A director of Ever Nimble, CorePlan and Electric Peach, Chris is a passionate advocate for Western Australia's tech community, with a strong focus on driving diversity and supporting the next generation of founders.

What does Chris value about INCITE?

“I am deeply committed to being a vocal advocate for our local community. I have a particular focus on driving diversity within the tech industry, as I believe a broader range of perspectives is essential for innovation. Having previously received an INCITE award, I have seen first-hand the positive impact such recognition can have on a career and a business. I am now dedicated to helping others achieve that same success and visibility.”

Chris is backing WA founders and helping others step forward.

A leader in MedTech and cancer services, Colin brings deep experience across life sciences and health innovation, and a strong belief in WA's ability to turn complex challenges into practical, patient-focused solutions.

What does Colin love about WA technology innovation?

“Western Australia has a unique ability to turn complex problems into applied solutions. We don't innovate for innovation's sake; we innovate to improve outcomes for patients, clinicians, industry and communities, often across vast distances and challenging environments. As a healthcare leader, I see firsthand how WA-grown technology can improve access to care, lift quality and safety, and deliver more sustainable health systems — particularly in areas like cancer care, digital health, precision medicine and advanced therapeutics. WA doesn't just have innovation — it has innovation with purpose, and that's why I'm proud to support and champion it.”

Colin is supporting WA tech innovation with purpose.

A passionate supporter of the INCITE Awards, Elizabeth has served as MC for the past three years, helping bring the stories of WA's tech innovators to life on stage. As CEO of the Fogarty Foundation, she is a strong advocate for education, leadership and the development of future talent.

What draws Elizabeth to WA innovation?

“I have always gravitated towards WA innovation because the community is made up of passionate, hard-working and driven people who are brave enough to think differently, and lead genuine change. It's a space that makes you feel hopeful about our future, and excited about what's possible.”

Elizabeth is championing the next generation of innovators and the power of recognition to unlock potential.

An entrepreneur, thought leader and change-maker, Jahna is Co-Chair of First Nations X, Chair of the First Australians Capital fund investment committee, and a board member of the Western Australian Aboriginal Leadership Institute, Institute of Community Directors Australia, and ICRAR (International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research). A proud Nyiyaparli woman from the Pilbara region of Western Australia and owner of Jahna Cedar Consulting, Jahna has spent more than 25 years advocating for equal rights and reconciliation for Indigenous people, and has represented Indigenous Australia at the United Nations in New York on three occasions.

“For me, technology is powerful when it strengthens people, protects what matters, and creates pathways for self determination, inclusion, and shared prosperity. That's the future I'm excited to help shape here in Western Australia.”

Jahna is championing the people and projects using technology to deliver real impact across our region.

Returning as an Ambassador, Jeremy is a highly respected entrepreneur, youth advocate and thought leader with a strong track record of using technology and innovation to deliver meaningful social and employment outcomes at scale. Through initiatives including the annual Young Entrepreneurs Showcase, he has championed solutions that improve accessibility, empower individuals and create pathways to participation — especially for young people.

Why is Jeremy backing INCITE35?

“Because of our rich history and resources, we can make a big impact on the global stage.”

Jeremy is championing innovation that creates opportunity, inclusion and impact across our communities.

Joining INCITE as an Ambassador for the first time, Jodi brings deep leadership experience across both public and private sectors, and a strong belief in the power of WA's innovation ecosystem to lead on a global stage.

Why is Jodi backing INCITE35?

“We have everything here to lead the world. Indigenous innovation, distance from others, creativity; we are not afraid to fail.”

Jodi represents the ambition and confidence driving this milestone year — and the belief that Western Australia's innovation community has everything it needs to lead.

A previous INCITE finalist and winner through his team's work at the Pawsey Supercomputing Research Centre, Mark is a nationally acclaimed leader in science and technology innovation. From Perth, he supports world-class research and industry solutions across energy, resources, astronomy, human health, AI and quantum.

What does Mark think about WA tech?

“I love Western Australia's technology and innovation ecosystem because it brings together scale, urgency and ingenuity in a way shaped by our geography and by the people who choose to build things here. WA may be vast and sometimes labelled 'remote', but it is deeply connected to the world through its talent, partnerships and ideas. From energy and resources to astronomy, human health and disease, AI and quantum, we tackle problems that truly matter: decarbonising heavy industry, managing immense environments, advancing medical discovery, and building sovereign digital capability. I see every day how WA's collaborative, pragmatic culture turns world-class science into real-world impact. In a digitally connected era, WA's distance is not a disadvantage — it is a source of focus, resilience and global relevance.”

Mark is championing innovation that is globally relevant, sovereign and built for impact.

Well known across the Perth Biodesign community and beyond, Oliver is a strong advocate for Western Australia's deep-tech capability and the ingenuity that comes from building solutions at scale — often in some of the most remote and demanding environments on earth.

What does Oliver love about WA technology innovation?

“We are a frontier state. We build at the edge — mining in remote deserts, delivering healthcare across vast distances, and hosting scientific infrastructure that listens to the universe. Western Australia has learned how to operate where failure isn't an option and help is rarely close. Isolation has shaped how we innovate. When proximity isn't a given, you design systems that are resilient, collaborative, and globally-focused from day one. Being far from everywhere has forced us to become exceptionally good at connecting — through data, infrastructure, and ideas that scale. WA doesn't shy away from hard problems; we specialise in them.”

Oliver is championing the deep technical expertise, resilience and global outlook that continue to position WA as a leader in frontier innovation.

A scientist, innovator and Member of the Western Australian Legislative Council, Dr Kaur brings deep expertise across genomics, data science and technology commercialisation. She has worked at the intersection of research, industry and policy, championing the role of science and innovation in shaping Western Australia's future. As our 2024 WA Achiever of the Year, Dr Kaur will deliver a keynote at INCITE35 on behalf of the State Government.

On collaboration and impact:

“WA technology innovation thrives at the intersection of diverse disciplines, bold ideas, and strong community spirit. What I love most is our uniquely collaborative ecosystem where industry, research institutions, startups, and government genuinely work alongside one another to solve real world challenges. Western Australia has a culture that not only drives innovation but actively elevates it, celebrating the people, partnerships, and creativity shaping our state's future. It's a place where global ambition and local purpose come together to create meaningful impact.”

Dr Kaur is championing the people, partnerships and bold ideas driving innovation across our state.

A long-time champion of Western Australia's tech innovation ecosystem through Fund WA and Women in Technology WA Inc. (WiTWA), among other ventures, Pia has dedicated her career to backing bold founders, frontier tech and globally ambitious ideas born right here in WA.

What excites Pia about the sector?

“I am incredibly excited by Western Australia's unique ability to turn bold, frontier science and raw ideas into world-changing impact. There is a palpable energy in our local ecosystem right now. It's a place where grit and ingenuity collide to solve the world's toughest challenges across diverse sectors. For me, the real thrill lies in seeing our homegrown brilliance scale globally. Nothing beats the thrill of backing our local founders as they take that leap. I am deeply committed to helping them turn their vision into the global success stories they deserve to be.”

Pia is championing bold ideas and WA talent with global ambition.

Returning as an Ambassador, V has previously served as both a presenter and judge at the INCITE Awards, bringing deep insight into what strong, credible innovation looks like. As CISO at Fortescue, V is a nationally acclaimed and award-winning cyber security leader with more than twenty years of industry experience, and a strong advocate for knowledge sharing across the cyber security community. She has previously won the Cyber Security Champion Award at the Australian Women in Security Awards and the Outstanding Senior Leader Award at the WiTWA Tech [+] Awards.

Why is V an ardent supporter of INCITE nominees?

“WA technology innovation is focussed on impact, is globally relevant, and is supported by research and industry collaboration.”

V is championing innovation that is secure, resilient and built for real-world impact.