Cicada Innovations Blog

All your Cicada x Tech23 FAQs answered

Written by Sian Priest | 3 April 2024

It's just a pitch fest, right? Wait, is it a startup accelerator? It's too much of a time commitment…How does this help my startup exactly? 

Let's get the record straight, Cicada x Tech23 is Australia's biggest deep tech event which will take place this year in Sydney on 7th August. The event is ideal for deep tech startups looking to fundraise, find customers, build partnerships and raise your profile. In just one day, at Cicada x Tech23 2024, access the resources, connections, and community you need to scale your deep tech venture into its next growth phase. 

We know some of you have questions about the event and whether you should apply, so we've tried to answer your most pressing questions: 

"Am I deep tech enough?"

If you're pushing the boundaries of technology to solve complex problems or create innovative solutions, then yes, you are deep tech. Our focus is on ventures that leverage cutting-edge science or engineering to address significant challenges or opportunities, regardless of the industry. If you're uncertain, we encourage you to apply, and our team will evaluate whether your venture aligns with our deep tech criteria.

"What are the benefits of participating in Cicada x Tech23?"

Cicada x Tech23 is an event for deep tech startups/innovators looking to fundraise, find customers, build partnerships and raise their profile. In just one day, at Cicada x Tech23 2024, you'll access the resources, connections, and community you need to scale your deep tech venture into its next growth phase. If you are selected, you will be:

↘ Coached by Cicada Innovations to share your vision with a curated audience of 400 industry leaders 

↘ Elevated on a national stage as one of the most exciting Australian deep tech ventures

↘ Given unique media opportunities to share your story

↘ Building impactful connections with investors, industry leaders and peers

↘ Accessing a range of resources from IP experts to media training to help you grow

↘ Connected with a community of like-minded deep tech champions.

“Who is the audience at the event?”

We curate the audience for the biggest gathering of what we like to call “the deep tech village”. That’s investors who actively invest in deep tech, corporates and industry leaders looking for novel solutions and new ideas, policymakers eager to understand new innovations to inform programs and policy, and ecosystem champions who can connect you to a wealth of networks and resources.

"Am I at the right stage? I've just got an idea, or what if I'm already well-established?"

Whether you're leading the charge in some groundbreaking research, at the inception stage with a novel idea, steering a startup toward success, or driving an established venture forward, your journey matters to us. No matter where you are in your deep tech endeavours, we welcome your participation and encourage you to share your vision and innovation with us.

"Is it just a pitch fest?" 

No, Cicada x Tech23 is not your traditional startup pitch fest. We believe deep tech deserves a more nuanced approach than a standard 5-minute pitch. Instead, we showcase innovations and entrepreneurs in novel and engaging formats, including panel discussions alongside other deep tech innovators and 'Ted talk' style presentations driven by big and convergent ideas that will radically change the world.

"It's too much of a time commitment"

No, it is a one-day event, with an additional two prep days to get you up to speed with media training and pitching sessions, IP advice and other resources to equip you with platforming your startup on the nation's largest deep tech stage. 

“Why do I need to apply?”

Applying will enable us to better understand your startup and help us curate the most compelling and diverse deep tech ideas and innovations. Through our application process, we identify ventures with the greatest potential to make a significant impact. By carefully selecting participants, we ensure that Cicada x Tech23 showcases the forefront of deep tech innovation, fostering collaboration and inspiration within our community.

“Will it cost me anything?"

Applications are free to submit. If selected, the only expense you'll need to cover is travel to Sydney for the main event. Rest assured, we will cover all other expenses during the event.

“Who are the Tech23 alumni?”

Tech23 boasts some of Australia’s biggest deep tech companies among its alumni: Inventia, Morse Micro, Propeller, Regrow, Samsara Eco, and Uluu. 

For more information, check out our Cicada x Tech23 Insights report, which examines the current state of deep tech in Australia—the opportunities, the challenges, and the founders leading the way.

Hurry, applications are closing soon

Join the village at Cicada x Tech23 and play a pivotal role in pioneering change and innovation in Australia's deep tech landscape.