The funding comes out of the New Industries and Innovation Fund.
The event draws around 5,000 attendees each year and is a flagship event for the state’s technology sector, including its startup ecosystem. Typically 20 per cent of attendees travel from outside WA to attend, and last year, 35 per cent of delegates were startup founders.
“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,” said WA’s science and innovation minister, Stephen Dawson.
“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.”
The event’s organisers are celebrating the government’s latest funding as the largest and longest commitment received in the event’s 15 year history.
The festival is also moving its West Tech Main event to Fremantle. The event was previously held at Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre (PCEC).
West Tech Fest takes place in December.
