- Nine winners and two runners-up recognised at the 2025 WA Innovators of the Year Awards
- Over $280,000 in prize money awarded to support the development and commercialisation of their innovations
- Cook Government committed to making more things here and diversifying the WA economy so it remains the strongest in the nation
Western Australia's brightest minds have been celebrated at the 2025 WA Innovators of the Year Awards (WAIOTY), with nine winners and two runners-up sharing in more than $280,000.
Innovations including a new treatment for insulin resistance, a precision-guided drill for underground operations, a software-first hardware-agnostic platform that enables existing and new vessels to operate remotely or autonomously, and fashionable protective eyewear, have been praised at last night's awards.
With a record 130 applications submitted for this year, the WAIOTY awards recognise local innovators and businesses who are turning great ideas into real solutions, helping to make life better for Western Australians and build a stronger, more diverse economy.
Finalists participate in the Accelerator Program, gaining access to mentoring, workshops, and hands-on training.
This year also introduced a new category, the Young Entrepreneurs Academy of WA Young Innovators of the Year Award, celebrating the creativity and innovation of high school-aged entrepreneurs who are shaping the State's future. Medi Manage were announced as the inaugural winner of the award, for their SMART Bluetooth-enabled pill dispenser and mobile app.
The awards are made possible through the support of Rio Tinto, Wesfarmers, Woodside Energy, Business News, Biodesign Australia, Young Entrepreneurs Academy of WA (YEA WA), Wrays, the Centre for Entrepreneurial Research and Innovation, Nexia Australia, BetterLabs, CSIRO, Moore Australia and the Australian Innovation Management Institute.
For more information, visit www.wa.gov.au/organisation/department-of-energy-and-economic-diversification/wa-innovators-of-the-year-2025-winners
Comments attributed to Science and Innovation Minister Stephen Dawson:
"Western Australians are leading the way in developing new ideas and technologies that solve real problems and create opportunities for our State.
"The WA Innovators of the Year program not only celebrates these achievements but gives local startups and entrepreneurs the support they need to grow, connect and commercialise their ideas.
"With record participation this year and the introduction of the Young Innovators category, it's clear that WA's innovation pipeline is strong and the future is full of promise.
"The Cook Government is proud to be supporting this celebration of innovation and talent, through our New Industries and Innovation Fund, which is supporting startups and emerging enterprises to expand and accelerate their ideas."
