A premier economic event series held in the South West of Western Australia

iiF26 conference is coming in October

This year’s conference theme is:

From innovation to impact

Driving transformation and industry opportunities in regional hubs and communities
The South West of Western Australia is experiencing unprecedented population and economic growth across sectors such as advanced manufacturing, agritech, circular economy and energy.

The iiF26 conference is important due to the targeted investment from the WA Government – including the manufacturing and energy sectors with a targeted $153.3M loan program, the EOIs for Defence manufacturing potentially in the South West, funding for the $12 billion Defence hub in Henderson, $700m for the Collie “Just Transition” from coal, and  the $55m announced for a Advanced Manufacturing hub in Picton.

Bunbury has recently been named one of the “Seven Cities “in the recently launched vision to establish economic hubs for renewables and manufacturing in Western Australia. A long-term plan to unlock the next wave of regional economic development and deliver quality infrastructure, manufacturing, technology and services, supported by green energy and circular economy.

iiF26 represents an opportunity for industry to explore further investment opportunities. Conference attendees will help drive the full spectrum of economic development activities while also learning and participating in the extended networking program designed to spark innovation.

EARLY BIRD
TICKETS
NOW ON SALE

Normally $1590 - Early Bird only $790 for both days plus receive priority access to industry tours, a ticket to a film screening & networking supper & more! Limited numbers

iiF26 delivers more

The iiF26 conference is back due to popular demand – and building on the successes of iiF24, we have added much more into the program.

More keynotes and distinguished speakers, more networking during the conference, four concurrent sessions after lunch, industry tours the day before the conference, movie screening, youth engagement and more.


And our revered “Regional Revelry” glamourous evening networking event is back too – with South West food, beverages and entertainment. 

Speakers

Dr Jordan Nguyen

Author, TV Presenter, Inventor + Innovator
An Australian of the Year finalist and author of A Human's Guide to the Future, ABC Catalyst and Discovery Channel documentary maker. and STEAM education champion shaping how we step into tomorrow. Founder designing life-changing technologies, Dr Nguyen is a leading Australian engineer committed to improving as many lives as possible.
One life. Persist to improve many.

Dr Renee Wootton Tomlin

Aerospace Engineer, Pilot + Sustainable Fuels
Named one of Australia's most influential young leaders, and proud Tharawal women. CEO and Founder of New Era Energy, with a career spanning NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Qantas and LanzaJet, where she helped scale Sustainable Avisation Fuel globally. Integrating indigenous knowledge with engineering excellence.
Where people, planet and progress move forward together.

Program highlights

Youth Leaders in STEM
Wednesday 28 October | PM
Our Future Panel
Asking young regional leaders what attracts them to stay and grow in our communities facilitated by Gosh Hackathon
Leading Voices in Energy and Electrification
Wednesday 28 October | PM
Shine Bright Panel
How regions can power the World - green energy, electrification and decarbonisation opportunities featuring Tesla, Energy Institute UNSW, Climate Energy Finance & NewVolt
Circular economy exemplars - local, regional and national
Wednesday 28 October | AM
Full Circle Panel
From water facilities to farms to factories to feedstock - optimising circularity of a region featuring Bega Circular Valley, Craig Mostyn Group (V&V Walsh) & Aqwest
Four concurrent sessions for greater engagement
Tuesday 27 October | PM
Innovation with Impact Workshops
Be commercially inspired by hearing from a range of speakers on initiatives that can help drive productivity and greater resilience
Advanced manufacturing, AI, Robotics and Automation
Tuesday 27 October | AM
Technology in Action Panel
Strengthening industry through automation and robotics featuring Bosch Automation Manufacturing Services, DefenceWest & Edith Cowan University Engineering
Three concurrent sessions from government, industry and academia
Tuesday 27 October | PM
Investment Showcase
Hear about investment in the region, local opportunities and a vision for the future
Keynote Speaker
Dr Jordan Nguyen
Author, TV Presenter, Inventor + Innovator
Keynote Speaker
Dr Renee Wootton Tomlin
Aerospace Engineer, Pilot + Sustainable Fuels

Latest "What iiF" News

iiF Sponsors RDA Workshop – 17 June
28/05/2026
Event
iiF Sponsors Regional Innovation Summit in Yallingup
16/03/2026
Event
iiF26 Conference dates officially launched in November 2025
27/11/2025
News
What makes Innovative Industries of the Future events worth travelling for

iiF delivers more than just events

Podcast series "The What iiF Conversations" coming soon. Imagine your future - and ask "What iiF"? 

If you are visiting the South West – what iiF your business could expand to the South West, find out about investment, opportunities, and hear from locals about living and working in the South West. 

If you are a local – what iiF you could apply new technology, become more productive, grow your business and explore ways you could contribute to innovation in the South West.

Explore these questions and more with industry leaders. Join the conversation and follow us on LinkedIn

What attendees say

What delegates had to say back in 2024 after attending our inaugural conference:

Working together for a stronger region

This initiative is proudly supported by the State Government

Hon Stephen Dawson MLC

Minister for Regional Development; Ports; Science and Innovation; Medical Research; Kimberley

Hon Don Punch MLA

Minister for Aboriginal Affairs; Water; Climate Resilience; South West

Proudly Sponsored by

iiF26 Ticket Sales Open 25 May

Be part of the conversation

Follow us on LinkedIn for iiF announcements and to learn more and share information about innovation in our regions 

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