Alt.Leather founder Tina Funder and chief scientific officer Dr Tuan Nguyen
Events

The new face of innovation is here – and Australia needs to catch up

- April 22, 2025 3 MIN READ

An advertising executive. An aerospace engineer. A doctor. Not a punchline – but the profile of Australia’s new generation of innovators. They’re not spinning out of Silicon Valley with SaaS platforms or apps. They’re solving real-world problems: clean flight, robotic surgery, sustainable materials. They’re building deep tech. And they’re doing it in labs, in surgeries,… Read more »

Arkeus
Funding

Defence surveillance startup Arkeus spots $5 million

- March 20, 2025 2 MIN READ

A defence technology startup that helps analyse visual surveillance systems from drones and other optical systems has raised $5 million in new funds from its existing backers. Main Sequence, Salus and Beaten Zone Venture Partners wrote fresh cheques following on from a $4.5 million Seed round in December 2023. Defence expert Simon Olsen cofounded Arkeus… Read more »

Sally-Ann Williams
Business

REPORT: Deep tech is trying to thrive, but investors and corporates are twiddling their thumbs

- March 11, 2025 3 MIN READ

Australian deep tech inventors have given the world wifi, Google Maps, cochlear implants and the goon bag, but a new report into the state of play for the sector suggests that while there’s no shortage of ideas, that potential is being stifled by limited support from venture capital,  industry, and government. Pioneering deep tech incubator… Read more »

Maxwell Plus
Business

The founder of one of Main Sequence’s first investments, medtech Maxwell Plus, on failure, timing, and being ahead of the pack

- December 8, 2024 6 MIN READ

Founders by their very nature see things others have yet to realise. Their challenge is to then get others to see that vision, believe in and back it. And then convince their customers to use a solution they didn’t know they need. Seven years ago, Dr Elliot Smith’s Maxwell Plus was just such a startup.… Read more »

Solar panels on roof in forest
Funding

Hostplus commits another A$125M to IP Group Hostplus Innovation Fund

- November 28, 2024 2 MIN READ

Leading investor in university-originated deep tech, IP Group Australia, has announced a new A$125 million contribution from Hostplus to the IP Group Hostplus Innovation Fund. Hostplus has added to its existing A$310m investment to bring its total commitment to $435m, backing companies like green hydrogen pathfinder Hysata, chronic lung disease therapy biotech RAGE and sustainable… Read more »

garry williams
Business

CapXcentric’s Warwick Donaldson teams up with Garry Williams to help deep tech founders land their raise

- September 30, 2024 2 MIN READ

Two Tractor Ventures OGs have teamed up to help deeptech founders with their funding plans. Warwick Donaldson’s CapXcentric has partnered with GROUP GROUP, the new specialist advisory and storytelling curation firm founded by Garry Williams. CapXcentric helps Australian technology startups access funding on the best terms, from the most appropriate investors. works with a range… Read more »

Wayne Prender
People

Deep tech scaleup Advanced Navigation deepens US military ties with new global head of defence

- September 4, 2024 2 MIN READ

Autonomous navigation scaleup Advanced Navigation has new US-based Global Head of Defence, recruiting former US Army platoon leader and intelligence officer Wayne Prender to the role. The 12-year-old deep tech hardware venture, chaired by former PM Malcolm Turnbull, with legendary US Army general David Petraeus chairing its defence advisory board, is a world leader in… Read more »

Sally-Ann Williams
Opinion

Cicada’s Sally-Ann Williams: Australia’s deep tech talent needs more support to change the world

- August 8, 2024 3 MIN READ

Australia stands at a crossroads. As one of the world’s richest nations, we have the resources and talent to lead in deep tech innovation. The Federal Government’s ‘Future Made in Australia’ policy is also a welcome starting commitment to fostering local innovation, supporting emerging technologies, and building a resilient economy. But to shift our economy… Read more »

Opinion

Why we need to celebrate the power and brave ideas of deep tech

- July 5, 2024 3 MIN READ

Deep tech ventures are capable of creating global impact. They bring unrivalled improvements in living standards for citizens, such as lengthening average life expectancy, creating jobs and opportunities, and raising wealth. And they can also generate massive social, environmental, and financial returns for Australia specifically, including building long-term economic growth and resilience. Deep tech currently… Read more »

Sally-Ann Williams
Events

Cicada Innovations reveals the startups starring at Tech 23

- July 2, 2024 8 MIN READ

Cicada Innovations has revealed the 23 startups to take part in this year’s Cicada xTech23 event next month. The 23 were chosen from more than 143 applications nationally and span five categories asking big questions about building the future with systemic solutions to broad-reaching problems. They range from wireless charging startup Aquila, which last month… Read more »