Mr Mat Lewis, a South West regional expert with strong international networks, has been appointed to lead the State's first Creative Tech Innovation Hub (WACTIH), Bunbury.
The WACTIH, announced recently by the Minister for Innovation and ICT the Hon Stephen Dawson and the Hon Don Punch, Member for Bunbury, is a partnership between the State Government, Edith Cowan University (ECU) South West and the City of Bunbury.
The WACTIH will be funded through the State Government’s New Industries Fund at $1.2 million over four years, with cash and in-kind contributions from the partners, and offers much-needed support for regional creative enterprises.
Professor Cobie Rudd, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Regional Futures) & Vice-President ECU, said "The search for a candidate to lead the WACTIH had been intensive and well-considered as it requires a unique combination of skills in creativity, technology and business acumen.
"This leadership role is pivotal to the success of this Hub, which essentially is a creative exchange. The Director had to be someone who has the ability to draw together start-ups, entrepreneurs and innovators, businesses and creative enterprises and really nurture and facilitate the collaborations that will form the backbone of this creative-tech eco-system," said Professor Rudd.
Minister Stephen Dawson welcomed the appointment of Mr Lewis to the role, saying it was an important step in establishing the WACTIH.
"The McGowan Government has developed the Creative Technology Innovation Hub as a platform to support our regional innovators.
"Mr Lewis brings a wealth of experience through his work with industries in the South West which will assist emerging and established businesses and expand the State's presence in the global digital supply chain of services, content and code."
Mat previously was the Manager, Trade, Innovation, Creative & Tourism, South West Development Commission, where he has worked for the last 15 years. He also worked in partnership with the Australian Trade Commission (Austrade) as a TradeStart Advisor from 2005 to 2015.
Mat has an extensive background in export market development for the wine, food, tourism, creative and innovation sectors. He is an ECU Alumnus and over the last nine years has focused on the development of the South West’s creative sectors resulting in the establishment of the Emergence Creative Festival and the Creative Corner. Mat is also one of the founders of the South West Angels, a locally driven investment group focussing on investment in regional projects and supporting start-ups.
Professor Rudd said “The South West is proudly home to hundreds of digital and creative businesses and innovators, and the WACTIH will enable industry growth by linking research and education in the use of digital and immersive technologies.
"The WACTIH will see ECU collaborate with the State Government, City of Bunbury, the South West Development Commission, and industry to help stimulate WA’s emerging creative and immersive technology industry and grow a future ready workforce across Western Australia.
"The inclusive and collaborative management of the WACTIH is a vital element in driving economic value in the regions through business and skills transformation for increased, long-term advantage."
Mat will commence in the role on 3 October 2022.
