About The Perth Hub
The Invest and Trade Western Australia team in Perth works in partnership with overseas office locations to coordinate ministerial missions and delegations and further strategic partnerships.
We have a Clients Services team who can help you with investment and trade opportunities in Western Australia. If you have a related enquiry complete our online form and the team can assist you!
We speak a range of languages including English, Spanish, Mandarin Chinese, Korean, Cantonese, Malay, Hakka, Indonesian, Swedish, Danish, Norwegian and French.
Contact the Perth team
Telephone: +61 (08) 6277 3000
Our Deputy Director
Simone Spencer | Deputy Director General - Strategy and International Engagement
Simone is the Deputy Director General, Strategy and International Engagement at the Western Australian Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation. Simone and her team provide strategic policy advice on state economic development issues and help to both shape and promote investment and trade opportunities.
Key areas of focus for Simone and her team include economic diversification, industry decarbonisation and fostering a cohesive approach to the State’s long-term economic development including leading Invest and Trade Western Australia, the State’s ‘front door’ for investors and exporters.
Western Australian Innovation represented at SXSW 2025
In March, Invest and Trade Western Australia led 11 of WA’s leading technology companies to Austin, Texas, to take part in SXSW 2025, one of the world’s most prominent events for technology, innovation and creative industries.
Held over nine days, South by Southwest (SXSW) brings together global leaders in tech, film, music and business. With thousands of investors, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders in attendance, it was the perfect platform to showcase Western Australia’s capabilities to a global audience.
WA delegates used the opportunity to connect with key industry stakeholders, explore new market opportunities and promote the State’s strengths in critical technologies on a global stage.
Global Growth Accelerator Program
This visit was part of the Global Growth Accelerator Program (GGAP) — an initiative designed to accelerate the global expansion of WA businesses in critical technology, energy, and advanced industries.
Program components included:
Virtual capability building sessions on U.S. market entry, funding pathways, and government procurement
One-on-one mentoring with U.S. industry experts to refine their go-to-market strategies
In-market immersion experience in Austin, Texas, including SXSW 2025
Key highlights from the in-market program
While in Austin, delegates took part in tailored sessions and site visits, gaining first-hand insight into the U.S. innovation landscape.
Some of the visits included:
Defense Innovation Unit – a U.S. Department of Defense organisation focused on adopting commercial and dual-use technology
Firefly Aerospace – the first commercial company to successfully land on the moon
ICON Builds – specialists in 3D-printed home construction
Atlassian’s Austin campus – a showcase of global growth from an Australian-based software company
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Delegates also participated in curated sessions covering topics such as ‘The Great Funding Debate’, dual-use innovation under AUKUS, and investment considerations for entering the U.S. market.
Building Global Connections
By fostering strong international relationships and showcasing WA’s strengths in dual-use innovation, GGAP supports the State’s broader vision of positioning WA as a global hub for defence, security and critical technology.
Published on: 31 March 2025
Get in touch
If you are looking for opportunities in business, investment or trade, contact our experienced team at Invest and Trade WA.
Our in-house experts can support you directly and provide referrals or introductions across our network of overseas offices, industry bodies and government agencies.
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