Taking place in Sydney on 7 August, Cicada x Tech23 will showcase 23 of Australia's most promising deep tech ventures, pushing the boundaries of science, innovation, and technology. These ventures were selected from a pool of over 143 applications nationwide, reflecting a commitment to diversity, innovation, and a broad range of perspectives.
The University-originated projects stand out among these trailblazers, demonstrating the institution's commitment to fostering innovation, and a supportive research and teaching environment that delivers with real-world impact.
Professor Julie Cairney, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research Enterprise and Engagement), said it was a remarkable achievement to see four startups founded by University staff and alumni among this year's finalists.
"The University of Sydney is proud that its staff and student alumni are undertaking innovative research that tackles the biggest challenges facing the world. These startups are an important part of taking that research from the lab into use by industry and the wider community.
"Tech23 brings together leaders from across the deep tech ecosystem and beyond to bring their unique perspectives and energy to help steer the conversations that could define the future of innovation in Australia," said Professor Julie Cairney.
The four University of Sydney affiliated startups to be featured are:
Halting morning commute disasters
Telemattica was co-founded by graduates of the University of Sydney's Faculty of Engineering. The startup develops automated railway track inspections using IoT sensors fitted to in-service trains that enable continuous real-time data on the condition of train networks without impacting network capacity, and enabling new levels of efficiency, reliability, and safety. This will help to reduce the number of rail shutdowns that are currently required to conduct expensive and time-consuming checks of the network condition, and allow rail networks to better meet the constant pressure to run more trains.
Autopilot for space
Deneb Space and Dr Anne Bettens from the University of Sydney's Faculty of Engineering is advancing satellite agility by developing revolutionary systems that ensure mission success by leveraging aerospace expertise and a commitment to reliability and accessibility - making satellites smarter to navigate the congestion in space.
NASA technology for cows
Agscent and Dr Bronwyn Darlington from the University of Sydney Business School have discovered that the technology from NASA sensors used on the International Space Station to alert crew to the detection of harmful chemicals, could also be used to detect pregnancy-related breath molecules in livestock. It is now developing livestock diagnostic testing that is non-invasive, efficient, accurate, and will allow point of care (POC) pregnancy and disease diagnostics which will improve livestock and dairy operator productivity, decrease costs, reduce operator injury and improve animal welfare.
Fertilisers using renewable energies
PlasmaLeap Technologies including Faculty of Engineering researcher, Professor PJ Cullen, have developed zero-emission reactors using renewable electricity, air, and water. Starting with the ammonia fertilisers market, this innovation addresses the significant carbon footprint of traditional ammonia production, which accounts for about two percent of global emissions. Beyond ammonia, the technology holds potential for producing other green chemicals, offering sustainable alternatives and drastically reducing carbon emissions to a range of industries.
