TV series to showcase WA tech innovators

Western Australian innovators will be thrust onto the small screen on a new series showcasing ideas born in the state that could solve pressing global issues.

Guru Productions’ Innovation Nation series, to air nationwide on Channel 9, will feature 70 WA ideas when it screens in coming months.

The show is backed by the state government’s New Industries Fund and will canvass new ideas across a broad spectrum of sectors from biotechnology to agriculture.

It is hoped the publicity will generate global exposure and investment in products highlighted on the show.

Innovation Minister Stephen Dawson said the show would challenge the perception WA was a “one-trick pony”.

“We have got a great mining sector but people don't always see the other things going on right around the state,” he said.

“Hopefully this will lead to some international opportunities moving forward.”

Mr Dawson would not reveal how much the state government was spending on the show.

Show co-founder Brad Hill said the stories of WA innovation needed to be told.

“Whether it is the investment community, whether it is the kids coming out of schools, having them see these heroes in innovation to me is absolutely essential,” he said.

“We are actually already really  good at innovation, It is just that most of our heroes and stories have been about mining, property and finance.

“When you actually look under the covers and see the absolute quality of innovation that's coming out… I am seeing companies that just absolutely amaze me.”

Mr Hill will co-host the show with TV and radio presenter Christina Morrissy.