Stone & Chalk Ecosystem Mixer: A Focus on Deep Tech Innovation

In partnership with CSIRO's ON Innovation Program.

Join us for a special edition of our Ecosystem Mixer — Melbourne’s go-to monthly networking event for the Vic Startup Community — this month: Deep Tech Innovation.

Expect an inspiring evening with Australia's deep tech innovators who are driving the translation of scientific research into exciting new products and services... PLUS, take advantage of the opportunity to meet and chat with others from the wider Victorian tech startup community.

CSIRO’s ON Innovation Program is proud to support Stone & Chalk’s Ecosystem Mixer: Deep Tech Innovation event, bringing together founders, researchers and industry leaders working at the forefront of deep tech and commercial innovation.

This evening will explore how cutting‑edge research and technology are being transformed into globally relevant solutions - from biotech to advanced, AI‑driven intelligence. This event is special because attendees will gain first-hand insights from founders who have successfully navigated the journey from idea to impact and learn how programs like ON, alongside broader ecosystem support, help accelerate commercialisation.

The event will also feature short audience pitch opportunities, offering selected attendees the chance to briefly showcase their venture, research or idea. These rapid‑fire pitches are designed to spark meaningful connections, collaboration and conversation across the deep‑tech ecosystem.

(Let us know if you'd like to pitch in the EOI when securing your ticket)

Featured speakers

Ranja Salvamoser – Founder, Mermaid Bio & Senior Research Manager at the VCCC Alliance
Dr. Ranja Salvamoser is a biotech founder and translational science leader who bridges discovery, clinical development, and real-world impact. Ranja undertook her PhD studies at WEHI and has worked across academia and industry before founding Mermaid Bio, where she led the company from scientific concept to funded venture across Germany and Australia. Today, she is also a principal consultant at Mermaid Advisory and Senior Research Manager at the VCCC Alliance, helping researchers and startups turn strong science into credible translational and commercial pathways.
Kenn Rodrigues – Co‑Founder & CEO, DHI‑AI (ON Alumnus)
Kenn Rodrigues is the Co‑Founder and CEO of DHI‑AI, a technology company turning unstructured information into actionable intelligence using advanced AI. A former GE and Motorola executive, Kenn brings deep global experience in analytics and commercial scale‑up.
Ross Pearson – Co‑Founder & CTO, DHI‑AI (ON Alumnus)
Ross Smith is Co‑Founder and CTO of DHI‑AI, with decades of experience in AI, data science and digital transformation across industry and academia, including work with Telstra, BHP and Target (US).

About ON

For almost a decade, CSIRO’s ON Innovation Program has worked at the intersection of research, industry and entrepreneurship - helping researchers turn breakthrough science into commercially viable deep‑tech ventures. Interested in taking your research further? Good news, ON Prime applications are now open and will close March 4th, 2026.

ON Prime is a free, nine‑week program designed for publicly funded research teams to explore the real‑world potential of their research through customer discovery, impact validation and clearer pathways to translation. Apply now to be part of the next cohort.

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Ecosystem Mixer Key Info

Benefits of attending:

Join us for an exciting evening around the Victorian startup community
Learn how cutting‑edge research and technology are being transformed into globally relevant solutions
Make new connections & tap into a supportive network
Engage in exciting conversations with founders, investors, mentors and potential employers & employees.

Key info:

Topic: Deep Tech Innovation and Commercialisation
Format: Speakers, Networking & Drinks
Date: Thursday February 26th
Location: Stone & Chalk 121 King Street, Melbourne

Event Schedule (AEDT):

Arrival: 5pm
Speakers: 6pm
End time: 7:30pm

Food & Beverage:

Light food & beverages will be served

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Registration & privacy notice

Tickets & registration are required for admission to Stone & Chalk events.
This event is an 18+ event only.

By registering for this event, you acknowledge Stone & Chalk and CSIRO’s Innovation Programs Privacy Notice and consent to your information being collected, used and disclosed as outlined.

Please Note: S&C and ON events may be photographed and recorded so we can share highlights and learnings, celebrate our community, and improve the experience. If you would prefer to not be included in this, please let any of the Stone & Chalk team know on entry to the event.

Contact the host of Stone & Chalk Ecosystem Mixer: Deep Tech Innovation