Cicada Innovations
AcceleratorEveleigh · Seed–Series A · 16 people tracked
Investment thesis
Cicada Innovations backs deep tech ventures tackling large-scale challenges, framed around questions such as how to extend human life and cure disease, protect the environment and preserve resources, create food security for a growing population, apply space exploration and research to benefit Earth, and use intelligent machines to boost human productivity. With more than a decade of work in health, it supports award-winning health tech ventures and offers programs to help innovators commercialise. In partnership with the NSW Government, its National Space Industry Hub provides facilities, resources and accelerator programs to space ventures and researchers. It also has a long track record supporting Australian agrifood innovation.
Source: firm website, verified Aug 3, 2026.
Team · 16 people
from the firm's websiteCEO of Cicada Innovations with over two decades of experience across science, technology, and impact. Previously Executive Director of Innovation at Investment NSW, held senior roles at CSIRO including leading the ON Accelerator, and was founding CEO of Springboard Australia.
Responsible for facilities management at Cicada, overseeing building maintenance, refurbishments, and infrastructure projects for over 18 years.
Manages events and community building at Cicada with over 15 years of experience. Previously part of the founding team of Forbes Australia, leading their events.
Leads commercialisation programs across aerospace & defence, climate & energy, food & agriculture, and advanced industry. Has a mechatronics background and commercial experience at firms such as Jacobs and Macquarie Group across manufacturing, infrastructure, ICT, IoT, drones, and space.
Leads training and education programs at the Cicada HealthTech Hub. Holds a PhD in Medicine and has worked as a scientist in Immunology and Precision Oncology.
Produces visual content for the marcomms and programs teams, with a background in media studies and a focus on graphic design and video editing.
Focuses on bridging research and industry to help deep-tech ventures scale. Brings over eight years of experience in molecular diagnostics and laboratory management, and holds a PhD in Point-of-Care Diagnostics for Cardiovascular Disease.
Supports delivery of the NSW Health Commercialisation Training Program with the Health Tech team, bringing a background in international business and management accounting and a focus on early-stage healthtech.
Supports Cicada's Space and Deep Tech programs and startups, with an engineering background and a master's in communication. Has worked in international development across the US, Tunisia, Morocco, Jordan, Senegal, Dubai, and Angola.
A journalism graduate, podcast host, and former design journalist who creates content championing Australia's deep tech community, with prior experience in the not-for-profit sector.
Leads finance and operations across Cicada's incubators and programs. Brings experience as an equity analyst, investor, and startup executive, and has led product and engineering teams.
Develops partnerships and business opportunities supporting Australia's deep tech ecosystem. Previously led business development for CSIRO and managed research and technology investments for New Zealand's Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment.
Manages the Cicada HealthTech Hub, supporting bio and medtech startups and leading the HealthTech Hub team. Holds a PhD from the University of Auckland and has worked across the USA, Canada, Denmark, New Zealand, and Australia.
First point of contact at Cicada Innovations, providing concierge support and managing day-to-day incubator operations. Previously worked in sales and support roles across film, television, and entertainment at NBC Universal, Fox, and AFTRS.
Works with the Agriculture, Climate and Industry team to support startups through their Cicada journey, having studied Psychology and Sociology.
First point of contact at the Westmead Health Tech Hub, overseeing day-to-day operations and hosting community events. Brings a background in medical practice administration.
Frequently asked questions
- What stage does Cicada Innovations invest at?
- Cicada Innovations invests at the Seed, Series A stages.
- What sectors does Cicada Innovations focus on?
- Cicada Innovations focuses on AgTech, AI & Machine Learning, Biotech, Climate Tech, Deep Tech, FoodTech, Healthtech, Space Tech.
- Where is Cicada Innovations located?
- Cicada Innovations is headquartered in Eveleigh, AU.
Media · Podcasts & interviews
from their channelThe Road To Cicada x Tech23 2026 Webinar
Cicada Innovations
A New System Of Care Panel | Founders From One Kidney, Liora Neurotech, Nutromics
Cicada Innovations
Engineering New Capability Panel | Founders From Powered by NOA & X-Centric Sciences
Cicada Innovations
Built with Biology | Panel Discussion | Cicada x Tech23 2025
Cicada Innovations
The Built World Upgraded Panel | Founders From Puralink & Terria
Cicada Innovations
Re-Sourcing The World Panel | Founders From COOL ENGINEERING & Facet Amtech
Cicada Innovations
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