Eleven WA Startups Join Plus Eight: Fueling the Next Wave of Innovation

Every innovation story begins with a spark—a single idea that challenges convention and dares to reimagine what is possible. For eleven Western Australian startups, that spark has just been ignited through their selection into the highly regarded Plus Eight accelerator program. Supported by Spacecubed and its network of partners, Plus Eight stands as one of Australia’s leading platforms for startup growth, providing mentorship, funding, and international exposure to some of the nation’s most promising ventures.

This year’s cohort represents a diverse cross-section of industries, from clean technology and health innovation to digital commerce and artificial intelligence. Yet despite their differences, all share a common thread: a bold commitment to solving real problems with scalable, purpose-driven solutions. Their inclusion in the program is more than an endorsement—it is a validation of the creative momentum building across Western Australia’s entrepreneurial landscape.

Over the past decade, Perth and its surrounding regions have evolved from mining-driven economies into vibrant hubs of technological innovation. According to the 2025 StartupWA Ecosystem Report, the number of active startups in Western Australia has tripled since 2018, with growing interest from investors and corporates seeking to tap into the region’s ingenuity. Plus Eight has played a pivotal role in this evolution, providing structured acceleration programs that combine local mentorship with global insight.

The program’s approach is both disciplined and empowering. Selected startups receive not just capital, but also access to networks that can shape the trajectory of their growth. Through workshops, strategic coaching, and exposure to international markets, participants learn to refine their business models, attract investment, and scale sustainably. For many founders, the most valuable outcome is the shift in mindset—from operating locally to thinking globally.

Among this year’s cohort are ventures tackling some of the most urgent challenges of our time. From sustainable agriculture technologies that optimize water use, to platforms enhancing mental health support through digital accessibility, these startups are not only innovating—they are responding to the needs of communities. Their solutions embody a new generation of entrepreneurship that values purpose as much as profit.

Industry experts have noted that programs like Plus Eight are catalysts for systemic change. By connecting early-stage companies with seasoned mentors and potential investors, they create a multiplier effect that strengthens the broader ecosystem. The success of one startup often inspires another, building a culture of collaboration rather than competition. This collective energy is what distinguishes Western Australia’s innovation scene—a blend of creativity, resilience, and community spirit.

The presence of eleven WA startups in this year’s intake also highlights a maturing confidence within the state’s business environment. While Sydney and Melbourne have traditionally dominated Australia’s innovation map, Perth’s growing ecosystem is proving that great ideas can thrive anywhere ambition meets opportunity. The region’s proximity to Asian markets, combined with a supportive network of incubators and universities, positions WA as a rising force in global entrepreneurship.

For founders, being part of Plus Eight represents more than an accelerator—it is a transformational journey. Past alumni have gone on to secure international funding, expand into new markets, and attract top talent. Yet beyond measurable outcomes, the program instills something even more powerful: belief. The belief that innovation emerging from Western Australia can influence the world stage.

At TMFS, we recognize that programs like Plus Eight do more than nurture startups—they cultivate leaders who understand the balance between innovation and impact. Each new cohort represents a renewal of the entrepreneurial spirit that drives economic resilience and social progress. These eleven startups are not only building companies; they are shaping the narrative of what the future of Western Australia can look like—collaborative, creative, and globally connected.

As the program unfolds, all eyes will be on these innovators to see how they transform ideas into sustainable ventures that redefine industries. Their journey serves as a reminder that true innovation is born not from resources alone, but from courage—the courage to take risks, to adapt, and to lead with purpose.

The next wave of Western Australian entrepreneurship is here, and it carries the unmistakable momentum of possibility. With the guidance of Plus Eight and the passion of its participants, the region’s innovation story is only just beginning.

All rights belong to their respective owners. This article contains references and insights based on publicly available information and sources. We do not claim ownership over any third-party content mentioned.