Tech23

Tech23 is an annual event and community platform focused on promoting Australia's deep technology sector. Founded in 2009 by Rachel Slattery, Tech23 was established to champion emerging deep tech ventures by connecting them with investors, advisors, government entities, and potential customers. Slattery, a serial entrepreneur, noticed that scientifically-intensive, or "ugly tech," companies often lacked the resources to communicate their world-changing potential and created Tech23 to fill this gap.

The core of Tech23 is an annual showcase that features 23 of Australia's most promising deep tech startups. These companies are active in fields such as biotechnology, advanced manufacturing, quantum computing, sustainable agriculture, and green steel. Instead of a traditional pitch competition, the event facilitates in-depth discussions, panels, and networking opportunities to foster meaningful connections and collaborations. The platform's goal is to accelerate the journey of these ventures from the laboratory to the global market by providing national recognition and access to a powerful network of industry leaders, policymakers, and investors. Notable alumni of the program include successful companies like Culture Amp, Morse Micro, and Inventia Life Science.

After operating for 13 years under the guidance of Slattery and her firm, TeamSlatts, custodianship of Tech23 was transferred to Cicada Innovations in late 2022. Cicada Innovations, a leading deep tech incubator in Australia, has continued and expanded upon the event's legacy, rebranding it as Cicada x Tech23. The event now functions as a multi-day festival, bringing together the deep tech ecosystem to celebrate radical ideas and support startups tackling significant global challenges. The business model revolves around the event itself, likely generating revenue from ticket sales, sponsorships from corporate and government partners, and potentially advisory services.

Keywords: deep tech event, Australian technology, venture showcase, startup ecosystem, innovation community, deep tech investment, Cicada Innovations, Rachel Slattery, technology conference, science commercialisation, founder networking, startup accelerator, tech festival, Australian innovation, R&D ventures, emerging technologies, tech investment forum, deeptech startups, Australian entrepreneurship, venture capital connections