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About the ON Innovation Program

At ON, our vision is to unlock the power of Australian research to solve our biggest challenges.

The ON Innovation Program accelerates Australia’s most promising research breakthroughs into real-world impact.

Our mission is to empower every publicly funded researcher—whatever their background—to confidently explore pathways beyond academia. We connect researchers to world-class programs, expert guidance, and an inclusive community that supports their journey from concept to impact.

Through tailored experiences and practical support, ON helps researchers develop the skills, networks, and mindset to bring their ideas out of the lab and into the world. Whether through commercialisation, collaboration, or entirely new forms of translation.

Inclusion is at the heart of everything we do. We’re committed to creating spaces where every researcher, from every background, feels welcome, supported and able to thrive. Innovation is stronger when more voices are heard.

Since 2015, ON has supported thousands of researchers and built a vibrant national community of founders, advisors, industry partners, and investors.

Whether you’re curious about creating impact or ready to pursue a bold idea, ON is here to help you take the next step.

Important statistics

8800+

Participants upskilled through ON programs since inception

1300+

Jobs supported by new companies formed by ON alumni

$393+ million

Commercialisation grants attracted by ON alumni

$521+ million

Investment capital raised by new companies

Our ON programs

Through our free programs - ON Prime and ON Accelerate - we teach researchers the skills, networks and confidence to unlock the full potential of their research. Whether you’re tackling social, environmental, cultural or technological challenges, ON supports you at every stage of your innovation journey.

You will experience:

  1. Hands-on application and interactive learning - build up your skillsets through practice.
  2. Networking opportunities embedded into program events - meet investors, industry experts, government stakeholders and other research teams.
  3. Mentorship and coaching individualised to your team - from those that have had years of real industry experience in investing, research and the deep-tech sector.
  4. A deep commitment to inclusion - our programs welcome and support researchers and teams from all backgrounds, creating space for diverse voices and equitable participation.

Want to know more?

Foundational Skills

Discover key concepts, tools and skills for research translation and innovation through short, introductory learning experiences online.

ON Prime

Learn to ask the right questions and uncover where your research can make a difference.

ON Accelerate

Connect with experts and investors to validate your idea, gain experience, raise funds, and develop your high potential innovative venture.

Stay connected

Stay up to date with the latest news from our ON Program. Subscribe now to be notified about future application rounds for ON Prime and ON Accelerate.

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Our network of success

Our alumni

Teams who have been through one of our programs in the past and now form our alumni.

Our facilitators and mentors

Our programs are supported by an extensive network of experts, mentors, and facilitators. Find out more about our network of mentors and how you can become one.

Inclusive Innovation

Diversity, equity, and inclusion aren't just ideals—they're key drivers of innovation and meaningful research. Explore our Inclusive Innovation Roadmap and Playbook to find out more.

ON Translate

ON Translate (formerly known as ON Core) is the heartbeat of our community - bringing researchers, mentors, partners and innovators together to connect, learn, collaborate and celebrate.

What's ON

Check out our calendar of upcoming events, workshops and opportunities for the deep tech innovation community. Connecting researchers with the skills, networks and confidence to take your research further on the pathway to impact.

Register to secure your place!

Where Australia’s innovators turn research into impact.

Australia’s research capability is world‑class - but translating discovery into delivery remains one of our biggest challenges, as affirmed in the recent 2026 Ambitious Australia report (Strategic Examination of Research and Development).

Through structured, experience‑led support, the ON Program helps research teams build capability, test assumptions and move ideas closer to market. We connect researchers with capability, capital, markets and community to deliver real-world outcomes. We focus on more than just technology outcomes, but also on cultural uplift, supporting the ecosystem nationally. 

Operating since 2015, the ON Program has supported the deep tech innovation community for over a decade. We are committed to ensuring our national science continues to generate meaningful, lasting impact.

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