology working in the field, not just in presentations, and the openness here makes that possible far faster than elsewhere,” he concluded.
Perth Landing Pad is a year-round program designed to support international startups and scaleups as they explore, enter, and grow in Western Australia. Participants receive hands-on support tailored to their stage of expansion, including targeted introductions to industry partners, strategic mentoring and guidance, access to coworking and community, and much more.
Ready to explore your WA expansion journey? Click here to learn more and apply.