• Applications for the 2019 WA Innovator of the Year awards are now open
• Total prize pool of $150,000 up for grabs
• McGowan Government supporting local innovators to help create and support WA jobs

The search for Western Australia's latest innovation superstar is now on with Innovation and ICT Minister Dave Kelly today officially opening applications for the 2019 WA Innovator of the Year program.

The program, which started under the Carpenter Labor Government 13 years ago, acknowledges and rewards exceptional Western Australian innovators who have developed outstanding products, technology or services.

Winners will share in a prize pool of $150,000 to help commercialise their innovation, and the overall winner will receive a prize of $70,000.

To apply, the innovation must be at the emerging or growth phase of development and demonstrate an economic, social or environmental benefit for the State.

Sixteen semi-finalists will be awarded and will receive intensive business commercialisation training, including pitch presentation training, one-on-one mentoring, a legal health check and financial planning tools. Eight finalists will also receive a professionally edited video of their innovation.

Udrew, last year's Innovator of the Year, went on to win the People's Choice Award at the Australian Proptech Summit, opened its first office in Perth and has substantially grown its business. Udrew are expected to increase its staff from one person last year to 18 by the end of this financial year.

The State Government thanks new primary sponsor Rio Tinto and other sponsors Woodside, South32, Business News, DXC Technology, iPREPWA, Wrays, CERI, Watermark, Murfett Legal, and Moore Stephens for their support of the program.

Applications close at 11am on April 29, 2019. For more information, visit https://www.newindustries.wa.gov.au/opportunities/ioty

Comments attributed to Innovation and ICT Minister Dave Kelly:

"This program has a proven track record of supporting innovative local companies to commercialise their unique products, and grow their businesses to create WA jobs and boost the economy.

"Last year's winners, Udrew, have had an incredible year since being named the 2018 Innovator of the Year.

"Not only did the company go on to win the People's Choice Award at the Australian Proptech Summit and open an office in Perth, it is expected to grow from one employee last year to 18 by July this year.

"I can't wait to see the innovations and local talent on display in the 2019 awards, and how this Government can work with local innovators to create and support WA jobs."

Minister's office - 6552 6100