Fremantle Innovation Exchange
A curated storytelling series designed to elevate.
We’re delighted to share some exciting news for Fremantle! ✨
We have secured funding through the Meshpoints Promotions & Storytelling Challenge, unlocking a new opportunity to showcase and strengthen our local innovation ecosystem.
From 2 July to 30 September 2026, the Fremantle Innovation Exchange (FIE) will bring a series of live storytelling sessions to our city, designed to spotlight WA founders and sector leaders across the blue economy, creative industries and emerging micro-economies.
For the Fremantle community, this means:
- Greater visibility for local businesses and ideas
- New connections between founders, investors and industry
- Fresh energy into our local economy and entrepreneurial scene
- A stronger national profile for Fremantle as a place where ideas grow and thrive
By welcoming interstate voices and capturing stories that travel beyond our region, this initiative will help position Fremantle as a vibrant hub for innovation, creativity and enterprise.
We’re looking forward to launching this and working alongside an inspiring cohort to bring it to life.
This initiative is made possible by Meshpoints, powered by Spacecubed, an initiative designed to build a stronger culture of entrepreneurship and innovation in WA 🚀
EVENT 1 — Blue Economy: Innovation in WA
Date: Tuesday, July 7th 2026
Location: The Fremantle Chamber of Commerce
This opening session will explore the breadth of Western Australia’s blue economy, showcasing founders and industry leaders working across marine technology, ocean sustainability and coastal innovation. Through founder storytelling and moderated discussion, the session will cover how ideas are developed, tested and scaled within WA, highlight emerging opportunities in the sector, and unpack the challenges and enablers unique to operating in this space. Attendees will gain insight into real local innovation journeys, strengthening understanding of the blue economy’s role in WA’s future and building confidence in the state as a place for ocean-based ventures to thrive.
As part of this event experience, audience members will be able to RSVP to tour the South Metro Tafe Simulators (dates for this to be confirmed).
Keynote Speakers:
Chris de Cuyper (Fremantle Seaweed) - Read more here
More speakers to be announced.
EVENT 2 — Creative Industries: Innovation in Action
Date: Tuesday, August 4th 2026
Location: Walyalup Civic Centre Council Chamber
This session will provide an overview of Western Australia’s creative industries as a driver of innovation, featuring founders and creatives working across design, digital media, arts and cultural enterprise. Speakers will share real stories of building and sustaining creative ventures in WA, including how they commercialise ideas, access markets and navigate growth. The discussion will highlight the intersection of creativity and entrepreneurship, explore opportunities for innovation within the sector, and demonstrate how creative industries contribute to a vibrant and diverse innovation ecosystem.
Invited Speakers:
Pippa Hurst (DesignFreo)
Sarah Booth (SPACEMRKT)
Pete Stone (City of Fremantle)
Nick Juniper (Freocast)
Tim Meakins (Artist / Designer)
More speakers to be announced.
EVENT 3 — Blue Economy: From Idea to Impact
Date: Tuesday, September 1st 2026
Location: Level 1 Reception Room, Walyalup Civic Centre + Tour of Hub on SX
This focused session will dive deeper into a key aspect of the blue economy - scaling innovation from concept to commercial reality. Featuring founders and industry experts, the discussion will explore pathways to market, partnerships, investment readiness and the role of research and collaboration in advancing ocean-based ventures. Attendees will gain practical insights into overcoming barriers, leveraging WA’s unique marine environment, and building sustainable, scalable businesses within the blue economy.
Invited Speakers:
James Keane (CEO, Greenroom Robotics)
EVENT 4 — Creative Industries: Building Sustainable Creative Ventures
Date: Tuesday, September 22nd 2026
Location: Old Customs House
This session will focus on the business of creativity, exploring how founders in the creative industries build resilient and sustainable ventures. Through case studies and discussion, speakers will cover topics such as monetisation models, brand building, digital distribution, and scaling creative work beyond local markets. The session will provide practical lessons and real-world insights to support emerging and established creatives, while reinforcing the value of creative industries within WA’s broader innovation ecosystem.
Keynote Speaker:
Tom Mùller (Fremantle Biennale)
Invited Speakers:
Kavi Guppta (City of Fremantle / Tone List)
Duncan Wright (Photographer, Artist, Director)
Mikey Hamer (Director, DoP, Uncle Cupboard)
Peter Grant (Artsource)
Sam Bloor (Artist, Creative Producer PIAZZA Fremantle)
