Navigator: Energy & Critical Resources

A Cicada Innovations x University of Newcastle Event

Discover what's possible. Find the path forward

The Hunter has long been at the heart of Australia's energy and resources industries. As those industries evolve, new technologies, capabilities and partnerships will play a critical role in shaping what comes next.

Across the region, researchers, emerging ventures, and industry are already developing innovations with the potential to address some of the sector's most significant challenges. But understanding what's emerging, where it could make a difference and how to bring it into use isn't always straightforward.

Join Cicada Innovations and the University of Newcastle for Navigator: Energy & Critical Resources, bringing together industry, government, researchers and technology developers to explore the challenges shaping the sector, discover emerging capability and connect with the people and organisations that can help turn innovation into real-world outcomes.

Date: Tuesday, December 1st, 2026

Time: 3:00–6:00pm

Location: Level 2, I2N Hub, Q Building, 16B Honeysuckle Drive, Newcastle

Places are limited. Registration is essential.

What to expect

Navigator is a focused, three-hour exploration of the challenges, innovations and opportunities shaping the Hunter's energy and critical resources future.

We'll explore:

• The challenges worth solving.

• Innovation in action.

• Finding your path.

Whether you're looking for new approaches to complex challenges or exploring where your research or technology could make a difference, Navigator helps you discover what's possible and find the way forward.

There'll also be time to connect with the people behind emerging capabilities, share perspectives and explore where new partnerships might lead.

This isn't a pitch event. It's an opportunity to understand what's needed, discover what's possible and find the people and pathways that can help make it happen.

Who should attend?

• Industry leaders and innovation buyers - Organisations across energy, mining, critical resources, manufacturing and related industries looking to understand emerging technologies, explore new approaches to industry challenges and connect with the people developing them.

• Government and economic development agencies - Those shaping policy, industry capability, investment and regional development - an opportunity to better understand the Hunter's emerging innovation strengths and the pathways that could help bring them into use.

• Researchers - Whether you're actively exploring commercialisation or simply curious about where your research could lead, Navigator offers insight into real-world industry needs, examples of successful research translation and connections to the people who can help you take the next step.

• Deep tech founders - An opportunity to understand industry priorities, learn from commercialisation experiences and connect with potential collaborators and relevant support networks.

• Commercialisation partners - For organisations helping research and technology move towards real-world application, Navigator offers an opportunity to share expertise, build connections and help participants navigate the support available across the region.

The program

3:00pm | Arrival and refreshments

Meet fellow attendees and explore emerging capabilities.

3:30pm | Welcome and regional context

Setting the scene for the Hunter's energy and critical resources future, and the role of innovation in supporting its next chapter.

3:50pm | The challenges worth solving

Perspectives from industry, government and research on the opportunities, capability needs and emerging challenges shaping the sector.

4:10pm | Innovation in action

A conversation with researchers, founders and industry collaborators who've helped translate emerging technologies into real-world applications - exploring what it takes, what they've learned and what helped them succeed.

4:40pm | Find your pathway

Hear from the organisations, programs and networks that support research translation, commercialisation, industry collaboration and technology adoption.

5:00pm | Networking and emerging capability showcase

Continue the conversation, discover what's being developed across the region and explore opportunities to collaborate.

6:00pm | Event concludes

Speakers, participating organisations and full program to be announced.

About the organisers

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

Cicada Innovations brings more than 25 years of experience supporting deep tech research commercialisation and venture development. The University of Newcastle brings deep research expertise, strong industry relationships and a commitment to innovation that supports the Hunter's economic and industrial future.

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This event will be photographed and filmed, and footage may be used to promote this and future programs. If you’d prefer not to appear, just let our team know on the day.