What is Cicada x Tech23?

Cicada x Tech23 is more than a showcase. It is a signal. Each year, Tech23 champions 23 exceptional deep tech startups and connects them with the investors, industry leaders and decision-makers who can help turn deep technical breakthroughs into real-world impact.

The 2026 Tech23 cohort will reflect the depth and diversity of Australia’s deep tech pipeline. From health and climate to advanced manufacturing, space and emerging frontier technologies, these companies represent bold ambition backed by world-class science, building solutions critical to Australia’s future competitiveness, resilience and sovereignty.

Tech23 exists to champion founders building companies that matter - who carry risk, responsibility and uncertainty that few others will, and choose to do it anyway.

Since 2023, alumni have collectively raised over $280M, secured industry partnerships and major deployments and global recognition. Not because Tech23 offers shortcuts, but because it creates the conditions for serious conversations and long-term relationships to form at the right moment.

Tech23 provides a national platform for 23 selected founders to share their vision, connect with investors and industry leaders, and build momentum beyond the event itself. In 2026, we are again searching for Australia’s most promising emerging deep tech ventures and the founders ready to step forward and build momentum.