Element Zero Named WA Innovators of the Year 2026 Finalist
Element Zero has been selected as a finalist in the Advanced Manufacturing category of the WA Innovators of the Year 2026.
Celebrating its 20th year in 2026, the WA Innovators of the Year program recognises Western Australian businesses, government entities and young people developing outstanding innovative products, technologies and services.
More than 130 applications were received for the first six award categories announced in August, with 23 Western Australian businesses selected as finalists following assessment by independent evaluation panels.
The Advanced Manufacturing Award is a new category for 2026, recognising the use of advanced technology and knowledge to create more efficient, higher-value and sophisticated manufacturing processes and products.
Element Zero was selected for our Australian-developed, low-temperature mineral processing platform and its potential to support the decarbonisation of metals production.
Based in Malaga, Western Australia, Element Zero is developing electrochemical technology to convert iron ore into high-purity iron using renewable electricity. Our technology is designed to provide a pathway for adding more value to Australia’s mineral resources while reducing the emissions associated with conventional ironmaking.
We are pleased to be recognised alongside this year’s WA innovators and congratulate all of the 2026 finalists.
The winners of the WA Innovators of the Year 2026 will be announced at the awards ceremony on 2 November 2026.
Update: Science and Innovation Minister Stephen Dawson speaks with Element Zero
30 September 2026
As part of the WA Innovators of the Year 2026 finalist series, Science and Innovation Minister Stephen Dawson spoke with Element Zero Chief Development Officer Steve Nethery about our technology and pathway to commercial-scale production.
Steve discusses Element Zero’s low-temperature electrochemical process, the opportunity to produce high-purity iron from Western Australian iron ore using renewable electricity, and the next steps in scaling the technology.
Watch the conversation below.