Your dose of research translation, deep-tech and innovation insights
Working at the forefront of science and technology gives you a particular lens on the world. At ON, we spend our days alongside researchers and founders who are building deep tech solutions right on the edge of market readiness - solutions designed to tackle some of the most complex challenges facing Australia and the world. That perspective has shaped how I read the news lately - and I suspect, for many of you working in this ecosystem, it may have done the same.
For years, world class research has held the promise of solving major global problems, yet too often breakthroughs stall before they reach the people who need them most. Gaps in funding, manufacturing capability, commercial skills and connections have limited the impact of ideas with enormous potential.
But the context is shifting. Reliance on fragile global supply chains is being questioned, and the urgency for Australian grown solutions has never been clearer. With rising energy prices, supply pressures and increasing cost of living stresses, the translation of research to market ready solutions has become deeply personal for many Australians, especially in deep tech spaces such as climate tech, ag tech and health tech. It’s sharpening the need for innovation that is not only brilliant - but deployable, scalable and close to home.
This is where ON exists. Our role is to support researchers on the journey from discovery to real-world impact - through early market validation, mentorship, commercial capability development and a strong, connected community. The work of research translation isn’t a “nice to have”; it’s foundational to national resilience, economic growth and long term impact. The need to continue this work has never been more important.
We’re already seeing that momentum in action, from sold out ON community ecosystem mixers in Perth and Adelaide, to ON Prime Immersions kicking off across the country last week, to growing anticipation for our flagship community event, ON Translate, this June. Each of these moments is a reminder that innovation doesn’t move forward through ideas alone; it advances when people show up, share openly and build trust across disciplines.
As you read this edition, I encourage you to consider where you might lean in next: the conversation you’ve been meaning to have, the connection you could help make, or the opportunity to support one more research driven idea on its journey into the world. Progress is rarely the result of a single breakthrough - but it is always built by communities willing to move forward together.
ONwards,
Tennille and the ON Team
13 May | South Australian Innovation Ecosystem Mixer
Bringing together founders, researchers, industry and government, this evening in Adelaide creates space for connection, storytelling and collaboration across the innovation ecosystem. Featuring local founder insights, open‑mic pitches and pathways to support emerging ventures, this is your chance to be part of the conversation. Join the waitlist.
11 June | ON Translate 2026
ON Translate is the heart of our deep tech innovation community, bringing together alumni, mentors, industry partners and leaders from across the country to share, learn, collaborate and celebrate. The event this year includes our ON Accelerate showcase where 10 teams will pitch their research-driven startups. Register now to secure your place.
Do you have contacts in any of the following organisations or sectors?
Energy, resources & infrastructure:
Health, medical & aged care:
Biotech, digital health & life sciences:
In case you missed it, the long awaited Ambitious Australia: Strategic Examination of R&D report has landed - and it’s a big moment for the innovation community. The report makes a clear case that Australia’s research and innovation system is fragmented, under‑scaled and overly risk averse, and calls for sharper national focus, stronger industry pull through, better translation pathways and patient capital to keep ideas scaling onshore. With major recommendations on research funding, commercialisation, talent mobility and procurement, it sets a clear direction for turning Australia’s research strength into real productivity, prosperity and sovereign capability - and is well worth a read.
The Better World Project aims to illustrate how the translation of research to market benefits millions of people around the world every day. The project is a collection of research commercialisation success stories - check them out and submit yours! Submit before 30 September 2026 to be considered for the 2027 Award.
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