WA tech leaders honoured at INCITE Awards in Perth

Western Australian biotechnologist Associate Professor Dr Parwinder Kaur has been awarded Achiever of the Year at the 33rd INCITE Awards. Dr Kaur's accolade was the evening's highest honour, part of an event celebrating a diverse range of achievements within the state's technology sector.

The INCITE Awards' honorary winners this year included Peter Van Der Made, the founder of BrainChip and an advocate for artificial intelligence; the not-for-profit group Switched on Seniors, which promotes technological literacy among older adults; and Radlink Communications, which was named the WA Tech Company of the Year.

Held at The Westin Perth on Friday, 19 July, the annual INCITE Awards are recognised as Western Australia's primary gateway to the national iAwards and the Asia-Pacific ICT Alliance Awards (APICTA). Organisers, the Western Australian IT and Telecommunications Alliance (WAITTA), announced that all 15 winners and merits in the project award categories will progress to the national competition, the iAwards, where they will compete against peers from across Australia.

WAITTA President Con Polkinghorne commended all participants, saying, "On behalf of WAITTA, congratulations to everyone who entered in this year's INCITE Awards." He highlighted the diversity of innovations presented, adding, "From geospatial innovations to solving widespread chronic ear infections, to the pseudo-FitBit for the family pet - this year's INCITE finalists show that Western Australia is home to superb talent, the brightest minds and people wanting to make real, positive change in our world."

During the gala ceremony, WAITTA also announced a new partnership with the not-for-profit Mentor it Forward, aimed at providing all 40 nominees with mentoring opportunities at no cost. This initiative is intended to support their professional growth and enhance their chances at the iAwards.

The full list of category winners and merits provides further evidence of the state's technological prowess. Edith Cowan University received several accolades, including the Innovating Government category for their ParaVerse project and the Research & Innovation (Post-Graduate) category for their Water Twins project. In the digital inclusion category, Switched on Seniors was honoured for their efforts in bridging the technological gap for older generations.

Pearcey Foundation’s WA Entrepreneur of the Year was awarded to Peter Van Der Made for his contributions to BrainChip, a company known for its advanced AI technologies. Radlink Communications garnered the Dr Mal Bryce WA Tech Company of the Year award, recognising their achievements in communications technology. Earflo took home the Startup of the Year title, further underscoring the variety of sectors represented.

WAITTA President Con Polkinghorne noted the region's status as a hub for technological innovation, stating, "This year's awards are a testament to the dynamic and innovative spirit that characterises Western Australia's technology sector. With finalists and winners hailing from a wide range of industries, the event underscored the region's status as a hub for cutting-edge technology and entrepreneurial excellence."

He also acknowledged Pia Turcinov AM, who lauded Western Australia as an ideal environment for innovators, saying, "WA is a great place to call home for innovators of all walks of life, wanting to make a difference."

The INCITE Awards continue to highlight the vibrant and diverse landscape of Western Australia's technology sector, bringing attention to projects and individuals pushing the boundaries of innovation.