It’s January 2000. The world has just survived the Y2K panic, Eiffel 65’s "Blue" is blasting from radios across Australia, and Sydney is gearing up to host the iconic 2000 Olympics. Amid this era of excitement and transformation, something extraordinary was quietly taking shape.
At a disused heritage railway building in Sydney—a place where train engines had been forged for over 100 years—a new revolution was being born. Not of steel and steam, but of ideas and innovation. It was here that Australia’s first deep tech incubator was founded: Cicada Innovations.
Back then known as the Australian Technology Park, the vision of Tom Forgan, with the support of the University of Sydney, UNSW, UTS, and later ANU, along with government backing, laid the foundation for what would become a powerhouse of scientific and technological progress. From these humble beginnings, Cicada Innovations became a place where academia, science, and business collided to tackle some of the world’s most pressing challenges.
The early days were a reflection of the technological frontier of the time. Companies pioneering internet technologies, cutting-edge healthcare solutions, and groundbreaking advancements like fibre optics found their home here. Laboratories and specialist equipment buzzed with activity, filled with people who dared to think differently.
Fast forward to 2025, and Cicada Innovations is now 25 years old. In those two and a half decades, the world has changed profoundly. The internet has gone from novelty to necessity, AI is reshaping industries, and climate challenges are driving urgent innovation. Cicada has evolved with these changes, playing a critical role in nurturing the startups and technologies shaping our future.
Hundreds of startups have called Cicada home, and thousands of people—visionary founders, pioneering scientists, dedicated engineers, and passionate innovators—have poured their talents into businesses and this community. From engineering molecules and designing robots to building technologies that address some of the world’s most complex challenges, their work has been nothing short of transformative. Together, they’ve delivered life-changing healthcare breakthroughs, commercialised groundbreaking energy systems, and forged new frontiers in science and technology.
As we celebrate our 25th anniversary, we reflect on all that has been achieved—not just by Cicada as an institution, but by the incredible people who have walked through our doors. Their ingenuity, resilience, and relentless drive have left an indelible mark on Australia’s innovation landscape. This milestone is as much a celebration of their stories as it is of our shared journey.
But this isn’t just a time for looking back. It’s also about looking forward—to the next 25 years and beyond. The challenges facing the world today demand bold, science-driven solutions. We believe deep tech—rooted in engineering, science, and discovery—will be at the heart of Australia’s future economy, and Cicada is as committed as ever to fostering this ecosystem.
This year, we honour our history, celebrate our community, and rededicate ourselves to the mission that has guided us for 25 years: building the deep tech economy for Australia.
We’re pulling out all the stops to mark Cicada’s 25th birthday in style. From exclusive events and inspiring reunions to celebratory showcases of deep tech innovation, we’ll be bringing together the incredible people who have shaped our journey. Expect opportunities to reconnect, reflect, and celebrate, alongside exciting initiatives that spotlight the groundbreaking work happening across our community. Stay tuned—there’s so much more to come!
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