STARTUP
Record-Breaking Year For WA Innovators Of The Year As 24 Finalists Announced
Western Australia’s innovation ecosystem continues to build momentum, with the WA Innovators of the Year (WAIOTY) program receiving more entries in 2025 than at any time in its 19-year history.
Launched in 2006, WAIOTY has become a springboard for startups, entrepreneurs, and SMEs, providing not just recognition but also vital connections to funding, training, and commercialisation opportunities. This year’s record-breaking pool of 91 applications reflects the state’s growing depth in industries as diverse as mining technology, marine science, sustainability, and medtech.
Finalists span emerging and growth innovation
Independent judging panels have selected six finalists in both the Rio Tinto Emerging and Rio Tinto Growth categories. These range from Aboriginal-led land planning technology and electric mining truck retrofits, to sustainable marine ecosystems and AI-powered communication tools. The diversity of concepts highlights the breadth of talent shaping WA’s innovation future.
Prizes and support for commercialisation
Winners in the Emerging and Growth categories will each receive $60,000, with runners-up collecting $15,000. In total, more than $280,000 in prizes will be awarded.
Beyond the cash prizes, all finalists will participate in an Accelerator Program, gaining access to pitch training, legal and IP support, mentoring, and social media strategy. Biodesign Australia will provide PhD student placements, while CERI will offer specialised training and mentorship to help take ideas from prototype to market.
New category for young innovators
This year introduces the Young Entrepreneurs Academy WA Young Innovators of the Year category, designed to spotlight exceptional talent under 25. Finalists will be announced in early September.
“Innovation is thriving in Western Australia, and the record-breaking 91 applications for this year’s WA Innovators of the Year Awards prove just how much momentum is building,” Science and Innovation Minister Stephen Dawson said. “It’s going to be fantastic to see who the finalists are from the next generation of problem solvers.”
Awards night and finalists list
Winners will be announced at the WA Innovators of the Year Awards ceremony on Monday, November 3rd, at Crown Perth.
Below is a list of all finalists:
Rio Tinto Emerging Category
| Acculaser | Acculaser Precision Guided Drilling For Smarter Faster Underground Operations |
| Anni | Anni connects individuals with verified health and wellbeing professionals—anytime, anywhere—via fast, affordable micro-consults® |
| Ekion | Next-generation metal mining using electrokinetic in situ recovery |
| Electric Power Conversions Australia | Full Electric Off-Road Mining Truck Retrofit |
| Indigivision | Healthy Country Framework – Aboriginal led, technology enabled model that empowers Traditional Owners to lead land use planning, heritage protection and sustainable development on their terms |
| ProGenis Pharmaceuticals | PGP-011 as an Effective RNA Therapeutic for Treating Insulin Resistance |
Rio Tinto Growth Category
| Clear Carbon | Clear Carbon – Intelligent, Real-time Emissions Automation for Air, Water and Land |
| Greenroom Robotics | GAMA – Greenroom Advanced Maritime Autonomy |
| Hayes Recycling | Recycling the unrecyclable: Western Australia’s Subsea Umbilical, Riser and Flowlines |
| Hey Sister! | A New Treatment for Period Pain, PMS and Menopausal Symptoms |
| Living Oceans | Living Ecosystems – WA Leading the World Sustainable Marine Aquarium Industry |
| SpaceDraft | SpaceDraft: A Human-Centered Communication Platform Bridging Understanding for the Vulnerable |
Wesfarmers Wellbeing Category
| Emyria Limited | Medication-assisted therapy for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder |
| Fly2 Health Group | Breaking down barriers to improve access to rural and remote allied healthcare |
| Gene S | Innovative pharmacogenomic genetic test platform with analytic and reporting software |
| Matilda Health | Matilda: Australia’s First Digital Surgery Support Program for Endometriosis |
Business News ‘Great for the State’ Category
| Greenroom Robotics | GAMA – Greenroom Advanced Maritime Autonomy |
| SafeStyle | SafeStyle Protective Eyewear |
| The Volte | Seamlist: a world-first retail integration platform that connects traditional fashion retailers directly to the circular economy |
| Whole Green Foods | Whole Ingredient Nutrient Extraction Processing Technology |
Woodside Energy Innovation Category
| Clear Carbon | Clear Carbon – Intelligent, Real-time Emissions Automation for Air, Water and Land |
| Hayes Recycling | Recycling the unrecyclable: Western Australia’s Subsea Umbilical, Riser and Flowlines |
| Molyneux Advisors | Grain-e: analysing geological rock chips using high-resolution images |
| Xplorate Pacific | Xplorate Intelligence Portal: gathering information technology and turning it in to useful data |