Search under way for local innovators
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The search is on again for local innovators and entrepreneurs to participate in the 10th anniversary of the WA Innovator of the Year program.
The program, which is run by the Department of Commerce, is supported by Watermark Intellectual Asset Management principal Mark Pullen, who has been a member of the advisory committee and a judge since its inception in 2006.
Mr Pullen will join Fremantle Mayor Brad Pettit, former WA chief scientist Lyn Beazley, former Western Australian governor Ken Michael, ChemCentre chief executive Peter Millington, and founder and former CEO of Dome Coffees, Patria Jafferies, on the advisory committee.
The WA Innovator of the Year program has showcased some of the state’s most talented innovators, who have gone on to commercialise new products and services, win new markets and disrupt old ones.
Last year's winner was Business News 40under40 winner Kashif Saleem’s cloud-based asset management business Track'em, which is planning an ASX listing by the end of the year.
Other previous winners include Claremont-based ASX-listed company Resonance Health, which aids the diagnosis and management of liver damage, and a University of Western Australia research team for its development of a gene technology that improves the quality of life of people suffering from Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.
“Since its inception in 2006 these Western Australian government-sponsored awards have helped hundreds of entrepreneurs, companies and research teams develop their breakthrough ideas,” Commerce Minister Michael Mischin said.
“These remarkable people have gone on to commercialise new products and services, win new markets and disrupt old ones.
“Along the way, they have created jobs, contributed to WA’s prosperity and enhanced its reputation, and inspired thousands of others to follow in their footsteps.
“I am proud to be part of the 10 year anniversary celebrations of the WA Innovator of the Year and wish this year’s cohort of Western Australian innovators and entrepreneurs every success.”