Welcome to Australia’s home for deep tech

Cicada Innovations is Australia's leading deep tech incubator. With over 25 years developing ventures focused on the world’s most pressing problems and promising opportunities, Cicada provides the incubators, training and community designed to meet the unique needs of deep tech startups.

Our mission is to advance scientific discovery and help founders build impactful deep tech businesses that shape a better future both in Australia and beyond. 

For every public dollar invested to establish Cicada, more than $400 in economic activity has been generated, proof of the power of patient, long-term investment in deep tech.

Purpose built for deep tech

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

If you are a deep tech founder looking for a unique home to grow your business, connect with our team.

Our incubators

Full lifecycle support

Every breakthrough begins somewhere. Foundations builds the skills, Elevate prepares you to scale and Stride helps you gain traction. Together these deep tech commercialisation programs form Australia's most comprehensive pathway for deep tech founders determined to transform big ideas into lasting impact.

Explore our programs

Building community

Cicada is the convenor of the deep tech ecosystem. Across the country, Cicada hosts an array of events that work to cultivate genuine connection among entrepreneurs, scientists, investors, industry, corporates and policymakers alike.

What's on

Our residents

Our residents have created hundreds of millions of dollars of social and economic value – transforming lives and industries through new technology.

Thinking about residency?

Cicada x Tech23

Cicada x Tech23 is more than a showcase. It is a signal. Each year, Tech23 champions 23 exceptional deep tech startups and connects them with the investors, industry leaders and decision-makers who can help turn deep technical breakthroughs into real-world impact.

Learn more about Tech23

Upcoming programs and events

NSW Defence and Aerospace Stride

November 22nd, 2026

Supported by Investment NSW, this program helps NSW-based startups in space, aerospace, and defence fast-track commercial traction and connect with key industry partners.

Applications for the next cohort close 22 November 2026

Explore program & apply

Navigator: Energy & Critical Resources

December 1st, 2026
15:0018:00

Join Cicada Innovations and the University of Newcastle for Navigator: Energy & Critical Resources, bringing together industry, government, researchers and technology developers to explore the challenges shaping the sector, discover emerging capability and connect with the people and organisations that can help turn innovation into real-world outcomes.

Find Out More

Navigator: Defence & Dual-Use Technologies

December 2nd, 2026
10:0013:00
Join Cicada Innovations and UNSW for Navigator: Defence & Dual-Use Technologies, bringing together Defence, government, industry, researchers and technology developers to explore emerging capability needs, discover innovations with potential Defence and civilian applications, and connect with the people and organisations helping bring those technologies into use.
Find out more

NSW Defence and Aerospace Elevate

February 16th, 2027

Delivered in partnership with Investment NSW, this program supports founders developing deep tech solutions in space, aerospace, and dual-use defence to build commercial traction and industry connections.

Next cohort takes place 16 & 17 February 2027.

Explore the program & apply

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