INCITE Awards celebrate WA’s leaders in innovation & diversity
The 34th INCITE Awards have recognised achievements across Western Australia's technology sector, with major honours going to gender equity champions and local technology company Norwood Systems.
The event, hosted in Perth and presented by WAITTA, highlighted accomplishments from startups to established enterprises, and drew an audience of more than 330 attendees, including key officials such as Acting Premier and Minister for Science and Innovation Stephen Dawson, the Hon. Dr Parwinder Kaur, and City of Perth Acting Lord Mayor Bruce Reynolds.
Recognition of leadership
Tina Ambrose and Kay Hargreaves, immediate past co-chairs of Women in Technology WA (WiTWA), were named the 2025 Achievers of the Year. The pair were recognised for their work in increasing visibility and opportunities for women in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) careers. WiTWA, under their leadership, has reached over 8,000 students, achieved AUD $2.4 million in funding, and fostered a community of women and allies in STEM fields.
Minister Dawson commented on the impact of the awards:
"Western Australia is home to some of the most innovative minds in the country, and it's a privilege to celebrate their achievements at the 34th INCITE Awards. As Minister for Science and Innovation, I'm proud to support programs such as INCITE that help WA's talent thrive, drive economic growth, and ensure our state remains at the forefront of innovation. I'm particularly inspired by the recognition of leaders like Tina Ambrose and Kay Hargreaves from Women in Technology WA, named as the 2025 Achievers of the Year at the INCITE Awards. These two changemakers are transforming the face of our tech sector by empowering women and young people to see a future for themselves in STEM."
The award to Ambrose and Hargreaves was presented by the Hon. Dr Parwinder Kaur, previous recipient of the Achiever of the Year title.
Technology company awards
Norwood Systems was named the 2025 Dr Mal Bryce Tech Company of the Year and also received the Research & Innovation (Industry) Award. The company is recognised for developing platforms such as World Phone, CogVoice and OpenSpan Call Protect, which have been built locally and deployed internationally. Norwood Systems' focus has included research, sustainability, and high-impact technology exports.
Additional awards went to Chris Morrissey, founder and CEO of MSSP Ever Nimble, who received the Pearcey Foundation WA Entrepreneur of the Year, and Ember Connect, a digital platform supporting First Nations women, was recognised with the Digital Inclusion – Connected State Award from the Office of Digital Government Western Australia.
Pathway to national recognition
Winners and merit recipients from the INCITE Awards will now represent Western Australia at the Australian iAwards and may progress to the Asia-Pacific ICT Alliance Awards (APICTA) later in the year. Thirteen technology projects have been selected for national consideration, covering areas such as government innovation, research, sustainability, digital inclusion, and startup achievements.
Notable projects include Asset Engine for government innovation, Norwood Systems for research and industry, Clear Carbon for sustainability, and Li-ion Energy as Startup of the Year. The inclusion of both established and emerging leaders in the selections demonstrates the range of talent present across the state's technology sector.
Sector diversity and impact
Cameron Zivkovic and Jess Etheridge, Board Directors and Co-Chairs of the 34th INCITE Awards, offered their congratulations to all finalists. Zivkovic stated:
"This year's winners reflect the depth, diversity, and ambition of Western Australia's innovation ecosystem, from global tech leaders to emerging founders and community changemakers. The strong presence of MedTech, Life Sciences, and sustainability-focused initiatives shows how WA talent is stepping up to solve some of our most pressing challenges, with boldness and impact," Cameron said.
Etheridge also commented on the changing landscape of the sector:
"Our 2025 finalists represent the changing face of technology in this state: One that is a more inclusive, vibrant sector that embraces the contributions of First Nations peoples, women, youth, LGBTQIA+ and culturally diverse communities. Many of this year's nominees have drawn on personal experience to create solutions that are not only technically brilliant, but deeply human. We commend every entrant for their courage, creativity, and dedication to making a difference," Jess said.
The Co-Chairs added: "To our winners and merit recipients: congratulations! You now have the opportunity to represent Western Australia at the national iAwards, and potentially on the world stage at the Asia-Pacific ICT Alliance (APICTA) Awards later this year. We're excited to watch your continued success."
Minister Dawson expressed appreciation to WAITTA for its role in promoting the sector: "Thank you to the INCITE Awards steward, WAITTA, for delivering a fantastic platform for Western Australian technology and innovation."
