Applications for the 2023 program are now closed.
The WA Innovator of the Year (IOTY) has showcased innovative and entrepreneurial individuals, businesses and creative minds since 2006.
The program acknowledges and rewards exceptional innovators and entrepreneurs in Western Australia who have developed an outstanding innovative product, technology or service, which is at the emerging innovation or growth phase of development.
This year, the program has seen an increased prize pool of $220,000, to be shared across the available categories, with the overall Innovator of the Year winner to be awarded $100,000.
In addition to the funding available, the IOTY program offers finalists in the Emerging Innovation and Growth categories an array of commercialisation training and development opportunities, including:
- A full day pitch presentation workshop
- A one-on-one mentoring session
- Social media and digital strategy workshop
- A seminar on board models for entrepreneurs
- Advice on protecting your IP rights
- A webinar on equity incentives
- A webinar on grant writing
- Professional photo and video shoot
- A one-hour legal health overview session.
Two finalists will also be awarded a scholarship to attend a program with the Centre of Entrepreneurial Research and Innovation (CERI).
The WA Innovator of the Year 2023 program has six categories. Click on the relevant category below to find out more information, including how to apply.
For further information, email the innovation team at innovation@jtsi.wa.gov.au.
Program sponsors
Thank you to the official sponsors of the 2023 awards.
WA Innovator of the Year - Overall Winner
Show moreThe WA Innovator of the Year Overall Winner is a grand prize awarded to a WA applicant who has developed an outstanding innovative product, technology, process or service that clearly demonstrates an economic, social or environmental benefit to Western Australia.
The winner of this award will be chosen from the finalists from either the Emerging Innovation Category or the Growth Category. The Overall Winner will also receive an opportunity for support from a PhD student to assist in the further research and development of the innovation from Biodesign Australia.
Cash prize: $100,000
Applications will close at 11am (AWST) on Friday 9 June 2023. Late applications or changes to applications will not be accepted after the closing date and time.
Before applying, please read the WA IOTY 2023 Application Information attached below under 'Publications'.
You must submit your application through the online grants portal below.
Rio Tinto Emerging Innovation Category
Show moreThe award in this category goes to a WA applicant who has developed an outstanding innovative product, technology, process or service that is pre-revenue. The applicant must also clearly demonstrate an economic, social or environmental benefit to Western Australia.
Cash prize: $30,000
Applications will close at 11am (AWST) on Friday 9 June 2023. Late applications or changes to applications will not be accepted after the closing date and time.
Before applying, please read the WA IOTY 2023 Application Information attached below under 'Publications'.
You must submit your application through the online grants portal below.
Rio Tinto Growth Category
Show moreThe award in this category goes to a WA applicant who has developed an outstanding innovative product, technology, process or service that is post-revenue. The applicant must also clearly demonstrate an economic, social or environmental benefit to Western Australia.
Cash prize: $30,000
Applications will close at 11am (AWST) on Friday 9 June 2023. Late applications or changes to applications will not be accepted after the closing date and time.
Before applying, please read the WA IOTY 2023 Application Information attached below under 'Publications'.
You must submit your application through the online grants portal below.
Woodside Energy Platinum Award for Energy Innovation
Show moreThe award in this category goes to a WA applicant who has developed an innovation that inspires and informs the future direction of oil, gas, and new energy production in WA, for export and for domestic WA customers, with new technology and new business models.
Cash prize: $20,000
Applications will close at 11am (AWST) on Friday 9 June 2023. Late applications or changes to applications will not be accepted after the closing date and time.
Before applying, please read the WA IOTY 2023 Application Information attached below under 'Publications'.
You must submit your application through the online grants portal below.
To be considered for this award you need to indicate via a tick box on the online application form under the Platinum Sponsor Awards tab.
Business News Great for the State Platinum Award
Show moreThe award in this category goes to a WA applicant that has developed an outstanding innovation, which raises the profile of WA and contributes to developing WA’s reputation as an innovative and pioneering state.
Sponsorship Prize Pack: Advertising, subscription and sponsorship pack to the value of $10,000
Cash Prize: $10,000
Applications will close at 11am (AWST) on Friday 9 June 2023. Late applications or changes to applications will not be accepted after the closing date and time.
Before applying, please read the WA IOTY 2023 Application Information attached below under 'Publications'.
You must submit your application through the online grants portal below.
To be considered for this award you need to indicate via a tick box on the online application form under the Platinum Sponsor Awards tab.
Wesfarmers Wellbeing Platinum Award Winner
Show moreThe award in this category goes to a WA applicant who has developed an outstanding innovative product, technology, process or service that advances social or medical wellbeing in the community.
Cash Prize: $20,000
Applications will close at 11am (AWST) on Friday 9 June 2023. Late applications or changes to applications will not be accepted after the closing date and time.
Before applying, please read the WA IOTY 2023 Application Information attached below under 'Publications'.
You must submit your application through the online grants portal below.
To be considered for this award you need to indicate via a tick box on the online application form under the Platinum Sponsor Awards tab.
