As the biggest deep tech event in the country, Cicada x Tech23 is not just a showcase but a movement. A movement to champion 23 visionary founders, connect them with the right people, and accelerate their journey from lab to market, from startup to scale.
The 2025 Tech23 cohort is tackling challenges from cancer diagnostics and green steel to synthetic biology, precision agriculture, and quantum satellite navigation. These ventures represent the best of Australian deep tech: bold ideas backed by world-class science, and a mission to build a more sustainable, secure, and sovereign future.
Cicada x Tech23
Meet the 23
From carbon to cancer, textiles to flight, meet the 2025 cohort of bold startups using science and engineering to solve the world’s toughest problems.

Algenie
Making algae biomanufacturing more scalable and cheaper


Banksia Minerals
Redefining the future of copper production


BioCarbon
BioCarbon produces sustainable, net zero carbon for industry


Burl Aerospace
Next-generation vertical lift to better connect the world


CatQ
Scaling reliable quantum computing


ConryTech
Revolutionising air-conditioning


Cool Engineering
Transforming carbon dioxide into aviation fuel


DeteQt
GPS-free navigation, guided by diamonds


EPCA
Retrofitting diesel mining trucks to 100% electric


Facet Amtech
Fueling the energy transition with clean ammonia


Humble Bee Bio
Combining nature with biotechnology to create products that restore biodiversity


Kardinia Energy
Sustainable energy, accessible for all


Liora Neurotech
Predicting psychiatric relapse before it happens


MTE
Reclaiming value from industrial wastewater


Nutromics
Save lives through Continuous Diagnostic Monitoring


OncoRevive
Detecting cancer earlier, from a single drop of blood


One Kidney
Developing a future beyond Dialysis: Because everyone needs One Kidney


Powered by NOA
Powering the future of autonomy


Pretect Devices
Safer intravenous infusion for premature babies


PuraLink
Robots for pipe inspection, mapping & repair


Sprout Materials
Sustainable materials to drive a circular plastic economy


Terria
Advanced maps and digital twins to see the bigger picture


X-Centric Sciences
Soil intelligence for a more resilient planet


Algenie
Making algae biomanufacturing more scalable and cheaper


Banksia Minerals
Redefining the future of copper production


BioCarbon
BioCarbon produces sustainable, net zero carbon for industry


Burl Aerospace
Next-generation vertical lift to better connect the world


CatQ
Scaling reliable quantum computing


ConryTech
Revolutionising air-conditioning


Cool Engineering
Transforming carbon dioxide into aviation fuel


DeteQt
GPS-free navigation, guided by diamonds


EPCA
Retrofitting diesel mining trucks to 100% electric


Facet Amtech
Fueling the energy transition with clean ammonia


Humble Bee Bio
Combining nature with biotechnology to create products that restore biodiversity


Kardinia Energy
Sustainable energy, accessible for all


Liora Neurotech
Predicting psychiatric relapse before it happens


MTE
Reclaiming value from industrial wastewater


Nutromics
Save lives through Continuous Diagnostic Monitoring


OncoRevive
Detecting cancer earlier, from a single drop of blood


One Kidney
Developing a future beyond Dialysis: Because everyone needs One Kidney


Powered by NOA
Powering the future of autonomy


Pretect Devices
Safer intravenous infusion for premature babies


PuraLink
Robots for pipe inspection, mapping & repair


Sprout Materials
Sustainable materials to drive a circular plastic economy


Terria
Advanced maps and digital twins to see the bigger picture


X-Centric Sciences
Soil intelligence for a more resilient planet

Cicada x Tech23 2025
Global Innovations. Made In Australia
Everyone has a role to play at Cicada x Tech23. We bring together the deep tech village—investors, industry leaders, and policymakers—to connect with the founder solving the world’s biggest challenges. Great ideas don’t scale alone. Tech23 is where you meet the founders, forge partnerships, and shape the future of deep tech in Australia.

Thanks to our sponsors
Major sponsor
Vanguard sponsor
Ecosystem Sponsors
Deep Tech: Australia's Critical Technologies
Explore our Cicada x Tech23 2024 Insights Report, which highlights the growing momentum of Australia’s deep tech sector and the innovators driving it forward.
The report examines the critical role of collaboration—from universities to SMEs and industry partners—in turning breakthrough technologies into real-world solutions. It also unpacks the persistent challenges of scaling deep tech businesses, including funding gaps and limited procurement pathways.
A systems-wide approach is needed to ensure Australia remains competitive, with stronger investment, infrastructure access, and strategic support for deep tech ventures.

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