Cicada x UoN | Navigator Series: Energy & Critical Resources

Cicada x UoN | Navigator Series: Energy & Critical Resources

A Cicada x University of Newcastle Navigator Series session

Join us for an afternoon that brings Hunter industry into the room with the researchers and early-stage ventures building the region’s next generation of energy and critical resources capability. Come to hear what industry is actually looking for, see the regional research and technology that could help, and make the connections that are hard to make any other way.

Places are limited and registration is essential.

About

The Hunter is in the middle of a big shift in energy, resources and heavy industry. This session is about getting the people driving that shift into the same room: the operators facing real problems, and the researchers and founders working on the technologies that could solve them.

We will set the regional scene, hear from a panel on what industry needs next, and showcase capability coming out of the region, then leave plenty of time to talk. Expect clean energy and storage, critical minerals across the full value chain, and the technologies that serve both civilian and defence demand. The focus is energy and critical resources, with a lens on where those technologies have applications people may not have considered yet.

This is not a pitch event. It is a chance to connect the regional ecosystem and start impactful conversations.

Who it’s for, and what you get out of it

Industry and early adopters. For energy, mining, resources, logistics and advanced manufacturing operators, and the industry partners already working with University of Newcastle research teams - this is a chance to see the research and early-stage capability emerging in the region, and to meet the people behind it.

Researchers and research teams. Hear what the sector is grappling with, build new partnerships, and learn about the pathways and support available to take research further.

Early-stage ventures and SMEs. For Hunter and Central Coast deep tech businesses working in energy, resources and related fields - meet industry, connect with peers, and find out about the regional support on offer.

The wider ecosystem. If you are connected to regional networks, facilities, programs and government - this is a fantastic opportunity to share what support exists and connect with the people who could use it.

On the day

Navigator is a short, focused session followed by networking and a showcase.

• From 3:00pm: Arrival, afternoon tea, and showcase booths open.

• Welcome and scene-setting: Why we are here, and the regional opportunity.

• Regional context keynote: Where the Hunter’s energy and critical resources sectors are heading, and the capabilities in short supply.

• Panel | What industry needs next: Industry buyers, a founder who has commercialised, and a researcher working with industry, on how new technology actually gets adopted. Includes audience questions.

• Showcase spotlights: Quick introductions from the ventures and organisations in the room.

• Networking and showcase: Time to meet people and see what is on display.

• Concludes at 6:00pm

Speakers to be confirmed.

About Navigator

Navigator is part of the NSW Deep Tech Commercialisation Training Program (DTCTP), a pathway that helps technical founders and researchers move an idea towards commercial reality.

You do not need to be part of any program to come along. If you are weighing up a commercialisation pathway, this is a low-commitment way to test your thinking and see what support exists, across DTCTP and through University of Newcastle, I2N and Cicada programs.

About the organisers

This Navigator session is co-designed and delivered by Cicada Innovations and the University of Newcastle (I2N) as part of the NSW Deep Tech Commercialisation Training Program, funded by the NSW Office of the Chief Scientist and Engineer.

Cicada Innovations is Australia’s deep tech incubator, with a 25-year track record of turning world-class research into real industries, across fields from fibre optics and space to medtech and climate technology. The University of Newcastle, through I2N, is a hub for the Hunter’s energy, critical minerals and resources research and its industry partnerships.