The WA state government is investing $1.2 million over the next four years to create the first creative technology innovation hub.
The hub will be headquartered in the south-west regional town of Bunbury.
This creative hub will focus on creative digital industries such as gaming, experiential and immersive technology, software development, product design, advertising, film and media.
The WA Creative Technology Innovation Hub (WACTIH) was announced by innovation and ICT minister Stephen Dawson in Bunbury and will operate in collaboration with the State Government, Edith Cowan University, City of Bunbury and industry to stimulate and grow Western Australia’s emerging creative and immersive technology industry.
The WACTIH will help businesses and creative enterprises grow by linking research, entrepreneurship and education in the use of digital and immersive technologies.
While the South-West is home to over 320 creative and digital businesses, the WACTIH will help support hundreds more businesses across the state with specialised advice and services.
Funded through the McGowan Government’s $16.7 million New Industries Fund, the WACTIH will join the state’s established innovation hubs in life sciences, data science and cyber security to build capability and capacity to diversify the economy, leverage new commercial opportunities and create jobs.
Stephen Dawson, innovation and ICT minister said, “Today’s announcement of the Creative Technology Innovation Hub is a boost not only for creative tech enterprises across the state but a vote of confidence in our regional innovators.
“The hub is set to drive economic value in the regions through business and skills transformation for increased, long-term advantage.”
He said, “The McGowan government’s New Industries Fund supports and accelerates WA’s innovative startups, emerging businesses and small and medium enterprises to diversify local and regional economies and create jobs and industries.
“Through the new hub, the McGowan Government aims to expand the State’s presence in the global digital supply chain of services, content and code.”
Mark Gustowski, partner at Mandalay Venture Partners commented on the announcement saying, “Wonderful vision and initiative by the Western Australian government in establishing the state’s first creative technology innovation hub. The intersection of art, creativity, technology and Web3 represents an enormous opportunity. Great to see.”