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 incubator.

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.

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.

1

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.

2

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.

3

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.

4

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.

5

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.


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.

Upcoming programs and events

Cicada x Tech23 in Melbourne 2025: Meet Australia's Deep Tech Leaders

March 25th, 2025
16:3019:00

In the lead-up to Cicada x Tech23 in September, we’re bringing together deep tech innovators, industry trailblazers, and emerging leaders across Australia—to celebrate the people shaping the future.

Hosted by Sally-Ann Williams, this event will feature candid conversations with exceptional founders who have navigated the highs and lows of building deep tech ventures—sharing insights on leadership, resilience, and what it takes to drive real impact.

Meet the Panel

Anushi Rajapaksa, Founder and CEO of Misti, who is developing a first-in-class advanced medication delivery platform to end respiratory discomfort.

Tina Funder, Founder of Alt. Leather, who is is creating a 100% biobased leather alternative using plant-based biopolymers.

Tom Hussey, CEO of Xefco, is on a mission to reduce textile emissions and create a greener supply chain for the fashion industry.

Secure your seat

Diagnostics Specialisation Course (NSW Health Commercialisation Training Program)

May 20th, 2025

This course is delivered in partnership with Australia's peak industry body representing manufacturers and importers of diagnostics, Pathology Technology Australia.
Participants will walk away with crucial knowledge of their sector, connections to industry experts, and gain feedback from mentors on their product and business.

Dates: 20th-22nd May 2025
Applications Close: 2nd May 2025 

Find Out More

Defence Elevate

April 8th, 2025
09:0016:00
An intensive two-day workshop designed to help founders validate their markets, refine their value proposition, and align their innovations with the defence sector needs. Defence Elevate is designed for Australian deep tech innovators who have a dual use non lethal technology, an idea, have identified a problem, or see an opportunity for commercial and defence markets.
Find Out More

Cicada x Tech23 in Brisbane 2025: Meet Australia's Deep Tech Leaders

April 2nd, 2025
08:1510:15

In the lead-up to Cicada x Tech23 in September, we’re bringing together deep tech innovators, industry trailblazers, and emerging leaders across Australia—to celebrate the people shaping the future.

Hosted by Sally-Ann Williams, this event will feature candid conversations with exceptional founders who have navigated the highs and lows of building deep tech ventures—sharing insights on leadership, resilience, and what it takes to drive real impact.

Meet The Panel

Bob Criner, Co-Founder & CEO at Stralis Aircraft

Chris Jeffery, CEO at Convergence Medical

Secure your seat

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