What's Happening Across WA's Innovation Ecosystem May/June 2026:
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Deep tech accelerators, AI hackathons, global pitch days, and data conferences — here's what's open right now.
There's a lot happening across WA's innovation ecosystem over the next few weeks. Whether you're a researcher looking to commercialise breakthrough technology, a founder curious about AI, or someone who cares about the future of data and decision-making, there's something here for you.
Here are four opportunities worth knowing about.
DeepStart: Accelerating Deep Tech from Research to Reality
If you're building breakthrough technology grounded in scientific research, DeepStart is designed for you.
This three-month accelerator program supports researchers, startups, and innovative SMEs across Australia to move from research to commercial outcomes. Unlike traditional accelerators, DeepStart is built for the pace and realities of deep tech — where timelines are longer, the science is complex, and the potential impact is significant.
Program benefits:
Access to an investment pool of up to $500,000
$5,000 grant for every team
Two-day NSW immersion at Tech23
Global pathways via Greentown Labs
Sponsored place at Curtin Ignition
DeepStart is delivered in partnership with Cicada Innovations and Greentown Labs, and supported by the Resources Technology and Critical Minerals Trailblazer and Melt Ventures.
If you're interested in learning more before applying, there's an online Discovery Session coming up.
📅 Online Discovery Session: Wednesday 20 May | 12:00pm – 1:00pm AWST
📅 Applications close: 12 June 2026
📅 Program runs: 30 July – 8 October 2026
Build with AI: Female Founders & Leaders
Curious about AI but not sure where to start? This event is for you.
Build with AI is a hands-on, beginner-friendly hackathon designed to create a welcoming space for women and non-binary people to explore what's possible with AI. Whether you're completely new to AI, working in a different field, building a business, or already experimenting with tools, you're welcome.
You'll spend the day working in teams (or independently) to build a functional prototype using Zoho Creator and Google AI tools like Gemini and AI Studio. No technical experience required — mentors will support you throughout the day.
The top three teams will win Google merchandise bundles and certificates, with the opportunity to showcase their projects at the She Codes Workshop Day on 13 June, attended by over 100 participants.
📅 Date: Saturday 6 June 2026
🕘 Time: 9:00am – 5:00pm
📍 Location: Riff, powered by Spacecubed | 45 St Georges Terrace, Perth
🎟️ Tickets: $10
Founders Factory: Investor & Ecosystem Pitch Day
Founders Factory is bringing their portfolio to Perth — and you're invited.
On Wednesday 27 May, 17 exceptional pre-seed to seed startups from Australia, Canada, Europe, the UK, and USA will pitch at Curtin 137. These startups span mining tech, nature tech, and health tech — all backed by Rio Tinto, the Government of Western Australia, and MSWA.
This is a rare chance to see what's being built at the cutting edge of these industries, meet the founders behind the ventures, and connect with investors and ecosystem leaders shaping what comes next.
If you're an investor, mentor, or ecosystem builder interested in where capital and innovation are flowing, this is one to attend.
📅 Date: Wednesday 27 May 2026
🕘 Time: Arrive from 9:00am for a 9:30am start
📍 Location: Curtin 137, 137 St Georges Terrace, Perth
Data Matters: Virtuous & the Vicious — UWA Data Institute Conference
Data can supercharge creativity and innovation across sectors, informing decisions and improving outcomes. But as reliance on algorithms grows and synthetic content scales, it raises critical questions of trust, bias, diversity, and utility.
The UWA Data Institute's 2026 conference — Data Matters: Virtuous & the Vicious — brings together leaders from research, industry, government, and community to examine how we safeguard the data-verse and ensure data continues to underpin rigorous, evidence-based decision-making.
The Virtuous: Data can transform industries and inform better decisions.
The Vicious: Scaling algorithms and synthetic content raise questions about trust, bias, and utility that we can't afford to ignore.
If you're passionate about quality data, innovation, and impact — whether you work in research, government, industry, or community — this is a conversation you'll want to be part of.
📅 Date: Friday 12 June 2026
🕘 Time: 8:45am – 5:00pm
📍 Location: The University Club of Western Australia, Hackett Entrance, 1 Hackett Dr., Crawley
Foundation Sponsors: BCG X, IMDEX, Kinetic IT, Chevron
Key Dates at a Glance
Opportunity | Date |
DeepStart Discovery Session | Wed 20 May |
Founders Factory Pitch Day | Wed 27 May |
Build with AI Hackathon | Sat 6 June |
Data Matters Conference | Fri 12 June |
DeepStart Applications Close | 12 June |
Plenty is happening across the ecosystem over the next few weeks. If any of these are relevant to you — or someone you know — get involved.
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