Technology and Innovation

Western Australia is experiencing a remarkable surge in technology and innovation activity, with Perth emerging as a global hub for entrepreneurship and start-ups.

The local tech sector now supports thousands of jobs in early-stage, scalable technology-enabled businesses, with over a third of Western Australian start-ups located within the City of Perth.

Rapid growth and global recognition

Perth's innovation ecosystem has achieved significant milestones:

Ranked #1 top emerging ecosystem in Oceania by Startup Genome's 2023 Global Startup Ecosystem Report
Rose 7 places in global rankings from 2022 to 2023
81% growth in start-up ecosystem value from 2022 to 2023
$11 billion estimated economic contribution by the tech sector in Western Australia
57,000 tech jobs in Western Australia, making it the 7th largest employing sector in Australia

Mark Stickells, Executive Director - Pawsey Supercomputing Centre

"Perth is the home of tomorrow's technology with a rich network of industry-aligned universities and specialised research facilities delivering excellence in automation, analytics, remote operations and frontier technologies set to benefit Australia and the world."

Dr Garnett Hall, CEO - VetChip

"It's difficult creating world-first technology anywhere in the world, but thankfully we've had the resources we need here in Perth to be able to do just that."

Tony Dawe, Director of Global Investor Relations - Brainchip

"Perth is a great place to develop innovation ... there's a real concentration of tech expertise [and] we see numerous examples of young start-up tech companies coming out of Perth ... There's a lot of great people here in Perth doing very innovative, cutting-edge things in the technology sector."

Innovation infrastructure

The City of Perth boasts a robust innovation ecosystem:

Co-working spaces: Multiple locations, including four Spacecubed sites housing over 1,000 members
Academic and research partnerships: Specialised facilities like Pawsey Supercomputing Centre
Government and corporate support: Seed funding and engagement with industry stakeholders
Risk capital and investor networks: Active groups like Perth Angels and various WA-centric venture capital firms

For more information on investment opportunities in Perth, please download the City of Perth Investment Profile, and explore the exciting potential that Perth has to offer in the world of technology and innovation.

City of Perth tech initiatives

The inaugural City of Perth Tech Action Plan outlines a strategic and comprehensive approach to attracting investment and fostering growth in local jobs and technology-enabled businesses. This plan serves to establish the City as a nationally and internationally recognised hub for technology, innovation and entrepreneurship.

The Tech Action Plan focuses on five key themes:

Awareness, promotion and celebration
Networking and events
Spaces and infrastructure
Tech sector development
Investment

Download the City of Perth Tech Action Plan, to find out more.

Funding Opportunities

In 2024/25, the City will commit over $5.6 million in funding for projects contributing to Perth's liveability, sustainability, and prosperity.

The City has provided funding for the following technology and innovation initiatives as part of the Economic Development Sponsorship Program:

Connect with the City‘s Economic Development team to learn how you can contribute to and benefit from our thriving technology and innovation ecosystem, or checkout the City's Sponsorships and Grants webpage if you have a program or event and are seeking support.

Whether you're an entrepreneur, investor or tech enthusiast, Perth offers the perfect environment to turn innovative ideas into reality and be a part of our city's exciting revolution.