KCA Insight March 2025

Welcome to KCA Insight, our monthly update for members and stakeholders. Since stepping into the role of Chair in 2021, my focus and that of the KCA Board, has been on strengthening Australia’s research commercialisation ecosystem. We are committed to fostering collaboration, driving meaningful conversations, and ensuring that our sector continues to create real impact.

On that note, it was encouraging to see our team at the UA Solutions Summit 2025 in Canberra last week. KCA and the Department of Education hosted a satellite meeting at the Summit, featuring global insights on commercialisation metrics and highlighted Australia’s best practice in Metrics Collection through SCOPR^®. Thanks to Treasurer and Chair of the SCOPR^® Committee, John Grace, all speakers, and the support and cooperation of Universities Australia. Through John's leadership, SCOPR^® continues to provide vital insights into how Australian universities and research institutions translate their innovations into real-world impact. As Australia strengthens its focus on research commercialisation, SCOPR^® remains a key tool for measuring progress, identifying challenges, and shaping future opportunities. Read on to find out which universities had the most spin out companies from the report. 

The Australian Government is undertaking a strategic examination of our research and development (R&D) system. An independent expert panel will lead the strategic examination to identify how science and research can improve Australia’s manufacturing capabilities, support national priorities and our global competitiveness. I encourage you to contribute to this consultation, either on your own, or through the KCA submission.

Recently, Australia's Minister for Industry and Science, Ed Husic reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to research commercialisation, emphasising the importance of reversing the decline in research and development investment, and recognising that robust support for innovation is essential for maintaining Australia's competitive edge on the global stage. In the lead up to federal election this year, we look forward to hearing policies from the opposition, the Greens and Independents.

New Zealand’s Science, Innovation and Technology Minister, Judith Collins, has announced the country’s most significant science system reform in over 30 years, aimed at driving economic growth and strengthening research collaboration. The government will restructure its seven Crown Research Institutes into three new public research organisations and establish a new agency, Invest New Zealand.

Lastly, I invite you to be part of KCA’s Special Interest Groups, where members come together to collaborate, share insights, and shape the future of research commercialisation. These groups focus on key topics that matter to you, providing a space to connect with peers, tackle challenges, and strengthen industry relationships across Australia and New Zealand. I encourage you to get involved. join the conversation and make an impact!

Best regards,

Quin Chang, Chair

Data analysis for SCOPR

To help measure the impact of commercialisation, KCA will soon be releasing a Power BI tool to analyse SCOPR® data with thanks to the Department of Education. This is available exclusively to SCOPR respondents. Any enquiries please email our team.

Bluebottle USV: case study

Strategic Examination of R&D discussion paper consultation 

The expert panel for the Strategic Examination of R&D released a discussion paper on 12 February 2025. The discussion paper outlines the scope and goals of the examination. It also poses initial questions about Australia’s R&D system to begin the conversation.

We encourage everyone in the research, development and commercialisation space to review the discussion paper and make a submission, or send us your thoughts and contribute to KCA's submission at advocacy@techtransfer.org.au. 

The discussion paper and submission portal can be viewed on the Department of Industry consultation site.

Special Interest Groups (SIGs) Updates

KCA has recently established Special Interest Groups within the member network. If you're looking to connect, learn, and grow in the sector, read more and sign up below to our groups.

Diversity and Inclusion Special Interest Group (D&I SIG)

The D&I SIG's mission is to foster discussion and understanding of diversity and inclusion as a dynamic strategy to support and advance technology transfer worldwide. This is the place to share ideas on how to support the diverse workforce and contribute to global technology transfer.

Humanities and Social Sciences Commercialisation Special Interest Group (HASS SIG)

The HASS SIG is a group for interested professionals to understand, share, and discuss good practice for commercialisation, industry engagement and knowledge exchange initiatives in HASS and advocate for greater investment.

Agriculture & Food Special Interest Group (Ag SIG)

The Ag SIG drives innovation and collaboration in the agriculture and food sectors by fostering networking, knowledge-sharing, and international partnerships. Key focus areas include developing frameworks for legacy IP, exploring models and tools, sharing case studies, and building a strong community of practice to advance industry best practices.

Artificial Intelligence Special Interest Group (AI SIG)

The AI SIG meets monthly, fostering a collaborative space for knowledge-sharing on AI in tech transfer and IP commercialisation. Open to all community members, the group explores AI policy, privacy, security, benchmarking tools, and best practices. A key focus is ensuring members learn from each other’s experiences to avoid repeating common challenges. 

KCA Young Professionals Network (KYPN)

The KYPN is a special interest group for early career professionals, fostering trans-Tasman collaboration and knowledge-sharing. Meetings have covered key topics like mentorship, exchanges, and challenges such as New Zealand’s proposed Professor Privilege Model.

Sponsor the Perth Workshop evening networking event 

We are offering exclusive sponsorship opportunities for the evening networking event, providing a unique platform to enhance visibility and engage with industry leaders, innovators, and decision-makers in technology transfer and commercialisation. Sponsors will benefit from brand exposure, industry recognition and direct engagement, allowing sponsors to connect with professionals who are shaping the future of research and innovation.

Interested in sponsoring? Contact Nicole Cowan, KCA Marketing Communications and Sponsorship Director, by email.

University Start-Up Workshop - Online

Unlock the Secrets to Successful Technology Start Up! Join us for a two-day exclusive program facilitated by Simon Wilkins and John Grace. Designed for early to mid-commercialisation professionals, researchers, and startup founders, this course covers the key stages of building a high-growth tech startup, from inception to exit. Gain expert insights on funding sources, business management, and scaling strategies. 

Enhance your skills and gain 6 CE RTTP credits. 

Thursday, 7 August - Friday 8 August (12–3pm AEST)