Fundraising Fox

Cicada Innovations

Accelerator

Eveleigh · Seed–Series A · 16 people tracked

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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.

Stage
Seed–Series A
HQ
Eveleigh, NSW, AU
Instruments
Equity · Grants
Founded
2000

Team · 16 people

from the firm's website
Liza Noonan· Chief Executive Officer

CEO 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.

AJ Miller· Facilities Operations Manager

Responsible for facilities management at Cicada, overseeing building maintenance, refurbishments, and infrastructure projects for over 18 years.

Alex Lipp· Senior Events & Community Manager

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.

Alex Shapilsky· Group Executive - Deep Tech and Head of the National Space Industry Hub

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.

Angelica Lau· Program Manager, HealthTech - Westmead

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.

Cheng Cheng· Digital Content Creator

Produces visual content for the marcomms and programs teams, with a background in media studies and a focus on graphic design and video editing.

Denise Burtenshaw· Program Manager: HealthTech

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.

Florenza Marvella· Health Tech Program Coordinator

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.

Hela Zargouni· Program Manager: Space & Deep Tech

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.

Jarrod Reedie· Content Manager

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.

Joel Bloomer· Chief Operating Officer

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.

Jonathan O'Dowd· Business Development Manager

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.

Lilly Bojarski· General Manager - HealthTech Hub

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.

Mathew Muratore· Reception & Office Coordinator

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.

Naomi Tyc· Learning and Development Coordinator

Works with the Agriculture, Climate and Industry team to support startups through their Cicada journey, having studied Psychology and Sociology.

Samantha Sincich· Community Coordinator Westmead Health Tech Hub

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 channel

The 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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