Welcome to Australia’s home for deep tech

Cicada Innovations is Australia's leading deep tech incubator. With a twenty year track record of developing ventures focused on the world’s most pressing problems and promising opportunities.

Our incubators, training, and community is designed to meet the unique needs of deep tech startups. From cutting-edge labs and flexible space, to mentors and a network of ambitious peers. Our mission is to help startups grow and make Australia a leader in deep tech innovation.

Purpose built for deep tech

Our incubator residents have access to custom labs and offices, specialist equipment, training and a thriving community.

If you are a deep tech startup looking for a unique home to grow your business, find out more about our incubators.

About our incubators

Full-lifecycle support

From benchtop to IPO, we support entrepreneurs throughout the startup lifecycle, helping them to grow their commercialisation skills and scale their ideas into deep tech ventures.

Helping you grow

25 Years as the home of deep tech in Australia

A legacy built on bold ideas, groundbreaking technologies, and the founders who dared to push the boundaries of what’s possible.

A Legacy of Innovation
Born from a vision to transform industrial heritage into a launchpad for science-led ventures, we’ve spent 25 years proving deep tech can thrive here.

Deep Tech Through the Decades
From fibre optics to quantum, biotech to space, each era has brought new breakthroughs. We’ve backed pioneers tackling the toughest global challenges.

Scaling to Impact
500+ startups incubated, $6.1B raised, thousands of jobs created, global markets reached, We’ve built the infrastructure, expertise, and networks to turn R&D into commercial success.

Building Australia’s Deep Tech Economy
Deep tech is more than startups—it’s industries, jobs, and sovereign capability. Our ventures are pioneering solutions in medtech, energy, agriculture, and advanced manufacturing.

The Next 25 Years
Deep tech never stands still, and neither do we. As new industries emerge and challenges evolve, we will continue to back Australia’s boldest innovators—expanding our reach, strengthening sovereign capability, and shaping the next era of deep tech breakthroughs.

Building community

Our community is for those who believe in the potential of deep tech. We connect and engage entrepreneurs, scientists, investors and policymakers in meaningful conversations, and inspire action to develop more R&D driven businesses to create a more sustainable and prosperous future.

What's on

Cicada x Tech23

Australia's biggest deep tech celebration, showcasing 23 of nation's most promising ventures. This event connects visionary founders to a network of investors, leaders and big thinkers – inviting the ecosystem to support game-changing people and businesses that can revolutionise our world.

Whether you're in the lab turning research into reality, laying the foundation of your startup, or scaling up to meet growing demand, Cicada x Tech23 is your launchpad.

Cicada x Tech23 is back for 2025

Upcoming programs and events

25 Years of Cicada | The Evolution of Australia’s Startup Ecosystem with Niki Scevak

May 12th, 2025

17:0019:30

To celebrate 25 years of Cicada Innovations we're hosting an intimate fireside chat featuring Niki Scevak, one of Australia’s most influential voices in venture capital. Niki’s story is deeply interwoven with the evolution of Australia’s startup landscape. It’s a little-known fact that he launched Startmate from Cicada (then known as ATP Innovations). Since then, he’s gone on to co-found Blackbird Ventures, backing a new generation of ambitious founders and helping shape a world-class investment ecosystem across Australia and New Zealand. Hosted by Cicada CEO Sally-Ann Williams, this event will explore Niki’s journey, the rise of founder-first investment in our region, and what lies ahead for deep tech and early-stage innovation.

Get your ticket!

CSIRO x Cicada Innovations: Scaling Deep Tech with the Right Partners – Lessons from Founders

May 22nd, 2025

17:0019:30

Scaling a deep tech startup comes with unique challenges—long R&D cycles, capital-intensive development, and complex commercialisation pathways. CSIRO offers a suite of programs and services to help founders navigate this journey

Find Out More

Elevate - Supported by the GRDC

June 3rd, 2025

What if your idea could shape the future of food, farming, or the planet? We’re looking for researchers, innovators, and early-stage founders in NSW who are working on cutting-edge solutions - from seed treatments and soil health to sensing tech and supply chain tools. This agtech focused Elevate is a hands-on, expert-led program that will give you the commercial tools, industry insights, and connections you need to turn your idea into a real business opportunity.

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GRDC Fast Start - 6-month Coaching Program

Grains Fast Start is a 6-month coaching program where you set the goals and we help you to get there. We help you to adapt your deep technology to solve challenges in agriculture and the grains industry. Our expert-in-residence will guide and coach you on the agriculture value chain and how to translate and integrate your technology for commercial adoption.

Every team's pathway and goals are different, so the Fast Start program is tailored to precisely what you are your team are seeking to achieve.

Find Out More

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Cicada x Tech23

Learn more about Cicada x Tech23 2025