Why Fremantle's Innovation Ecosystem Is Gaining Momentum

Innovation doesn't happen in isolation. It grows where great ideas, ambitious founders, supportive partners and connected communities come together. That's the opportunity Fremantle has been building towards.

Fremantle's economy has long been shaped by trade, creativity and entrepreneurship. Today, those strengths are helping drive a new wave of innovation across sectors including the blue economy, sustainability and creative technologies.

The city contributes an estimated $5.56 billion to the economy each year and supports more than 34,000 local jobs. Fremantle is also home to more than 5,200 businesses, with Professional, Scientific and Technical Services now the city's largest business sector. Comprising 950 businesses, the sector accounts for 18.2% of all businesses in Fremantle compared to 12.6% across Western Australia. Since 2021, 116 new businesses in the sector have established in Fremantle, representing 26% of all new businesses created in the city over that period and highlighting the growing concentration of knowledge-intensive and innovation-driven industries.

Over the past few years, the City of Fremantle has worked with industry, government, research organisations and entrepreneurs to strengthen the local innovation ecosystem and create new pathways for startups and emerging businesses to grow. With more than 70 startups now calling Fremantle home, the city is rapidly establishing itself as a leading destination for innovation, entrepreneurship and emerging industries in Western Australia.

One example is Propel Fremantle, a startup initiative that has supported 18 ventures across two accelerator funding rounds. Delivered in partnership with organisations including the  Fremantle Chamber of Commerce, Lotterywest and Spacecubed, the program has provided startups with funding, mentoring, coworking opportunities and access to industry networks. Through Propel Fremantle, founders working in areas such as marine innovation, sustainability and immersive technologies have been able to develop their ideas and connect with new markets.

Fremantle is also helping position Western Australia as a leader in the blue economy through its support of the Blue Economy Innovation Platform WA. Developed through collaboration between government, industry and innovation partners, the platform is creating new opportunities for ocean-based technologies and businesses to innovate, collaborate and scale. As a city with deep maritime roots and direct connections to industry, Fremantle is well placed to play a leading role in this emerging sector.

Supporting innovation also means investing in people. The City has backed initiatives including the Curtin Ignition Scholarship, helping local entrepreneurs access one of Australia's leading business development programs, and Just Start IT, which gives high school students practical experience developing technology startups and pitching ideas to industry experts. These programs help ensure the next generation of innovators can build their skills and connections close to home.

More recently, the Fremantle Innovation Exchange (FIE) coordinated by the Fremantle Chamber of Commerce has provided a platform for founders, researchers and industry leaders to share insights and explore opportunities in high-growth sectors and helping to strengthen links between business, research and investment communities.

These initiatives are complemented by the physical and cultural assets that make Fremantle a distinctive place to build a business. A connected business community, access to coworking and collaborative workspaces, proximity to marine and industrial infrastructure, and a strong sense of place all contribute to an environment where new ideas can flourish.

Innovation ecosystems are built over time through partnerships, investment and community support. Fremantle's journey is still unfolding, but the foundations are in place and the momentum continues to build. As new businesses emerge, industries evolve and partnerships strengthen, Fremantle is positioning itself as a destination where innovation can thrive.

Find out more about the city's growing innovation ecosystem at: InvestFremantle.com.au