ON Innovation Insider: August 2026
Every research breakthrough creates possibilities. The challenge is rarely a lack of opportunity but deciding which opportunity to pursue. For researchers and founders navigating the path from discovery to impact, success often comes down to making deliberate choices: identifying where a technology can create the greatest value, understanding the needs of end users, and focusing effort where there is the strongest potential for real-world adoption and impact.
In his recent National Press Club address, CSIRO Chief Executive Dr Doug Hilton challenged Australia to be more deliberate in the choices we make to secure our future prosperity. He highlighted the importance of ambition, focus and collaboration in tackling the nation's most significant challenges, recognising that lasting impact comes when talented people unite around problems that matter.
These themes reinforce a message heard consistently across Australia's innovation landscape: impact doesn't happen by accident. It requires clear priorities, evidence-informed decision-making and a willingness to focus on the opportunities that matter most. Whether that's validating a market need, refining a value proposition or bringing together the right partners, progress is accelerated when research, industry and government align and collaborate towards shared outcomes.
These principles sit at the heart of the ON Program's vision for Australia's innovation future. Through entrepreneurship, customer discovery and partnership, we're helping research teams make informed decisions about where their innovations can deliver the greatest value, turning world-class ideas into solutions that benefit Australia and the world.
It's also encouraging to see leaders across our network stepping into roles that strengthen Australia's innovation ecosystem. Congratulations to Anna Larson, one of our Program Ecosystem Managers on her appointment as Chair of the KCA Network in South Australia. Anna's leadership and dedication to fostering collaboration make her a strong advocate for the connections and partnerships that help innovation thrive.
If you haven't already, I encourage you to explore the ON Program Ambition page and reflect on the role each of us can play in building a more ambitious, connected and impact-driven innovation ecosystem. You'll also find inspiring stories from teams across our community who are creating impact through research translation and entrepreneurship.
With ON Accelerate applications now open and our 20th ON Prime cohort about to begin, we're excited about what's ahead and the opportunities to continue turning research excellence into impact.
There’s something for everyone! Check out the highlights below or find the full details in our What’s ON calendar. We can’t wait to see you there.
What role should community voices play in shaping emerging technologies? A new CSIRO report, Exploring Public Dialogue on Quantum Technologies, shares insights from a pilot engagement that brought together citizens and quantum experts to discuss the future of quantum technologies. Read the report and discover how CSIRO Public Dialogue is helping shape the future of emerging technologies.
Decisions made in the next 12 to 18 months will shape Australian agriculture to 2050. CSIRO’s discussion paper, Ag2050 next steps – scenarios to decisions, explores some of these decisions and uncertainties. Drawing on insights from leaders across industry, government and research, the paper highlights three key priorities: strengthening productivity and resilience, enabling trusted sustainability reporting, and accelerating agricultural innovation through digital technologies and AI. Explore the discussion paper and discover the decisions shaping the future of Australian agriculture.
Grants and awards
Programs and events
We're excited to see our ON alumni making waves! From startups to groundbreaking research, you're shaping the future.
We're proud of our ON community! Got an exciting breakthrough, milestone or update? Share your latest updates and let's celebrate your success together.