Session Highlight

The EVOLUTION Imperative

Hosted by Poppy Sykes, this panel featured insights from Julia Spicer OAM (Connection Table; Australia’s Economic Accelerator), Dr. Elise Stephenson (Australian National University), and A/Prof Lea-Ann Kirkham (The Kids Research Institute Australia; Spritz-OM). Through addressing barriers and opportunities in research translation, they emphasised that systemic change and collective action are essential to shaping a more impactful innovation ecosystem in Australia.

Julia Spicer:

  • Many industry players struggle with accessing the right research partners.
  • Short funding cycles make long-term partnerships difficult.
  • Collaboration needs to be faster and more intentional.

Dr. Elise Stephenson:

  • The lack of diversity in Australia’s innovation ecosystem is stifling progress.
  • Women-led startups generate 2x the return compared to male-led startups.
  • LGBTQ+ founders and people with disabilities bring unique innovation perspectives.
  • More funding and equitable access to opportunities are needed.

A/Prof Lea-Ann Kirkham:

  • Academic institutions often discourage commercialisation.
  • Researchers are not trained in business and commercialisation.
  • Confidence and access to mentors are critical for research translation success.

Key Takeaways

  • Evolution is key – The innovation ecosystem must adapt to changing challenges.
  • Collaboration is essential – Researchers, industry, and government must work together more effectively.
  • Diversity drives impact – More inclusive funding and better representation will strengthen innovation.
  • Researchers need business skills – Training in commercialisation and industry engagement is critical.

This session highlighted the ON Innovation Program’s work with ANU’s Global Institute for Women’s Leadership and the Wiyi Yani U Thangani First Nations Gender Justice Institute to create a best-practice guide for diversity, equity, accessibility and inclusion in innovation programs. We’d love your input to help shape this future – click to get involved!

Navigating the Path to Impact

This session explored how researchers can successfully spin out companies from universities. Using a simulated quantum company scenario, panellists Phil Morle (Main Sequence Ventures), Dr. Erin Rayment (Queensland University of Technology (QUT), and Emerald Scofield (Main Sequence Ventures) discussed the challenges of research commercialization, deal-making, and funding gaps. Key insights included:

  • Australia produces world-class research but lags in startup creation compared to the US and Ireland.
  • The spinout process is complex, with unique challenges for researchers, investors, and tech transfer offices (TTOs).
  • Power imbalances, communication gaps, and bureaucratic hurdles slow commercialisation.
  • A game-based simulation was introduced to help stakeholders understand different perspectives, negotiate better, and streamline deals.

Key Takeaways

  • Increase transparency in spinout deals by educating researchers on investment terms and equity structures.
  • Encourage early collaboration between researchers, investors, and TTOs to align priorities.
  • Boost commercialisation skills by training researchers in negotiation and business strategy.
  • Simplify university policies to reduce bureaucracy and create flexible IP/licensing agreements.
  • Use simulations to improve decision-making, foster empathy, and streamline deal-making.

Unite Through Ideas

This interactive masterclass, led by Andy Lamb, focused on creative problem-solving for challenges in research commercialisation and innovation. Attendees engaged in hands-on exercises designed to break conventional thinking patterns, encourage risk-taking, and foster new approaches to collaboration. Using rapid ideation, group discussions, and structured frameworks, participants worked towards solutions for changing the culture of research and commercialisation in Australia.

Key Takeaways

  • Creative thinking requires breaking habitual patterns – engaging in unexpected activities can spark new ideas.
  • Collaboration enhances innovation – structured group exercises like ‘Yes, and‘ help expand thinking rather than shutting down ideas.
  • Risk-taking and failure should be celebrated – normalising discussions around failure can drive a shift towards a more experimental and innovative culture.
  • Redefining decision-making processes – solutions explored ways to involve diverse stakeholders in shaping research commercialisation strategies.
  • Alternative communication methods – beyond data and reports, storytelling, visual presentations, and improv can help build trust and engagement.

Uplift Your Brand

Kate Jenkins led this masterclass on brand storytelling, helping purpose-driven leaders craft compelling narratives to enhance their impact. Drawing from her experience at British Airways, the Sydney Opera House, and Remarkable Tech, she emphasised the power of authentic storytelling, mission-driven branding, and audience engagement.

Key Takeaways

  • Branding is more than logos – It’s about experience, perception, and emotional connection.
  • Authenticity matters – Successful brands, like Patagonia, stay true to their mission and values.
  • Clarity builds confidence – A well-defined brand story makes communication and audience engagement stronger.
  • AI can assist in refining messaging – Using AI tools can help iterate and enhance brand storytelling.

The Future of Impact

Dr. Stefan Hajkowicz and Claire Marshall led a fireside chat exploring the future of research translation, deep tech, and AI. The discussion covered the megatrends shaping innovation by 2035, the rapid acceleration of AI, and geopolitical shifts affecting global power structures. The session encouraged participants to reflect on Australia’s role in deep tech, public trust in institutions, and the balance between AI’s benefits and risks.

Key Takeaways

  • Public trust in institutions is eroding – Misinformation and social media are fuelling distrust in government and science. Scientists must communicate more effectively to rebuild credibility.
  • AI is advancing faster than expected – New breakthroughs are reshaping work, research, and problem-solving, potentially surpassing human capabilities in coding and data analysis by 2025.
  • Sovereign AI capability is a challenge for Australia – Australia is mostly an AI user, not a creator, leaving it dependent on foreign technology. Greater investment is needed in local AI development.
  • Innovation in Australia lacks support – Despite world-class talent, Australian deep tech startups struggle to scale due to underinvestment and risk-averse funding cultures.
  • Geopolitical power is shifting – The U.S. is losing its status as the dominant global leader, leading to uncertainty in trade, alliances, and innovation ecosystems.

Uplift Your Purpose

Warren Bingham, Founder and Executive Chairman of MedTech International, shared personal and professional experiences to inspire attendees to align leadership with purpose. He emphasised resilience, perspective, and leading with humanity in the face of challenges. Key stories included launching disruptive medical technology, overcoming major setbacks (such as 9/11 delaying an IPO), and supporting impactful startups. His insights highlighted the role of values, adaptability, and purpose-driven leadership in sustaining long-term success.

Key Takeaways

  • Leadership is about purpose and humanity, not just financial or operational skills.
  • Resilience and adaptability are essential for navigating crises and setbacks.
  • Mistakes are learning opportunities; growth comes from how you respond.
  • Building strong teams and culture is as important as product-market fit.
  • Invest time in meaningful work, mentorship, and community engagement.
  • Success isn’t just about business – balance purpose, passion, and well-being.

Unite Through Connections

Led by Josh Pitt, ON Innovation Program Ecosystem Manager, this speed networking session focused on fostering new connections and sparking collaboration among participants. Attendees engaged in structured conversations through three breakout sessions, each lasting 15 minutes. The session provided guiding questions related to deep tech, innovation, and future trends to facilitate discussions, while also allowing flexibility for organic conversations.

Key Takeaways

  • Structured networking can help break barriers – participants rotated through multiple tables, ensuring they met a diverse range of people.
  • Conversation prompts encouraged deeper discussions – topics included excitement in deep tech, challenges in innovation, and future trends like nanotechnology.
  • Casual, safe environment fosters collaboration – the session emphasised informal yet meaningful discussions, making it easier for attendees to engage.

Funding Your Impact

This panel discussion, moderated by David Ireland, with Alastair Hick (Monash University), Peter Milic (Australia’s Economic Accelerator), Grace Bird (Main Sequence Ventures), and Michele Stansfield (Cauldron Ferm) explored the current landscape of translational funding, emerging trends, and effective strategies for securing funding to maximize impact. Experts from universities, venture capital, and government funding programs provided insights into the evolving ecosystem of commercialising research and the pathways available for startups and researchers.

Key Takeaways

  • Funding for research commercialisation has evolved – More funding is available now than in the past, but navigating different sources (grants, venture capital, and industry partnerships) remains complex.
  • The importance of people and talent – Success in commercialisation depends not just on funding but on building the right founding team and support network.
  • Universities are crucial but not the only option – TTOs (Technology Transfer Offices) play a key role in commercialisation, but founders should also seek independent venture support and accelerators.
  • Pre-seed funding is expanding – Funds like Main Sequence’s Atmosphere aim to support founders earlier in the process by providing capital and mentorship before they formally spin out a company.
  • Non-dilutive funding is underutilised – Many startups rely on venture capital when grants and government programs like Australia’s Economic Accelerator (AEA) can provide significant financial support without giving up equity.
  • Industry partnerships are shifting – Large corporations are engaging in more corporate venture funding rather than direct research licensing, requiring startups to prove commercial viability before securing industry backing.
  • Understanding commercialisation is critical – Researchers need to focus on market size, scalability, and competitive advantage rather than just technical innovation when seeking funding.

Uplift Your Presence

Josephine O’Reilly led this interactive masterclass on presence, confidence, and impactful communication. She guided participants through exercises designed to enhance personal and professional presence when presenting or networking, helping them build authenticity and connection.

Key Takeaways

  • Presence is felt before you speak – People make decisions about you based on body language, tone, and confidence before words even begin.
  • Awareness of self and audience is crucial – How you show up affects how your message is received.
  • Authenticity builds trust – Aligning physicality, voice, and message creates genuine impact.
  • Nervousness is natural – Confidence is about managing energy, not eliminating nerves.

Ignite Your Impact

This interactive masterclass provided practical insights into maximizing success in applying for AEA Ignite grants, which support research commercialisation. Lead by ON Innovation Program Manager Poppy Sykes, the session focused on essential grant elements, particularly industry partnerships, and featured discussions with AEA priority managers. Participants worked through an industry engagement framework to refine their application strategies.

Key Takeaways

  • AEA Ignite grants provide up to $500K for proof-of-concept projects; Innovate grants offer up to $5M for larger initiatives.
  • Successful applications must clearly demonstrate commercial potential, capacity to deliver, strong industry partnerships, and measurable impact.
  • Industry engagement is crucial – partners should have aligned goals, provide value beyond funding, and be actively committed.
  • Time kills deals – start industry conversations early to secure partnerships and commitments.
  • Choosing the right partner matters more than just having a partner; validation from end users and potential investors is highly valuable.
  • Programs like ON Prime can strengthen commercialisation skills and improve grant readiness.
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Unite Through Teamwork

Led by Julie Trell, this interactive masterclass focused on building high-performing teams through active listening, resilience, and effective communication. The session emphasized the importance of play, improvisation, and mindfulness in fostering collaboration. Through engaging exercises, participants explored judgment, status dynamics, and communication techniques that enhance teamwork and problem-solving.

Key Takeaways

  • Judgment can stifle creativity – exercises helped participants recognize and delay self-judgment to foster innovation.
  • Active listening enhances collaboration – mindfulness techniques encouraged awareness of tone, body language, and non-verbal cues.
  • Failure is a learning opportunity – participants practiced reframing mistakes positively through the “Tada!” technique.
  • Improv-based communication tools improve teamwork – the ‘Yes, and‘ method promoted constructive collaboration over dismissive responses.

Indigenous Knowledge Fueling Impact

This panel discussion, led by Louisa Warren of CSIRO’s Indigenous Engagement Office at CSIRO, welcomed panellists Cathy Robinson (Group Leader, Climate, Adaption and Land-use Futures at CSIRO), Lindsay Davies (Connecting with Country Coordinator at Indigital) and Alana Kennedy (Founder of Ochre Sun) to explore how Indigenous knowledge can enhance innovation and drive meaningful impact across science, technology, and commercialisation. The group shared insights on ethical engagement, reciprocity, and the integration of traditional wisdom into modern solutions. The conversation emphasised the importance of early engagement with Indigenous communities, respect for cultural protocols, and ensuring benefit-sharing models in research and commercialization.

Key Takeaways

  • Indigenous knowledge is highly applicable across all fields – It is one of the oldest, most sustainable knowledge systems and can contribute to solving national and global challenges.
  • Authentic partnerships require deep engagement – True collaboration with Indigenous communities is about listening first, honouring cultural protocols, and building relationships before pursuing research or commercialisation.
  • Benefit-sharing must be equitable – Commercialisation of Indigenous knowledge and resources should prioritise ethical models that compensate communities at multiple stages (e.g., raw material, extraction, product sales).
  • Data sovereignty and ethical AI are critical – Indigenous communities should have control over how their knowledge and data are used, ensuring they are not just data collectors but equal partners in storytelling, analysis, and commercialisation.
  • Repositioning the role of scientists and institutions – Western science should not “extract” knowledge but co-create solutions with Indigenous communities, ensuring mutual benefit and long-term sustainability.
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Find out more about ON Core 2025 speakers.