Launched in 2006, Western Australia's (WA) Innovators of the Year has celebrated local businesses, government entities and young people that have developed an outstanding innovative product, technology or service for 20 years.
The Emerging Innovation Award is awarded to a WA applicant who has developed an outstanding innovative product, technology, process or service that that has not yet generated material commercial revenue at the time of application submission, and demonstrates an economic, social and/or environmental benefit to WA.
Oto Medicines is the 2026 recipient of the Emerging Innovation Award, receiving a cash prize of $60,000 (excl. GST) and the benefits of a PhD student. WaveX was recognised as the runner-up, receiving $15,000 (excl. GST).
Oto Medicines
Spritz-OM: A novel nasal spray to prevent childhood ear infections
Every year, millions of children experience the pain, hearing problems and repeated medical visits caused by ear infections. Developed by Oto Medicines, a biotechnology company spun out of The Kids Research Institute Australia, Spritz-OM aims to help prevent these infections before they start. By harnessing a naturally occurring beneficial bacterium found in healthy children, Spritz-OM strengthens the body's natural defences against infection. This innovative approach has the potential to improve children's health, ease the burden on families, and reduce the need for antibiotics and surgery.
WaveX
D-Spar Power Platforms providing persistent renewable electricity for coastal infrastructure
WaveX is a renewable energy technology based in Perth. Recognising the significance of the State’s sovereign ocean resource, WaveX reimagined wave energy conversion through the development of its D Spar Power Platform – a reliable source of autonomous electricity in high value and strategic marine locations for operators and users of coastal infrastructure. The D-Spar uses ocean waves, firmed by onboard solar and batteries, to generate scalable MW of green electricity, and offers a highly persistent power generation profile compared to wind and solar which can strengthen grid stability and lower costs as the world decarbonises.
Made of steel and completely floating, D-Spars are held in place with traditional anchors as used in commercial shipping. The central innovation of the D Spar is the proprietary “sleeved spar” system: independently floating steel cylinders enclosed within a sleeve like hull, that move up and down in passing waves. Differences in hydrodynamic properties cause the components to move up and down like a massive piston, generating relative motion that is converted into electricity through a power-take-off system.
