Tech fest back in the west

Now in its 10th year, West Tech Fest will celebrate the startup and tech community’s innovation, entrepreneurship and investment across Perth, Fremantle and Rottnest Island.

More than 400 members of the local start-up and tech community expected to attend the week-long festival, which was co-founded by Paula Taylor, Larry Lopez, Rohan McDougall and US venture capitalist Bill Tai in 2012.

Innovation and ICT Minister Don Punch officially opened the West Tech Fest 2021 conference earlier today, announcing the state government would issue $500,000 to expand the fesival in 2022.

Backed by Curtin University, West Tech Fest says it attributes its growth to partnerships with Freo Startup Fest, Extreme Tech Challenge, Spacecubed, Innovation Central, City of Perth, and ACTAI Global among others.

A new investment opportunity is on the table this year for attending startups, with the recently formed West Tech Fest Investor Network (WIN) set to invest $100,000 in up to three local startups.

The funding group is made up of some of the West Tech Fest organisers, well-known mentors and advisers, led by former WA Entrepreneur of the Year Rob Nathan.

As always, it’s an exciting program.

Monday December 6

This year’s program will start with a speed networking event hosted by shadow minister for science, innovation and ICT, David Honey.

Participants will meet new contacts and have the chance to hear from some of Perth’s most innovative proptech companies, including Openn Negotiation, Mapizy, and Archistar.

Later on, the Australia Indonesia Business Council (WA) is moderating an event at Council House covering Non-Fungible Tokens, user experience design and digital transformation.

At 3:30pm, the Regional Innovation Showcase will be held at Perth Town Hall, delivered by Innovation Cluster and South West Angels.

Over at Power Ledger HQ, network and hear from a panel of experts on the future of blockchain at the West Tech Fest sundowner.

Tuesday December 7

West Tech Women start the day with keynote speakers, Sherry Duhe, Woodside Energy CFO, and investor producer Olivia Humphrey, who will chat with the panel about their journeys.

At lunchtime, EY is hosting the Technology, Space & Western Australia event, discussing how WA is placed to benefit from its leadership in clean energy, minerals, agriculture, advanced manufacturing and defence Industries.

Rounding out day two is Plus Eight’s 2021 Demo Night.

The accelerator’s fifth cohort includes startups Snackr, The Tooth Market, Tender Relief, Ready Team One, IDEA and Wolfit Box.

Wednesday December 8

The centrepiece of the week is the West Tech Fest Conference.

This year’s theme is diversifying WA’s economy by supporting innovation in technology, creative industries and life science sectors.

A day full of presentations, panels, pitches, networking, and inspiration from both in-person and live-streamed speakers.

The event will be held at Beaumonde on the Point and registration starts from 8am.

Thursday December 9

Starting the day in Fremantle is the premiere annual event for discussing trends and collaborating towards the vision of WA being the leading ‘blue’ economy in the Indian Ocean by 2030.

Join leaders from Austral Fisheries, Australian Coastal Society, Minderoo Foundation, Subcon, and others at the State of the Blue Economy Forum, at Sonar Room.

At Curtin University, Innovation Central Perth is showcasing WA’s Thriving Innovation Ecosystem at this free event, sharing valuable information on the support and resources available to those wanting to go from startup to scale-up and beyond in WA.

The evening follows on with the Long Mile Hack Pitch Night.

Centre for Entrepreneurial Research and Innovation has teamed up with City of Nedlands to offer up three real-world challenges: activating space; getting off the grid; and making Nedlands a smart city.

The hackathon takes place on December 2 and 3, with the creative solutions being pitched at CERI on December 9.

Hosted at the iconic Little Creatures, the schedule includes a founder panel entitled, ‘The raise, the pitch and the exit’, a pitch frenzy where punters have 30 seconds to ask for anything they want: investment, an introduction, or a co-founder.

Friday December 10

One of the highlights of the festival is always the sold-out Rotto Tech Fest.

The day consists of talks on technology solutions for global impact.

Held at Samphire Rottnest with a sundowner, music and great vibes, it is always in high demand and a fantastic way to close a wonderful week of technology, innovation and inspiration.

• Chloe Constantinides is a consultant, adviser, and founder of multiple startups. She works in marketing, technology, and strategy. A 2018 40under40 winner, she also featured on SmartCompany’s 2018 Smart 30 Under 30 list