Cicada Innovations

Cicada Innovations is Australia's leading deep technology incubator, headquartered in Sydney. Established in 2000, it has cultivated a vibrant ecosystem dedicated to transforming groundbreaking scientific and engineering research into commercial ventures that address global challenges. Over its 25-year history, Cicada Innovations has become a national asset, supporting deep tech startups and scaleups across various sectors including health, climate and energy, agriculture, advanced manufacturing, and space.

The organisation’s core mission is to foster the growth of deep tech businesses and position Australia as a global leader in innovation. This is achieved through a comprehensive suite of support mechanisms, including purpose-built incubators with custom laboratories and office spaces, specialised equipment, and a curated community of mentors and experts. Cicada Innovations offers full lifecycle support through its "Foundations," "Elevate," and "Stride" programs, designed to equip innovators with the skills, tools, and connections needed to move from initial concept through to market traction and scaling. Its unique approach focuses on the inherent longer development cycles of deep tech, prioritising quality and depth over sheer volume.

Cicada Innovations is jointly owned by four of Australia's prominent universities: the Australian National University (ANU), the University of New South Wales (UNSW), the University of Sydney (USYD), and the University of Technology Sydney (UTS). This strong academic foundation underpins its commitment to science-led innovation. A key achievement has been its substantial economic impact; for every public dollar initially invested in its establishment, more than $400 in economic activity has been generated. By November 2025, it was estimated that Cicada Innovations had contributed over $8 billion to the Australian economy, facilitating more than $6.5 billion in funding raised by its portfolio companies and achieving over $1.4 billion in exits.

The organisation has also garnered international recognition, having been twice named the 'Top Incubator in the World' by the International Business Innovation Association. Its influence extends through initiatives such as the Jumar Bioincubator in Melbourne, the HealthTech Hub at Westmead, the GrowLab Agri-Food Accelerator, and the National Space Industry Hub. Liza Noonan, appointed Chief Executive Officer in November 2025, leads Cicada Innovations, bringing extensive experience in building robust innovation ecosystems. Under her leadership, the organisation continues to expand its national reach and deepen its support for Australia's deep tech innovators, bridging the gap between scientific discovery and market impact.