Your dose of research translation, deep-tech and innovation insights
Hi $firstname$,
Did we say it’s been busy in the last newsletter? Because we’ve well and truly kicked it up a gear since then.
Here’s what’s been happening and what’s coming up:
ON Prime 17 is wrapping up, and applications for ON Prime 18 are open: Across Australia, more researchers are taking their first steps to turn science into real-world impact, and it’s inspiring to watch! ON Prime helps teams validate ideas, engage stakeholders and build skills for research translation - not just for startups, but for all pathways to impact including grant opportunities like AEA. Want to see what that looks like? Read about it below. Got researcher friends with big ideas? Give them a nudge - applications for ON Prime 18 close 4 July 2025!
ON Accelerate 9 Showcase, Melbourne: Our ON Accelerate 9 teams from 11 Australian research organisations hit the national stage a few weeks ago to share their bold research-to-market ventures. With $33 million raised across the cohort tackling everything from breakthrough health solutions to sustainable technologies, Showcase was a celebration of what’s possible when great science meets unwavering support.
The ON Program has been named a finalist in the QLD iAwards (Government and Public Sector category), recognising our collective impact in driving research translation. I’m excited to share this with you all, because Australian innovation doesn’t happen in a bubble - this recognition is a nod to every one of us helping turn big ideas into real-world impact.
You're invite to contribute to groundbreaking research. We’ve partnered with ANU’s Global Institute for Women’s Leadership and the Wiyi Yani U Thangani First Nations Gender Justice Institute to co-create a best-practice guide for diversity, equity, accessibility and inclusion in innovation programs. Your lived experience, challenges and ideas will help shape the Inclusive Innovation Roadmap and Playbook, launching this October. Have your say in this short survey - open to all.
Don’t Forget - it's the final week to share your thoughts in the Longitudinal Survey! Keep an eye on your inbox - the latest ON Longitudinal Survey has just been sent out via our trusted third-party provider, Alchemer/RTI via onprogram@rti.org (add it to your safe sender list). This survey is a vital tool that helps us track the long-term impact of the ON Program and continuously improve the way we support research translation across Australia. Your insights matter. By sharing your experience and where you are now, you're helping shape the future of the program. Thanks in advance to everyone who takes the time, we truly appreciate it!
We’re also thrilled to share that our ON Program Manager, Poppy, and her family welcomed their new member in April. Everyone is doing well, and we couldn’t be more excited for them as they settle into this new chapter.
With big news all round, this edition is packed in updates from across our alumni and the broader innovation ecosystem - and we love hearing from you, too! Keep sharing your wins, news and asks. As always, if there’s a connection or support you need from the ON community, we’re just a message away.
ONwards,
Tennille and the ON Team
PS: We’re always refining and improving - just like we teach. As part of this, we’re updating our Privacy Notice to better reflect how we collect, use, and protect your information. You can read the updated Privacy Notice here, starting from 1 July.
Our latest ON Prime cohort is in the final two weeks of the program, and what a journey it’s been. Prime 17 brought together 48 research teams from across the country ready to test, validate and shape their ideas into solutions the world needs.
Over 8 weeks, these teams worked closely with expert facilitators, mentors and end-users to explore problem–solution fit, understand their potential customers, and uncover the real-world impact of their research. It’s not easy work, but it’s where real innovation begins. While some teams may go on to build ventures, ON Prime isn’t just about startups. It’s about unlocking impact - whether that’s through research translation and better grant applications, partnerships, policy change or something entirely unexpected. We’re proud of what this cohort has achieved and excited to see where they take their ideas next.
Want to know more?
ON Accelerate 9 has been one of our most commercially ready cohorts yet. These newest alumni teams are tackling some of the biggest challenges in drug development, healthcare delivery and sustainability. From novel drug candidates for chronic pain, epilepsy and bacterial pneumonia, to groundbreaking diagnostics like a blood test for ovarian cancer and VR tools for aggression de-escalation in clinical settings - we're so excited to see these new ventures enter the market!
Now graduated, they’re seeking customers, pilot partners, co-development opportunities, and investment to bring their solutions to market.
Meet the teams, hear their stories and reach out if something resonates. A simple conversation could be the start of something big!
Special shoutout:
Each year we recognise participants who’ve gone above and beyond to create real-world change. A huge congratulations to Dr Brennan Mills from team I-VADE and Edith Cowan University, recipient of the Stanford Australia Foundation scholarship. This award gives Dr Mills the opportunity to join the Executive Education Program at Stanford Graduate School of Business and continue to grow I-VADE’s commercialisation capabilities.
We also congratulated Ella Carsale from Elemental Therapeutics and University of Melbourne, who received the CSIRO ON Impactful Leadership Award for her exceptional program contribution. Ella receives $10,000 to support ongoing professional development in innovation.
If you know a researcher with a big idea and keen to see it become a startup, share our EOI form for the next intake.
New report: Bioactives from Australian agrifood by-products
Learn how leftovers from Australia’s farming and food production could be used to make health-boosting ingredients. The report developed in partnership with AgriFutures Australia, shares how Australia’s farming and food processing sectors can unlock new value by supplying bioactive ingredients to the complementary medicines industry. Read the report.
ON Prime 17 Showcase events – 24 June to 3 July, Australia-wide
See what impact looks like, up close. Join us at a ON Prime 17 Showcase event to hear how researchers are turning bold ideas into real-world outcomes. It’s a chance to learn, connect and get inspired. Don’t miss out, register your spot.
Applications open for the Technology Commercialisation Challenge - closes 30 June
Are you an Australian research organisation developing renewable tech? The Technology Commercialisation Challenge offers the chance to fast-track your solar PV, battery, or hydrogen solution with Indian manufacturing partners. Successful applicants get hands-on support from CSIRO, a A$50k grant, and travel funding for in-country collaboration. Apply now.
Applications now open for the India Australia RISE Accelerator - close 30 June
Are you an Australian startup or SME with cutting-edge renewable energy technology ready to fast-track your global expansion? Round 3 of the RISE Accelerator is now calling for applications from companies with solar, battery, wind, and hydrogen solutions. Participants will gain access to tailored online and in-person learning, one-to-one coaching, and up to $135K in non-equity funding, subject to milestones, to support their market into India. Apply now.
Medtech Selling to Health – Masterclass – 3 July, Clayton (VIC)
Keen to get your medtech product into public hospitals and health services or expand your existing market share? This face-to-face Masterclass is designed for market ready and in-market Victorian medtech companies looking to understand how local health procurement really works. Sign up now.
ON Prime 18 application round is open - closes 4 July
This program is for researchers curious about how their work can make an impact beyond the lab. It’s not just about launching ventures - it’s your chance to explore all pathways to impact and boost your grant application skills. Register here.
SXSW Sydney 2025 Pitch Submissions – close 7 July
This is your opportunity to pitch your big idea to industry leaders, media and investors at SXSW! Finalists from the public submission round will compete live in Sydney, with the Grand Final winner earning the chance to pitch at SXSW Austin or London in 2026. Submit your pitch.
Applications open for Innovate to Grow: Health Care Innovation - closes 13 July
Are you an Australian SME with an innovative health care solution idea? Innovate to Grow offers a free eight-week online course with practical guidance and tools to help you identify and refine R&D opportunities, build compelling business cases, and navigate funding pathways. Learn more.
Apply to join Beanstalk Drought Venture Studio – closes 27 July
Beanstalk’s Drought Resilience Lab is back for its fourth cohort! Backed by the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund, this 12-week program supports agtech founders, researchers, and industry disruptors in turning their technologies into market-ready solutions to tackle future drought and climate challenges. Register here.
SXSW Sydney 2025 Startup Village EOI
Are you keen to showcase your work at SXSW in 2025? This is your chance to apply for the Startup Village. Located within the SXSW Sydney Expo, this space showcases exhibitors presenting ideas at all stages of development. It’s a space to connect with potential investors, customers and collaborators. Submit an EOI.
Future Made in Australia Innovation Fund - opening soon!
The Future Made in Australia (FMA) Innovation Fund will provide up to $1.5 billion in grant funding to support pre-commercial innovation, demonstration and deployment of renewable energy and low emission technologies, to support Australia’s transition to a net zero economy. Find out more.
Every Friday, Startup 360 brings together hosts Simon Thomsen and Majella Campbell to unpack the biggest news in ANZ startups before diving deep with two special guests to find out what drives them. This time, it’s our very own ON leader Tennille Eyre and James Bradley, Co-Founder of Facet Amtech, joining Simon and Majella for a chat about what’s powering innovation in Australia.
Whether you're a founder, funder or future innovator, this episode offers a fresh perspective on the people and programs shaping our startup ecosystem. Tune in this Friday via Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Youtube.
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.
CSIRO's ON Innovation Program is made possible through the Department of Education's URCAP funding.