Spark Festival: Programs, Resources and Funding support for deep tech and innovation

We're proud to be partnering with Spark Festival 2026 as part of its celebration of Australia's innovation ecosystem. This event is powered by the Sydney Innovation Enterprise teams: Sydney Knowledge Hub, Commercialisation Office and Venture Investment Team.

Discover the programs, resources and funding available to help bring your research or startup ideas to market. Hear from leading organisations across Australia's deep tech, innovation and commercialisation ecosystem as they share practical insights into funding pathways, capability-building programs, investment opportunities, commercialisation support and access to specialist facilities. 

Featured presenters include: 

• Office of the Chief Scientist & Engineer (OCSE) 

• ABINITIO

• Therapeutic Innovation Australia 

• Quantum Australia

• CSIRO ON Programs (ON Prime & ON Accelerate) 

• Cicada Innovations 

• Uniseed 

• IP Group 

• Advanced Manufacturing Readiness Facility (AMRF) 

• Beanstalk AgTech

• The Melt

Fireside chat hosted by: Imche Veiga, Director Sydney Knowledge Hub
Guest speakers: Brendan Elliott, Investment NSW, A/Prof Pegah Varamini (Founder CEO Armāitide) and Peter Milic USyd Business Development Manager (Quantum, Photonics and Electronics).

Following the presentations, enjoy a catered networking lunch and connect directly with speakers to explore funding opportunities, collaboration pathways and the support available to help translate research and innovative ideas into real-world impact. 

Representatives from a range of funding and research innovation teams will also be available to discuss funding, commercialisation and impact pathways, including:

Whether you're a researcher, entrepreneur, founder or industry partner, this event is your opportunity to discover the programs, resources and connections that can help accelerate your journey from idea to market. 

Event Details

Date: Tuesday 22 September 2026

Time: 11:00am - 2:00pm

Location: Sydney Knowledge Hub Room 277

Catering will be provided. 

Please email karla.perezromero@sydney.edu.au if you have any dietary requirements.

If you have any accessibility requirements, please email karla.perezromero@sydney.edu.au and let us know how we can support you prior to and during the event. Accessible directions include:

1. Ramps: enter the Merewether Building on Level 1 via the Butlin Ave car park as this path does not have stairs and leads to the lift. 

2. Lifts: The lift is located on the north corner of the building on Level 1 when entering via the Butlin Ave car park. The Sydney Knowledge Hub Reception is located on Level 2. 

3. Bathrooms: There is an accessible toilet located in the hallway leading from Reception. Follow the pink line on the floor.