Chair's Report — Premila Jina
Ten years in, the Game Changer Awards still gives me chills.
This year, Minister Stephen Dawson joined more than 500 students in singing "Happy 10th Birthday" to GCA. It was loud, joyful, and completely unrehearsed — and it captured everything this program stands for. A community of young people, educators, industry leaders, and volunteers, all backing the same idea: that every child has the potential to be a game changer.
That belief has guided this program since day one. It still does.
Chair
200
Project Submissions
67% increase
766+
Students Participated
74% year on year
95
Industry Judges
40
Volunteers
60% jump from 2024
750+
Awards Event Attendees
25
Schools Engaged
18
Industry Sponsors
This year we launched the Game Changer Academy — a program designed to build lasting capability in schools, not just produce award entries. Through design thinking and innovation-based learning, we're equipping teachers to lead change in their own classrooms. Many schools are now running their own "mini-GCA" events year-round. That's the ripple effect we've always been chasing.
Mini GCA itself grew from a single pilot school and 15 teams in 2024 to five schools and 105 teams in 2025. That kind of growth doesn't happen by accident — it happens when the demand is real and the model works.
We also refreshed the state finals format, inviting each school's top five teams to compete, with six finalist teams advancing to pitch at the Young Entrepreneurs Showcase at West Tech Fest. That's a meaningful bridge — from classroom problem-solving to standing in front of industry and saying: here's my idea, and here's why it matters.
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Western Australia's future depends on young people who can think critically, collaborate across difference, and back themselves in the face of hard problems. GCA develops exactly those qualities — through a play-based, inquiry-driven approach that meets students where they are and asks them to stretch.
Many past GCA winners are still growing their ideas, still partnering with industry, some still in school. That's not a coincidence. That's a program doing its job.
Building lasting capability in schools through design thinking and innovation-based learning, equipping teachers to lead change in their own classrooms.
From 1 pilot school and 15 teams in 2024 to 5 schools and 105 teams in 2025. Growth that happens when the demand is real and the model works.
Top five teams from each school competing, with six finalists advancing to pitch at the Young Entrepreneurs Showcase at West Tech Fest.
Metropolitan
Schools across the Perth metro area
Regional
Reaching schools across regional WA
Special Needs Neurodiverse
GCA was never just for one kind of learner
None of this happens without our extraordinary GCA Committee, our sponsors, our judges, and every teacher who said yes to something new this year. Eighteen industry sponsors backed the program in 2025 — a sign of how seriously WA's technology and innovation community takes the pipeline of talent coming through behind them.
We are changing lives - one game-changing child at a time.
Thank
you.
WAITTA Patron Professo Lyn Beazley AO reflects on Western Australia's innovation achievements across 2025, and the organisation's renewed identity as the Western Australian Innovation, Technology & Talent Alliance.
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Co-Chairs Jess Etheridge and Cameron Zivkovic reflect on the 2025 INCITE Awards, celebrating Western Australia's innovation and technology talent with record attendance, national recognition, and community impact.
President Premila Jina reflects on the 2025 year for WAITTA, from a new name and renewed purpose, to growing STEM impact and celebrating success.
WAITTA has released its 2025 Annual Report sharing insights into its three core programs as well as ongoing strategic work to uplift Western Australia's technology sector.
Six teams. Big ideas. One stage. At the West Tech Fest Young Entrepreneurs Showcase, six Game Changer Awards finalists stepped up and showed WA what the next generation of tech innovators looks like.
Presented by INCITE Awards Chief Judge Celia Jordaan, this free online briefing will help prospective nominees understand how to prepare a strong entry.
WAITTA and CERI have announced a new partnership for the 35th INCITE Awards, offering this year's Research & Development Award winner a major prize package worth $8,000!
Follow our step-by-step guide to nominating in the INCITE Awards, from what information to prepare through to presenting to the judges to awards night.
The Western Australian Innovation, Technology & Talent Alliance (WAITTA) has appointed five new Board Directors, marking a significant milestone as the organisation celebrates 35 years of championing WA technology innovation.
Celebrate the WA tech innovators in your life! Shoulder tap a mate for the 35th INCITE Awards, and help recognise the hard work and dedication of your colleagues, friends, and industry peers.
Nominations have opened for INCITE's Honorary Awards as part of the 35th program, recognising individuals and organisations who have made sustained and significant contributions to Western Australia’s technology innovation ecosystem. Find out how to nominate and key dates.
The 35th INCITE Awards have introduced a refreshed category framework designed to better reflect how technology is being developed, applied and scaled across Western Australia today. Learn more about the changes, and why now.
Nominations are open for the 35th INCITE Awards. Celebrating Western Australian technology innovation, the revamped categories offer stronger pathways to the national iAwards and APICTA. Enter now.
Buy your tickets for the milestone 35th INCITE Awards, Western Australia's pathway to the national iAwards and celebrating innovation, technology and talent excellence in our region.
Thinking about nominating for the INCITE Awards but unsure how to translate research into a strong submission? Our nomination masterclass - featuring two-time winner Curtin University's Healthy Connections - shares practical insights from their experiences.
Following 2019’s devastating Black Summer bushfires - triggered by small, undetected electrical issues on rural powerlines - Professor Ahmed Abu-Siada of Perth turned to technology to find a way to predict and prevent disaster.
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Watch highlights from the 10th annual Game Changer Awards - nurturing the next generation of Western Australian STEM leaders.
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From Minister for Science & Innovation Stephen Dawson, to former WA Chief Scientist Lyn Beazley AO and more, hear from the Game Changer Awards community about why STEM skills matter in Western Australia.
2026 Rhodes Scholar and MC of the 10th Game Changer Awards, Jamie Erak, shares how his different approach to pursuing a STEM career can inspire students who may not see themselves reflected in traditional pathways.
Former Game Changer Awards winner Cassidy Morgono shares how the program helped put her on the right career pathway.
WAITTA celebrates a landmark year with new executive leadership announced for 2026 with Premila Jina being appointed President and Jess Etheridge appointed Vice President.
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Western Australia's Norwood Systems has won gold at the 2025 Asia-Pacific ICT Alliance Awards for its AI-enabled Open Span Call Protect™ solution.
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Meet Michella Hill, developer of NEONATE-in-VR - a Western Australian and Australian award-winning solution helping paramedics save lives beyond the hospital.
Meet the team behind award-winning app Kawu Palya, and how innovation WA technology is empowering health decisions in the Pilbara.
Western Australia’s technology talent has once again proven its strength on the national stage, with several INCITE Awards winners and merit recipients recognised at the 2025 national iAwards.
With WAITTA announcing a new name, President Con Polkinghorne reflects on what the change means for the 34-year-old Alliance.
Not-for-profit WAITTA begins a new era in its 34-year history: Adopting a new name, the Western Australian Innovation, Technology & Talent Alliance.
Western Australia’s technology community is gearing up for the 15th putt4dough charity fundraiser this November, with all player group teams now sold out and the evening's guest speaker revealed.
WAITTA has appointed Adjunct Professor Anita Ghose, a leading voice in digital transformation and health technology, to its Board of Directors.
Thanks to the National Institute of Technology, a Game Changer Awards Platinum Sponsor, we’re backing the next generation of leaders and changemakers.
Read our guide on how high school students can align their Game Changer Awards STEM projects with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
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"The Game Changer Awards is a really great opportunity to see the next generation of innovators, STEM professionals and inspiring bright minds here on our campus, showcasing their skills and talents."
Thanks to Kinetic IT, a WAITTA Platinum Sponsor, more of the next generation of Western Australian leaders are embracing STEM to create innovative solutions to global challenges.
The 34th INCITE Awards celebrated Western Australia's top technology innovators on Friday, 18 July 2025, honouring gender equity leaders from Women in Technology WA (WiTWA) and naming Norwood Systems as Tech Company of the Year.
As the Game Changer Awards steps into its milestone 10th program, we are thrilled to announce Gena Rattan as our Chief Judge for 2025.
To recognise the increasing shift in technology towards adopting sustainable approaches, the INCITE Awards has introduced a new category. Learn more about the Sustainability and Environmental Impact Award.
The Game Changer Awards is celebrating a decade of fostering Western Australian students' love for STEM. We're taking our investment in future talent to the next level by launching the Game Changer Academy with Bloom - will you join us as a sponsor?
We’re proud to share the WAITTA FY24 Annual Report - a look back at a year dedicated to celebrating, connecting and championing WA’s thriving technology profession and community.
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Get ready to swing into action: Registrations for 2025 putt4dough are officially open! Now in its 15th year, putt4dough continues to unite Western Australia’s technology community for a day of connection, competition and community impact.
We celebrated our volunteers during National Volunteer Week with storytelling from past INCITE Awards alum about the power of mentoring provided via WAITTA partner Mentor it Forward.
Announcing the finalists of the 34th INCITE Awards, celebrating Western Australia's top technology and innovation achievements in 2025.
As a Bronze Sponsor of the Game Changer Awards, e2 Young Engineers Australia is inspiring the next generation of innovators to think creatively, problem-solve with purpose, and use STEM to tackle global challenges.
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Thanks to Strategic Transformation Advisory, a Game Changer Awards Bronze Sponsor, we're seeing the next generation of Western Australian leaders use STEM to solve world challenges.
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As we shine a spotlight on Western Australia’s visionaries in the technology sector, we invite you to join the celebration by nominating yourself or someone you know in our honorary awards.
Thanks to Catalytic IT, a Game Changer Awards Bronze Sponsor, we're nurturing the next generation of STEM leaders in Western Australia. Watch to discover how we're engaging students in STEM with Catalytic IT.
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We're revisiting the 33rd INCITE Awards: Check out our dedicated website to the winners and merit recipients of the 33rd INCITE Awards.
Celebrating 10 years of empowering Western Australian youth in STEM: Learn about our new partnership with Bloom, expanded school reach, and initiatives fostering innovation and entrepreneurship.
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Discover the impact of the 2024 Game Changer Awards in our latest Impact Report.
The 34th INCITE Awards are fast approaching, and we want to ensure that your innovative projects get the recognition they deserve. Here’s a comprehensive guide - in both written and video forms - to help you navigate the nomination process and submit a standout entry.
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Thanks to Containers for Change (WARRRL), a Game Changer Awards Platinum Sponsor, we're elevating the next generation of STEM leaders in Western Australia. Watch to find out how our partnership with Kristen and his team provides students with the opportunity to learn how to help our planet sustainably through STEM.
Thinking of nominating in the 34th INCITE Awards? This is a sign to go for it: The deadline to submit project nominations for Western Australia's longest-running technology awards and only pathway to the Australian iAwards has been extended to 15 April 2025, 11:59 PM AWST.
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Thanks to Student Edge, a Game Changer Awards Gold Partner, we're elevating the next generation of STEM leaders in WA. One lucky team presented their project at the West Tech Fest Young Entrepreneurs Showcase, gaining exposure and connecting with industry leaders. We're grateful to Student Edge for empowering young innovators.
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Meet the Western Australian technology leaders championing innovation as Ambassadors for the 2025 INCITE Awards.
Discover how Containers for Change leveraged the INCITE Awards as a launchpad for international success, from local recognition to global acclaim at the iAwards and APICTA.
Join us for a briefing for those nominating in the INCITE Awards, Western Australia's pathway to the Australian iAwards. RSVP is essential.
Join us for the 2025 INCITE Awards on Friday, 18 July, celebrating Western Australian excellence in innovation, technology and talent.
As we look ahead to our 10th Game Changer Awards, we're celebrating our 2024 award-winners who were announced in November.
Nominations are now open for the 34th INCITE Awards, celebrating technology and innovation excellence. Submit your groundbreaking ideas and join a community of innovators working towards enhancing our way of life.
It is with great sadness that WAITTA acknowledges the passing of Bruce Wilson, a long-term stalwart of the information technology industry.
WA had a record-breaking year for celebrating technology, innovation and talent. Here are the highlights.
WAITTA extends its congratulations to all participants in the 2024 APICTA Awards, especially WA's Containers for Change (WARRRL).
The Western Australian Information Technology and Telecommunications Alliance (WAITTA) extends its heartfelt congratulations to Jan Kornweibel on her induction into the prestigious Pearcey Hall of Fame.
WAITTA's 2024 putt4dough charity golf event was a resounding success, bringing together WA’s tech community to raise an incredible $82,000 for the Perth Children’s Hospital Foundation.
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Technology talent volunteering as judges at the 2024 Game Changer Awards will have a custom-built app from the National Institute of Technology to use.
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Meet Dr Parwinder Kaur, renowned molecular geneticist and biotechnologist, Director of DNA Zoo Australia, and 2024 Achiever of the Year.
Meet Sheena Edwards, founder of Switched On Seniors and winner of the 2024 Digital Inclusion Award.
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WAITTA has announced Cameron Zivkovic and Jess Etheridge as the Co-Chairs of WA's technology and innovation pathway program, The INCITE Awards, for 2025.
Meet Dr Intan Oldakowska, Co-Founder and CEO of EarFlo, and the 2024 WA Startup of the Year.
We sit down with Zyrus Khambatta, CTO of VetChip, to explore how their cutting-edge technology is transforming animal healthcare.
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We are thrilled to announce that Western Australia's innovation leaders will take the global stage this December in Brunei at the prestigious Asia Pacific ICT Alliance (APICTA) Awards!
Relive the magic of the 33rd INCITE Awards with our photo gallery.
The Western Australian IT and Telecommunications Alliance is delighted to announce the results of the 33rd INCITE Awards, held Friday 19 July 2024 at The Westin Perth.
The Western Australian Information Technology and Telecommunications Alliance has announced the appointment of a new President and Vice President, and the appointment of three new Board Directors.
We're thrilled to reveal the finalists of the 2024 INCITE Awards, celebrating excellence in technology innovation in Western Australia.
Congratulations to those who have nominated for project categories in the 33rd INCITE Awards! Nominations for the Honorary Awards close 24 May.
One subject has dominated our industries and news outlets for the last two years, and last year’s INCITE Awards ceremony was no different. The arrival
Few names are as well known in the world of West Australian science as Professor Lyn Beazley. She’s been inducted into the WA Science Hall
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We were proud to co-host the WA Space Industry Forum with the Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation @NewIndustriesWA ...
When Tuesday, 11th December, 2018 Arrive 2:30PM for a 3:00PM start, until 6:30PM Where Auditorium, Indian Ocean Marine Research Centre, ...
The votes are in for the 2019 WAITTA Committee election. Below is a message from the newly elected chair of ...
Shortly we will be opening nominations for members of WAITTA’s Management Committee (Board). Invitations will be issued to Alliance member ...
The first meeting of the Alliance Advisory Group was convened at the Council Chambers at Curtin University today April 19th 2018. ...
WAITTA Alliance members are currently working together on a number of projects in a variety of sectors. These projects also ...
Alliance members have been issued with invitations for individual nominations for members of the WAITTA Management Committee (MC). Suitably qualified ...
The Organising Committee for this year’s competition has convened and planning is well underway. We intend to grow on the ...
This year’s Finalist Lunch is at the Hyatt on June 13th 2018. Our keynote speaker this year is the Estonian Ambassador. Estonia ...
Entries have now closed for the 2018 INCITE Awards! We have received entries that reflect the quality and scope of ...
WAITTA welcomes Marion Burchell as the State’s new Government CIO. We look forward to building on our achievements to date, continuing ...
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