Cicada Innovations Announces CEO Transition
Sally-Ann Williams to Step Down After Six Years of Transformative Leadership
Posted: 18/06/25
Cicada Innovations, Australia’s home of deep tech, today announced that CEO Sally-Ann Williams will step down following six years of transformative leadership.
Sally has played a pivotal role in shaping Cicada’s national presence and deep tech impact. Under her leadership, the organisation expanded its footprint across Australia, launched two new incubators - Jumar Bioincubator in Melbourne and the HealthTech Hub at Westmead, and launched the National Space Industry Hub, which has supported over 80 startups. Cicada also brought Tech23, Australia’s largest and longest-running deep tech event, into the fold, further strengthening its role at the heart of the ecosystem.
During this time, Cicada also deepened its collaboration with a broad network of partners across research, industry, and government; including NSW Health, CSL, GRDC, Investment NSW and Breakthrough T1D (Formerly JDRF).
Cicada-supported ventures have gone on to raise more than $6.1 billion and achieve over $1.3 billion in exits, reinforcing the organisation’s role as a critical force in Australia’s innovation ecosystem.
“It's been an extraordinary privilege to lead Cicada Innovations for the past six years” said Sally-Ann Williams “I'm incredibly proud of the collective impact of our team and our partners: we've brought groundbreaking technologies to life, championed brilliant founders, and cultivated a vibrant deep tech ecosystem. We've successfully transformed Cicada Innovations into a national asset, empowering Australian founders to tackle the world's most pressing challenges.”
The transition comes as Cicada marks 25 years of supporting breakthrough science and technology. With a clear mission and a strong team in place, the organisation remains focused on its long-term work of backing science-led ventures and strengthening Australia’s deep tech economy for decades to come.
“Sally has played a critical role in positioning Cicada as a national asset,” said Dr. Katherine Woodthorpe AO, Chair of the Cicada Innovations Board. “She has championed deep tech, built a high-performing team, and expanded Cicada’s reach and relevance. We are grateful for her leadership and confident in the strength of the organisation going forward.”
The Cicada Board has commenced the process to appoint a new CEO. In the meantime, day-to-day operations will continue under the leadership of the Executive team, with support from Sally during the transition.
Cicada’s work continues, grounded in a 25-year legacy of supporting deep tech innovators, and dedicated to turning science into real-world impact for decades to come.
Please contact Sebastian Parker for any interview requests: media@cicadainnovations.com or 0411696771
Cicada Innovations is Australia's leading deep tech incubator. With a 25 year track record of developing ventures focused on the world’s most pressing problems and promising opportunities. Their network of incubators, training, and community are designed to meet the unique needs of deep tech startups. Cicada Innovations has been the home of groundbreaking science and bold engineering, transforming ideas into world-changing ventures, reshaping industries, and driving deep tech success stories in fibre optics, space, medtech, and climate innovation, delivering tangible impact for Australia and the world. They are committed to building Australia's deep tech economy.
