Innovation EcoSystem Update May 2026
- May 1
- 3 min read
May 2026: What's Happening Across WA's Innovation Ecosystem
Pitch competitions, accelerators, incubators, and networking — here's what's open right now.
There's a lot happening across WA's innovation ecosystem this month. Whether you're looking to pitch a breakthrough idea, join an accelerator, build a social enterprise, or connect with industry leaders, here are the opportunities worth knowing about.
Falling Walls Lab Perth
Got a ground-breaking idea with the potential to change science and society? The Falling Walls Lab is a global pitch competition where students, researchers, and early-career professionals present innovative solutions to the world's biggest challenges — in just three minutes.
The Perth lab is hosted by The Forrest Research Foundation on 9 June. The winner will be sponsored to pitch their breakthrough idea on the world stage at the Falling Walls International Final in Berlin.
📅 Event date: 9 June 2026 📍 Location: Forrest Hall, 21 Hackett Drive, Crawley 📅 Applications close: 25 May 2026
WASEC Social Impact Incubator 2026
WA's only program of its kind — a six-month incubator for early-stage founders building businesses that make a real difference.
The program includes tailored mentoring, expert talks, site visits, pitch coaching, a showcase event, and a free ticket to the WA Social Enterprise Awards. Last year's cohort tackled everything from family and domestic violence to sustainability and migrant settlement.
"Having done a few similar programs, it was nice to have a program tailored towards social enterprises. A lot of programs are catered towards that sort of tech startup, trying to find the next unicorn. So if you're not a tech bro, that's not your kind of community. There was a greater alignment here."
📅 Applications close: 18 May 2026 💰
Cost: $1,650 (heavily subsidised, scholarships and regional travel bursaries available)
Plus Eight Accelerator 2026
A six-month, seed-funded accelerator program supporting founders to scale with access to funding, mentorship, and global networks.
If you're past the idea stage and ready to grow, Plus Eight — part of the Spacecubed and Meshpoints ecosystem — is one of WA's flagship programs for high-growth ventures.
📅 Applications close: 14 May 2026
WA Innovation Ecosystem Survey
Help shape the future of WA's innovation ecosystem.
Meshpoints is running a survey open to founders, investors, mentors, supporters, and anyone involved in the ecosystem. Your input will help shape future funding and initiatives — and you'll go in the draw to win one of three $100 gift cards.
📅 Survey closes: 15 May 2026
FAWA Business Breakfast 2026
An exclusive networking opportunity for students interested in business and finance.
The Finance Association of WA is hosting their annual Business Breakfast featuring Mark Barnaba, founder of Azure Capital and Executive Chairman of Fortescue.
Enjoy a two-course breakfast with representatives from Morgan Stanley, UBS, Azure Capital, Gresham Partners, Euroz Hartleys, Wesfarmers, and more.
📅 Ticket sales close: 4 May 2026
Key Dates at a Glance
Opportunity | Closes |
FAWA Business Breakfast (tickets) | 4 May |
Plus Eight Accelerator | 14 May |
WA Innovation Ecosystem Survey | 15 May |
WASEC Social Impact Incubator | 18 May |
Falling Walls Lab Perth | 25 May |
Plenty is happening across the ecosystem this month. If any of these are relevant to you — or someone you know — get your applications in before the deadlines.
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