METS Ignited and the Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation (JTSI) formally launched another chapter in Cluster development for Western Australia at the Core Innovation Hub in Perth on Tuesday 13 July.
Hosted by METS Ignited’s newly appointed WA Cluster Development Manager Alan Fenelon, the program was officially opened by the Hon Don Punch, Minister for Innovation and ICT and the Chief Scientist of Western Australia, Professor Peter Klinken AC.
The WA Cluster Program is designed to stimulate jobs, growth and diversity for the WA economy. Both guest speakers highlighted the power of clustering and collaboration across cities and regions to stimulate growth, diversify economies and create jobs across multiple sectors, building on Western Australia’s existing world class technologies and global competitiveness in many sectors.
The launch culminated with a panel discussion facilitated by Peter Rossdeutscher, founder of the Innovation Cluster and Quantum Technology Exchange. He was joined by three panellists:
- Colleen Yates, the CEO of Regional Development Australia and Chair of Lithium Valley
- Paul Lucey, CEO of Project 412 and developing Robo West, a robotics and automation cluster
- Peter Clarke, GM Industry Engagement, METS Ignited
Audience interaction was key at the sell-out event, with feedback on content and timing extremely positive. With many of the delegates and guests keen to see the format continue, METS Ignited will deliver a series of monthly events starting in August. The goal of these meetings is to be industry agnostic, and form a focal point not just for cluster development but for collaboration in general.
The clustering events will provide a physical space to meet and a steady drumbeat of local events where like-minded professionals can gather to exchange ideas.
