SA Seed-Start Program
Government fundAdelaide · Seed–Series A · 8 people tracked
Investment thesis
The Department of State Development is the South Australian Government's economic development agency, responsible for building the state's research, innovation and industrial capability, developing workforce and skills, and driving investment and trade. It runs the SA Seed-Start Program among other startup and innovation initiatives.
Source: firm website, verified Aug 2, 2026.
Team · 8 people
from the firm's websiteChief Executive of the Department of State Development with over 20 years in the South Australian public sector across industry, science and innovation policy. Previously led the Department for Industry, Innovation and Science and the Innovation and Science division. Holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Adelaide.
Leads the state's innovation system, supporting entrepreneurs, startups and small business and attracting early stage and venture capital, and oversees the Office of the SA Chief Scientist. Has over 17 years in the life sciences industry and a PhD in molecular biology/biochemistry from Flinders University; serves as an Observer on the Board of the SA Venture Capital Fund.
Responsible for industry development, technology adoption and workforce strategies, with over 20 years of public and private sector leadership experience in manufacturing, training systems and workforce planning. Holds a Graduate Certificate of Leadership from Deakin University.
Appointed Head of Invest SA in November 2022, during which the agency attracted close to $3 billion in investment. Formerly CEO of Regional Development Australia (Adelaide) and founder and Managing Director of Edge International Consulting; earlier served as an Australian trade and investment commissioner in Japan.
A groundwater scientist appointed as South Australian Chief Scientist in April 2024, providing independent advice to the Premier, the Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science, and Cabinet on science, research, technology and innovation.
Leads strategic enabler teams covering corporate and business services, people, policy, communications, governance and migration. Previously held senior legal, compliance and governance roles in government and worked as a corporate and commercial lawyer. Holds degrees in Mechatronics Engineering and Laws from the University of Adelaide.
Provides strategic leadership across South Australia's vocational education and training sector. Previously held senior government roles including Executive Director of the SA Royal Commission into Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence. Holds degrees in Law and International Relations from Flinders University and a Master of Politics and Public Policy from Macquarie University.
Leads trade and international functions at the department, including export support, business missions and the overseas office network. Previously served as Trade Commissioner at the Australian High Commission in New Delhi and held diplomatic roles with DFAT and Austrade in China. Holds degrees in Law and Asian Studies from ANU.
Frequently asked questions
- What stage does SA Seed-Start Program invest at?
- SA Seed-Start Program invests at the Seed, Series A stages.
- Where is SA Seed-Start Program located?
- SA Seed-Start Program is headquartered in Adelaide, AU.
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