FAQ's

1)   What government agency manages the innovation program and Innovation Centres? And who should I contact?

• The Department of Industry and Resources (DoIR) manages the innovation program. Please contact Penny Griffin, Manager Innovation on (08) 9222 0573 for futher information or email penny.griffin@doir.wa.gov.au.
• The WA Innovation Centre is managed by Executive Officer Michelle Nicolson on (08) 9361 9043 or email michelle.nicolson@doir.wa.gov.au.

2)   How does the Innovation Centre relate to Technology Park?

• The WA Innovation Centre helps to bridge the gap between the development of ideas by innovators and the commercialisation of those ideas into viable and sustainable enterprises, products and services. It provides the infrastructure and services to support innovative organisations, whether they be start-up companies, mature industrial enterprises, research institutes or government agencies.
• The existing Technology Park in Bentley is WA's premier location for innovative research and development based organisation. The Park comprises over 100 organisations representing R&D technology based industry; research organisations; education institutions; support organisations, Park management and government. The well established industry sectors in Technology Park include ICT, resources and energy, environmental and biotechnology. The State Government is currently developing other specialised Technology Parks in line with its four pillars strategy (ICT, biotechnology, renewable energy and marine and defence) including the Australian Marine Complex (AMC) in Henderson.

3)   How do I register my interest in working closely with a university?

• Directly contact the office responsible for commercialisation and innovation management at the university of interest.

4)   what are the key dates for the Inventor of the Year program?

Early Stage, Development and Ready for Market Categories

5)   What are the objectives of the Innovation Centre?

The Innovation Centre's key objectives are:

• to provide infrastructure and services to support emerging innovative enterprises;
• to bridge the gap between the development and commercialisation of ideas into viable and sustainable interprises and products; and
• to assist existing businesses to identify commercialisation opportunities.

Through the Innovation Centre, the WA Government aims to increase the understanding of the importance and commercial potential of innovation, particularly among small to medium sized enterprises. Innovation is increasingly regarded as the key driver to a nation's export competitiveness, job growth, prosperity and problem solving skills in a knowledge-based economy.

To carry out this aim, the Innovation Centre offers the following services:

• Acts as a focal point and meeting place for entrepreneurs, innovators and service providers.
• Presents regular commercialisation skills development workshops and networking events
• Incubator services for emerging companies.
• An early stage advisory service on commercialisation.
• Access to information on innovation, intellectual property, commercialisation and funding schemes.

Among WA's abundance of natural resources, one of our greatest assets is the capacity of Western Australians to innovate and adapt to change. The Innovation Centre is an environment where this capacity can be nurtured and translated into commercially sustainable businesses.

6)   Who can access the Innovation Centre?

• Inventors
• Entrepreneurs
• Government
• Investors
• Commercialisation Advisors
• Researchers
• Academics

7)   Who manages the Innovation Centre?

• Executive Officer Michelle Nicolson manages the day-to-day activities of the Innovation Centre, contactable on (08) 9361 9043 or email innovationcentre@doir.wa.gov.au.

8)   Where is the Innovation Centre located?

Suite 4, Enterprise Unit3 11 Brodie Hall Drive, Technology Park Bentley WA, 6102

Notice Board

• Nominations for Inventor of the Year Award