Cicada Innovations has announced the 23 Australian ventures selected for Cicada x Tech23 2026, with the annual showcase highlighting companies developing technologies across sectors including advanced manufacturing, health, energy, infrastructure and sustainability.
According to the deep tech incubator, the 23 ventures were chosen from a record 236 applicants, representing a 57 per cent increase on the previous year.
Cicada Innovations said the selected companies are developing commercial-ready technologies and contributing to sovereign capability in areas including physical AI, advanced manufacturing and industry.
The organisation said alumni of the event since 2023 have collectively raised more than $280 million and secured industry partnerships and government deployments following their participation.
Previous participants include Syenta, which recently raised $37 million in Series A funding to commercialise semiconductor manufacturing technology, carbon capture company Kapture, seaweed-based materials developer Uluu and health technology company Nutromics.
Among this year’s cohort is Sydekick Robotics, which is developing robotic systems aimed at improving automation in the manufacturing sector. Other selected ventures include Hydro Harvester, which produces water from air; SydSol, which is developing solar-generating surfaces for buildings; Armatide Pharmaceuticals, which is advancing targeted cancer therapies; and Gega Elements, which is refining gallium used in AI hardware.
The cohort also features companies working on technologies spanning wastewater treatment, satellite recovery, medical diagnostics, autonomous ocean infrastructure, mining water recovery, thermal energy storage, quantum communications, smart building infrastructure, neonatal nutrition, robotics, and industrial safety.
Liza Noonan, chief executive officer of Cicada Innovations, said the 2026 cohort reflects the breadth of Australia’s deep technology sector.
“The 2026 Cicada x Tech23 cohort showcases the ingenuity, ambition and scientific excellence emerging from Australia’s deep tech ecosystem. These are companies solving complex problems in critical industries, while drawing on Australian skills, knowledge and IP,” Noonan said.
She said the ventures have the potential to create broader economic and industrial benefits beyond individual businesses.
“What excites me most isn’t just the technologies being developed with breakthroughs in science and engineering, but the new industries, capabilities and opportunities these companies have the potential to unlock. When Australian deep tech founders succeed, their impact extends far beyond a single company. They create new competitive advantages, strengthen supply chains, attract investment and build the foundations for the Australian industries of tomorrow.”
Noonan added that the event is intended to highlight emerging Australian technology companies.
“Tech23 shines a spotlight on the founders building Australia’s future, and the technologies they’re bringing to life.”
Cicada x Tech23 2026 is scheduled to be held at Doltone House, Jones Bay Wharf in Sydney on 9 September 2026. According to Cicada Innovations, the event is sponsored by organisations including Main Sequence, Westpac, Radium Capital, Addisons, the City of Sydney, CSIRO, CFO Plus, FPA Patent Attorneys, the University of Technology Sydney, TechVisa, Invest Hong Kong and Adelaide University.
