Year in Reflection: Cicada Innovations' 2024 Highlights

As we close the chapter on 2024, it’s the perfect time to reflect on what has been an extraordinary year for Cicada Innovations. At our core, Cicada is driven by a singular mission: to build Australia’s deep tech economy. This mission goes beyond supporting startups—it’s about harnessing the power of science, technology, and innovation to address the world’s most pressing challenges and create a future that is smarter, more sustainable, and deeply impactful.

We believe that deep tech is key to solving critical global issues—whether it's advancing healthcare, creating resilient food systems, reducing environmental footprints, or ensuring national security through sovereign technologies. Our work is not just about helping companies grow; it’s about fostering a thriving ecosystem where research and innovation can translate into tangible solutions that benefit society, the economy, and the planet.

This year wasn’t just about growth; it was about building a community where science and technology become the foundation for meaningful solutions. Thanks to the shared vision of our residents, team, and partners, Cicada Innovations has made a lasting impact. Here’s a look back at the highlights that made 2024 extraordinary.

1 The Hon. Chris Minns MP and CEO of Cicada Innovations Sally-Ann Williams

 

2 Cicada Innovations, South Eveleigh 

3 Dr Anushi Rajapaksa founder of Misti at Cicada x Tech23 in August 2024.

4 Millibeam in the lab at Cicada Innovations

A Year of Growth and Community

Imagine three buzzing hubs of innovation, each filled with passionate teams tackling challenges that impact people, planet, and industries. That’s Cicada in 2024.

This year, we achieved a major milestone: all three of our sites—Eveleigh, Jumar in Melbourne, and the HealthTech Hub in Westmead—were fully operational. These spaces became home to 84 startups, including 40 new residents who joined our community.

Here’s where they’re making their mark:

• 46 startups under our iconic Eveleigh roof.
• 29 startups driving biotech innovation at Jumar.
• 9 health pioneers pushing boundaries at the HealthTech Hub.

What makes this growth even more meaningful is the diversity within our community—20 of these ventures are female-founded or co-founded, setting a record for inclusivity.

Together, these startups raised an incredible $447+ million in private capital and grants and created 121 new jobs. Every dollar raised and every job created represents another step toward building a thriving deep tech ecosystem.

Celebrating Your Success

Behind these numbers are incredible stories of perseverance and achievement. This year, Cicada residents continued to lead the way in innovation. From awards to international recognition highlights included:

• Navbit winning the InnovationAus Health Tech category.
• Syenta secured $2M from the NSW Physical Sciences Fund.
• Gelion expanding commercial partnerships and orders.
• Rux Energy awarded CRC-P Grant
• Invertigro became a finalist for the International Vertical Farming Awards.
• World Data Exchange’s Jo Cooper being named Australia’s Most Outstanding in IT Security.
• Crest Robotics partners with TransGrid and featured on Channel 7
• Contactile, Deneb Space, ANT61, Spiral Blue, Mawson Rovers & Extraterrestrial Power; even launched their tech into orbit

These stories don’t just showcase the brilliance of our residents; they demonstrate the power of deep tech to create real, lasting change.

1  Bob Criner, Founder of Stralis Aircraft at Cicada x Tech23

2 Cicada Innovations hosting delegates. Panel members at a Space Hub Connect event.

4 Rux in the Lab at Cicada Innovations

5 Millibeam in the lab at Cicada Innovations

Cicada x Tech23: Spotlighting Deep Tech Innovation

If there was a single moment that captured the spirit of 2024, it was Cicada x Tech23. Australia’s largest deep tech festival brought together 400+ attendees to celebrate 23 visionary startups tackling the world’s toughest challenges. It was a day filled with inspiring talks, powerful connections, and a showcase of the cutting-edge technologies shaping our future.

Among the alumni from Tech23, several companies have achieved remarkable milestones this year:

• Samsara Eco raised $100 million for infinite recycling of plastics 
• Kapture successfully embeds carbon emissions in concrete
• Xefco raises $10.5M seed extension led by Main Sequence
• ElectraLith - Named 2024 AFR BOSS Most Innovative Company in the Agriculture, Mining, Engineering and Utilities sector.
• Stralis -  Pitched at TechCrunch Disrupt & featured on Channel 7
• Convergence Medical’s Founder & CEO Chris Jeffrey awarded the 2024 Australian Deep Tech Entrepreneur of the Year by the Australian Young Entrepreneur Awards!
• Dovetail - Were Featured on Nine News
• Misti - Joined our bio incubator, Jumar, in Melbourne this year, and received recognition as a finalist for the inaugural "Innovator Award from the Stem Sisters
• Dilji Labs  - Founder & CEO, Kado Muir, was one of the keynote speakers at the inaugural Impact Economy Forum | Where Innovation Meets Impact in Perth
• ULUU announced its first commercial collaboration with surfwear brand Quiksilver
• Syenta - Grant winner of NSW Physical Sciences Fund
• Alt.Leather -  successfully closed an oversubscribed seed funding round, raising $1.1 million.
• Analog Quantum Circuits - Queensland’s First Quantum startup partnered with Australia's Advanced Strategic Capabilities Accelerator (ASCA) to develop our superconducting microwave technologies, for quantum computing and other applications.
• Rainstick have been nominated by growᴬᴳ⋅ for the Earthshot Prize 2025 
• VetChip -  Were the w𝗶𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗪𝗶𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗿 𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗲𝗳 𝗝𝘂𝗱𝗴𝗲 𝗜𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗠𝗲𝗿𝗶𝘁 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗡𝗼𝘁-𝗙𝗼𝗿-𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗳𝗶𝘁 & 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝘆𝗲𝗮𝗿'𝘀 iAwards! 
• Rux Energy -  Founder and CEO, Dr Jehan Kanga recognised by The Australian as one of Australia’s top 100 Energy Players! 
• Pending AI, Aquila, Syenta, Xefco, Kapture, ElectraLith, Endua, were featured in 2024 Australia’s Top 100 Innovators!

We’re incredibly proud of the impact these ventures are making and honoured to have played a small part of their journey. Their successes and leadership demonstrate the power of deep tech innovation to drive meaningful change.

Our Team and Space

The Cicada team has grown as well, with 14 new members helping us support this incredible ecosystem. Major improvements to Cicada HQ this year included new solar panels, a refurbished wet lab, and an upgraded Engine Shop equipped with cutting-edge tools. 

Events, Impact, and Visits

Throughout the year, Cicada was a hub of activity, hosting 74+ events, workshops, and programs. Over 6,300 people joined us—enough to fill the Sydney Opera House Concert Hall twice!

We also celebrated standout milestones:

• The 10th Anniversary of the NSW Health Commercialisation Training Program.
• The second edition of Cicada x Tech23, Australia’s biggest deep tech festival! Over 400 attendees celebrated the future of deep tech, with a special shoutout to residents Newera.bio, Crest Robotics, Aquila, Telemattica, and Deneb Space.
• Fast Start Program: This year, 16 deep tech companies graduated, working across space, health, climate and agtech, and deep tech sectors. In total, the program has supported 40 companies with tailored coaching and resources over the past two years.
• 628 innovators completed one of our commercialisation courses
• Annual Showcases: We hosted inaugural showcases for both our newest incubators – the Cicada HealthTech Hub and the Jumar BioIncubator, highlighting groundbreaking innovations from our residents to over 250 people

We were honoured to welcome esteemed visitors, including NSW Premier Chris Minns, Lord Mayor of Melbourne Sally Capp AO, and NSW Minister for Innovation, Science and Technology Anoulack Chanthivong, as well as international delegations and investors.

Meanwhile, the Cicada team took the spirit of deep tech beyond our walls, representing Australia’s innovation ecosystem on the world stage. From BIO International Convention and evokeAG to Sunrise Conference and AusBiotech, our team strengthened local and global connections and showcased the power of Australian deep tech to drive meaningful change.

Looking Ahead to 2025

Next year marks Cicada Innovations’ 25th anniversary—a milestone that reflects our enduring commitment to shaping the future of deep tech. As we plan for 2025, we’re excited to bring even more to our community, including:

• The next edition of Cicada x Tech23, promising to be bigger and better, along with a national roadshow to bring deep tech innovation to cities across Australia.
• Events and activations to celebrate 25 years of building Australia’s deep tech ecosystem, reflecting on the impact of our alumni, partners, and community.
• Upgraded facilities at all sites, including improved Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and enhancements to our labs and prototyping spaces to support world-class innovation.

We’re proud of everything we’ve achieved in 2024, but even more excited for what lies ahead. To our residents, team, and partners—thank you for making this year unforgettable. Here’s to a future of growth, innovation, and impact!