Innovative agricultural company and packaging manufacturer are among a record number of applications for the WA Innovators of the Year (WAIOTY) awards, that has led to the highest number of innovators competing in the final stages of the program.
Among finalists are SeaStock Pty Ltd, who is processing Asparagopsis seaweed to make agricultural products with less methane and Uluu who are using seaweed to progress the world’s first truly compelling alternative to plastic
Innovation and the Digital Economy minister Stephen Dawson said applications peaked at 89 across a diverse range of industries and the judges have now narrowed the field down to 19 finalists.
This is up from 74 applications and 17 finalists last year.
“Innovation is booming here in Western Australia and this is reflected in a record number of applications and finalists for the WA Innovators of the Year awards,” said Dawson.
“The Cook Government is helping to drive our dynamic innovation sector and directing funding to keep maintaining the momentum and these results are testimony to how exciting it is to be involved in our innovation sector”
Those who win their categories will share in an increased prize fund worth $240,000 with each category winner taking home $60,000.
There will also be prize funds for two runners up, and three platinum award categories.
This year has also seen the addition of a new category for innovation in the public sector, the WA Government Innovators of the Year.
Applications are still open for the public sector category, but close this Wednesday, 31 July.
There have been a number of contributors to this year’s awards including WAIOTY primary sponsor Rio Tinto along with Wesfarmers, Woodside Energy, Business News, Griffith Hack, Wrays, CERI (Centre for Entrepreneurial Research and Innovation), Biodesign Australia, Nexia Australia, BetterLabs, CSIRO, Moore Australia and AIMI (Australian Innovation Management Institute).