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Highlights
- WA Innovators Awards spotlight breakthrough ideas
- Emerging and growth categories cover diverse sectors
- Support program prepares finalists for industry impact
Rio Tinto (ASX:RIO), part of the ASX 200, has stepped into the spotlight as the headline sponsor for this year’s WA Innovators of the Year Awards, showcasing the vibrant potential of Western Australia’s creative and entrepreneurial ecosystem. The initiative, driven in collaboration with the state government, places special emphasis on advancing mining and resources innovation while also celebrating broader technological progress.
The awards have expanded over the years to recognise outstanding startups, entrepreneurs, and small to medium-sized enterprises, with a strong focus on innovation that addresses real-world challenges.
Recognising Groundbreaking Solutions
Finalists in the Rio Tinto Emerging Category include Acculaser for its guided drilling project, Ekion with its electrokinetic metal mining innovation, and Electric Power Conversions Australia for its electric off-road mining truck. Indigivision has also made the list for its Healthy Country Framework, a land use planning tool empowering Traditional Owners in heritage protection and sustainable development.
In the Rio Tinto Growth Category, finalists include Clear Carbon, Greenroom Robotics, and SpaceDraft — each bringing unique solutions to pressing industry and environmental needs.
Broader Recognition Across Categories
Other notable award segments feature the Westfarmers Wellbeing Category, the Business News ‘Great for the State’ Category, and the Woodside Energy Innovation Category, expanding the recognition to initiatives promoting wellbeing, community impact, and sustainability.
Ahead of the awards ceremony, finalists will participate in the Accelerator Program — gaining access to expert-led training in pitching, mentoring, legal and intellectual property guidance, and digital promotion strategies. The program’s structured approach ensures innovators are well-prepared to showcase their projects effectively.
Celebrating the Spirit of Innovation
Since its launch in 2006, the WA Innovators of the Year Awards have evolved into a platform that not only rewards achievement but also fosters collaboration, industry engagement, and future-ready thinking. The upcoming awards night promises to highlight the creativity, resilience, and vision that continue to define Western Australia’s innovation landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What industries are represented in the WA Innovators of the Year Awards?
The awards span multiple sectors, including mining, environmental solutions, technology, and community development. - How do finalists benefit from the Accelerator Program?
They receive professional guidance in pitching, legal and IP management, mentoring, and strategies to promote their innovation. - When were the WA Innovators of the Year Awards first launched?
The program was launched in 2006 and has grown to become a major recognition platform for innovative ideas in the state.
