Deep tech evangelist Sally-Ann Williams is wrapping up her leadership of Cicada Innovations after six years.
Williams, previously head of R&D at Google Australia, signed on in mid 2019, and has transformed the veteran Sydney incubator, steering it deftly through the pandemic and expanding operations to Western Sydney and Melbourne.
“This has been one of the most rewarding chapters of my life, and honestly, it’s going to be very hard top, and honestly, it’s a bit bittersweet,” she said.
“When I first joined Cicada, I had this big dream to continue to build on the incredible work already done, to really put Australia’s deep tech sector on the map, and to support our brilliant founders turn their mind-blowing science & engineering into real-world wins.
“Looking back, I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve all accomplished together”
Under her leadership, the organisation launched the Jumar Bioincubator in Melbourne and HealthTech Hub at Westmead, as well as creating the National Space Industry Hub, which has supported more than 80 startups which collectively have raised $56 million and created 160 jobs in the last 4 years
Cicada also acquired and revived the annual deep tech gathering Tech23, and reshaped it into a national showcase of transformative ideas, as well as collaborating with NSW Health, CSL, GRDC, Investment NSW and Breakthrough T1D (formerly JDRF).
“Leading Cicada has been an absolute blast. I’ve been constantly inspired by the passion, brilliance, curiosity, diversity and kindness of our deep tech community, and I’m so proud of the role Cicada has played in shaping Australia’s deep tech innovation scene,” Williams said.
She also made time to lead a federal government review into improving STEM diversity. Shortly before this year’s election, former minister Ed Husic said the government will back all 11 recommendations from the review.
Williams departs as the pioneering accelerator celebrates 25 years of backing science-led ventures, having supported startups that collectively raised more $6.1 billion and also achieved exits worth more than $1.3 billion.
The organisation’s chair Dr. Katherine Woodthorpe said Williams played a critical role in positioning Cicada as a national asset,.
“She has championed deep tech, built a high-performing team, and expanded Cicada’s reach and relevance,” she said.
“We are grateful for her leadership and confident in the strength of the organisation going forward.”
The Board his now on the hunt for a new CEO. Williams will finish up at the end of July.
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