Foundations

Upskill in commercialisation

Start strong with online courses that build the commercial and strategic skills you need to pursue your idea, at your own pace, from anywhere.

From research to real-world impact

Foundations is Cicada’s suite of short courses designed to equip aspiring deep tech founders with the commercial and strategic knowledge they need to build impactful ventures. Whether you’re a scientist, engineer, researcher, or just deep tech-curious, these self-paced online courses will help you turn ideas into action.

Find the right program for you

From agriculture to aerospace, each Foundations stream is a self-paced online course tailored to your sector, with case studies, expert lessons, and tools to help turn your deep tech idea into commercial reality.

Deep Tech Foundations

Best for:

Early-stage founders, researchers or individuals exploring a deep tech venture

Format:

Online, self-paced e-learning

Length:

Approx. 10 hours

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Space Foundations

Best for:

Early-stage founders, researchers or individuals exploring a aerospace or defence venture

Format:

Online, self-paced e-learning

Length:

Approx. 10 hours

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HealthTech Hub Foundations

Best for:

Researchers, clinical and allied health professionals who are curious about health innovation

Format:

Online & in-person facilitated learning

Length:

Approx. 20 hours

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Medtech Foundation

Best for:

Early-stage founders, researchers or individuals exploring a medtech based venture

Format:

Online, self-paced e-learning

Length:

Approx. 10 hours

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25 years of impact

With over two decades of experience helping deep tech founders take bold ideas to market, Cicada’s programs are designed by experts and backed by government and industry. Our Foundations courses provide the critical early skills needed to commercialise complex technologies and start your journey with confidence.

Meet the Presenters

Learn through guided video lessons from seasoned experts in deep tech, startup growth, investment, industry, and commercialisation. With decades of experience building ventures and working across sectors like agriculture, space, defence, medtech, and manufacturing, our presenters share proven strategies and real-world lessons to help you overcome challenges and accelerate your path to market.