ASX 200 Spotlight: West Tech Fest Puts WA Innovation on Stage

Highlights

• West Tech Fest returns to Perth across multiple precincts in December

• Founders, investors and researchers connect through showcases and summits

• WA’s diversification push is lifting visibility for local innovation

West Tech Fest returns in December across Perth, bringing founders, investors and researchers together through major showcases and targeted sessions. The event highlights WA’s innovation depth and diversification momentum.

Western Australia’s innovation calendar is gearing up for a major week as West Tech Fest returns from 8 to 12 December 2025, turning Perth into a hub for founders, investors, researchers and corporates. While the festival is not a market event, it sits in the same national conversation that shapes productivity, new industries and commercial partnerships, which can influence business growth pathways over time.

What is West Tech Fest and why does it matter?

West Tech Fest is a week-long technology and innovation festival designed to connect the local startup and tech community with national and global leaders. It creates opportunities for:

• founder-to-investor introductions,

• corporate-to-startup collaboration,

• knowledge sharing through panels and workshops,

• ecosystem-building across sectors.

Its growth into a multi-day, multi-venue program reflects how deeply technology and applied innovation now run through WA’s broader economic story, from resources and renewables to health, education and enterprise transformation.

When and where is it held?

The festival runs across 8–12 December 2025 and is hosted by Curtin University, with events staged across Perth’s metropolitan area, including Perth, Fremantle and Rottnest Island. This spread supports a mix of large headline gatherings and smaller sessions designed for deeper networking.

Who attends, and what does the mix signal?

West Tech Fest brings together:

• startup founders and early-stage teams,

• investors and ecosystem leaders,

• research institutions and universities,

• corporates and industry partners.

International representation is expected from a range of countries, reinforcing the festival’s positioning as a gateway between WA innovation and global opportunity. A significant share of attendees are expected to be founders, which signals a strong maker-led presence rather than a purely spectator crowd.

What are the flagship events to watch?

West Tech Fest typically features several headline showcases that spotlight different parts of the innovation ecosystem.

What is the City of Perth Innovation Showcase?

A public-facing innovation showcase designed to spotlight WA technology and founders, helping emerging businesses gain visibility, feedback and partnership interest.

What is West Tech Women?

A flagship event focused on strengthening participation, leadership and pathways for women across technology and entrepreneurship, supporting networks and practical growth conversations.

What is the Young Entrepreneurs Showcase?

An event that highlights young founders and emerging entrepreneurial talent, connecting early-stage builders with mentors, investors and industry perspectives.

What is the First Nations House Summit?

A summit that highlights Indigenous innovation and excellence, supporting stronger pathways for First Nations-led innovation, enterprise building and ecosystem visibility.

How is WA supporting the festival?

The Western Australian Government is backing the festival with funding support, positioning it as a platform that helps local innovators access networks, markets and national visibility, while reinforcing innovation as a driver of new industries and job creation.

Why does this matter for WA’s diversification story?

West Tech Fest is a practical reminder that innovation isn’t confined to one sector. The week’s agenda reflects real-world technology adoption across industries that matter to WA, including:

• resources productivity and safer operations,

• renewables integration and energy reliability,

• healthcare innovation and applied research,

• education and workforce capability,

• digital systems that make services more efficient.

The long-term value of the festival often shows up in what happens after the week ends: partnerships formed, pilots launched, investment discussions progressed, and founders connected to customers.

Who will find West Tech Fest most useful?

West Tech Fest is especially relevant for:

• founders seeking customers, investment and talent,

• investors scouting pipeline and domain expertise,

• corporates looking for innovation partners,

• researchers and students aiming to commercialise ideas,

• ecosystem builders strengthening WA’s global connections.