Cook Government Funds West Tech Fest Expansion

The Cook Labor Government will continue its strong support for the State's innovation ecosystem, committing new funding to West Tech Fest.

Through the New Industries and Innovation Fund, the State Government will invest $1.1 million over four years to support the continued growth of West Tech Fest, Australia's largest innovation festival.

This year, West Tech Fest will be moving to Fremantle, complimenting the port city's thriving innovation ecosystem and showcasing its unique culture to a national and international audience. Western Australia's five port authorities will be combining to run a "Port Pitch" event providing the opportunity for startups to pitch ideas that could improve port efficiency, safety, or security.

Since its establishment 15 years ago, West Tech Fest has become a flagship event for the State's innovation sector, attracting over 5,000 attendees annually, including national and international founders, investors, and ecosystem leaders.

It provides opportunities for the local startup and tech community to connect with and hear from global leaders as they share insights into how to grow a successful business.

One in five participants come from outside WA and in 2025, 35 per cent of attendees were startup founders. The top three industries participants operate in are technology, education, and government.

The Cook Labor Government's continued support reinforces its commitment to positioning WA as a global innovation and entrepreneurship hub at a time when other states are pulling funding from similar events.

Every year, West Tech Fest shines a spotlight on local talent globally and brings together an influential mix of international founders, investors, CEOs, and tech visionaries.

For more information, visit: westtechfest.com.au

As stated by Science and Innovation Minister Stephen Dawson:

"West Tech Fest is our State's pre-eminent technology and innovation showcase, and the Cook Labor Government is ensuring it can continue to put WA innovation on display with this latest funding announcement.

"West Tech Fest offers a uniquely WA tailored experience and provides a fantastic opportunity for founders, investors, and corporate attendees.

"Western Australia has a rapidly growing innovation sector, and the Cook Labor Government is committed to supporting programs such as West Tech Fest which connect our businesses with global opportunities.

"By investing in our innovation ecosystem with events like West Tech Fest, we help create new job opportunities that arise from emerging industries and startups here in WA."

As stated by Fremantle MLA Simone McGurk:

"I look forward to welcoming West Tech Fest to Fremantle which will provide the opportunity for local startups to connect with tech founders and investors from around the world.

"By investing in our innovation ecosystem with events like West Tech Fest, we are helping to create new job opportunities from emerging industries and startups here in Western Australia."