John is an Independent Director on KCA’s board, since joining in 2018 as the representative of UniSA Ventures. He is the Treasurer of KCA and is the Chair of the SCOPR Committee. He has a Bachelor of Science degree from UNSW, a Fellow of the Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering and a Fellow of the Institute of Company Directors.  John has worked in the biotechnology research commercialisation space for over 50 years.  He was the Chief Executive Officer for 11 years of AMRAD a listed company commercialising medical research technology. He has been a member of many government committees and private company boards. His award as an Officer of the Order of Australia in 2018 was for his contribution to biotechnology research and its commercialisation. 

Dr. D’vorah Graeser is a scientist, entrepreneur, and AI strategist with a lifelong passion for technology and innovation. With a PhD in Pharmacology from the University of Michigan and a BA in Biochemistry from Harvard, she began her career programming for the Human Genome Project and went on to found multiple companies, including RocketSmart.io: an AI-powered platform supporting innovation ecosystems. A US Patent Agent and ForHumanity Fellow, she is also the author of The AI Process Playbook for Business and a TEDx speaker. Known for combining deep technical knowledge with business insight, D’vorah brings a unique blend of scientific rigor, strategic foresight, and human-centered thinking to the future of AI and innovation.

Ellen has more than 25 years’ experience in strategy, business development, technology commercialisation and venture capital. She started her career as a chemical engineer in the resources sector before moving into investment banking, venture capital and technology commercialisation. Her passion is bringing new technologies to market and working with startups and new venturesEllen is the Lead Priority Manager at Australia’s Economic Accelerator, a $1.6 billion program taking a new approach to commercialising academic research from Australia’s Universities. She has been intensely involved in commercialising deep tech in her role as the CEO of Jovian Tech, a startup commercialising hydrogen sensors and, as the General Manager, Commercial for HB11 Energy, Australia’s only nuclear fusion company. Ellen was Investment Director at IP Group Australia, the Australian subsidiary of IP Group plc, a global technology investment and commercialisation company listed on the London Stock Exchange. In this role she led investments into IP based start-ups, often originating from Universities or Research Institutions. Prior to joining IP Group, Ellen led the Commercialisation Function at the CSIRO and was responsible for complex licensing, spinouts and equity portfolio across all technology areas. In this role she led a team of 7 professionals to identify technologies with commercial potential and accelerate their development to commercialise. Before CSIRO, Ellen was Chief Operating Officer at CeramiSphere, a spin out from the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO).Ellen brings a unique understanding and skill set to the emerging technology space having worked across all technology sectors from Agtech and Biotech to Space tech, AI, Quantum and 3D printing and Cleantech. She has a strong interest in decarbonisation, sustainability and impact investing. Her diverse experience spans domestic and international markets, global corporations, universities, government and start-ups. She has raised tens of millions of dollars in early-stage capital and has served on the boards of multiple spin outs and early-stage growth companies. She also brings unparalleled networks and relationships within the Australian & NZ research sector, start-up communities, domestic and international venture capital and innovation ecosystems.

With a 45-year career in the pharmaceutical and bioscience industries, Lusia Guthrie is a Company Director who has maintained her passion for innovation, leadership and entrepreneurship. She is a company founder and experienced former CEO. Lusia is a technology developer with a proven track record in translating technologies into commercial outcomes. She is accomplished at defining strategy, raising capital, building teams, fostering cultural change, and maintaining strong internal and external relationships. She has worked and collaborated globally and around Australia.Lusia is presently actively engaged with industry, government, and academia through various board, advisory and mentoring roles, including: Chair of Innovation & Commercial Partners (ICP), the equity holding company of the University of Adelaide; and Chair of Neo-Bionica, a Melbourne-based company serving the global neurotechnology market.Lusia embraces change and life-long learning, giving freely of her time to mentor researchers and emerging entrepreneurs. She is dedicated to advancing the Australian medtech sector and fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and excellence. 

Dr Judy Halliday is the Director, Innovation and Entrepreneurship in the Department for State Development. In this role, she is responsible for delivering on the Government’s commitment to grow South Australia’s capacity for competitive global excellence in research, translation and commercialisation and to grow entrepreneurship and supporting start-up and scale up business in South Australia.Judy has more than 25 years of executive and management experience in entrepreneurship and innovation as an inventor, founder, investor, academic and industry professional in the private and public sectors. She has published in peerreviewed academic journals and has been successful across many competitive grant programs as both an academic researcher and as an industry partner. She is an inventor on granted patents and has been involved in raising millions of dollars for startup companies. She has negotiated complex multi-million-dollar licensing transactions and collaboration agreements in the development of early-stagetechnologies. 

Dr Michael Harvey is the Director of New Ventures at Quantum Australia - Australia's centre for quantum growth - where he operates a national program to stimulate building new quantum businesses and new quantum products in Australia.Michael trained in law and science, and was awarded a PhD in physics from the University of Queensland. Before joining Quantum Australia Michael was the Translational Research Manager for the ARC Centre of Excellence for Engineered Quantum Systems (EQUS) where he built a program with a budget of $3M and created 21 commercial outcomes, including 9 quantum technology startups, with projects bringing in ~$96M in commercial and grant funding. He established similar programs at the Centre of Excellence for Future Low-Energy Electronics Technologies (FLEET) and the Centre of Excellence for Quantum Biotechnology (QUBIC). Prior to joining EQUS Michael was Chief Technology Officer at XeroCoat Inc and Brisbane Materials Technology Pty LtdMichael has lived and worked in Australia, Silicon Valley, Europe, China, & Taiwan, he is a technical advisor to some Australian VC funds, and has co-founded several deep-tech startups in Australia and the USA so far having raised >$60M in venture investment for these businesses. He is an advisor or non-executive director of multiple Australian startups commercialising hydrogen process sensors, power semiconductor devices, quantum data security, low-energy edge AI, superconducting devices, and novel battery chemistries.

Dr Alastair Hick is Chief Commercialisation Officer at Monash University, overseeing a successful IP commercialisation program, and developing an ecosystem approach to innovation. He has made exceptional contributions to the field of research commercialisation and innovation throughout a career that spans more than 25 years, marked by significant achievements on an international scale. Formerly Chair of Knowledge Commercialisation Australasia from 2015-2018, and on the Board from 2009-2018, Dr Hick became a Life Member in 2020. In 2023 named Technology Transfer Professional of the Year. He has a PhD in Chemical Ecology, an MBA from Cambridge, and is a Director of multiple Monash spinouts. 

Olga is a Chartered accountant with a PhD in Electrochemistry and international experience spanning the full spectrum of corporate M&A, venture capital, private equity, and university research commercialisation.As a Senior Investment Director at Breakthrough Victora, Olga manages the $100 million University Innovation Platform – a Pre-Seed Co-investment partnership with universities in Victoria. The platform helps drive the commercialisation of university research through investments in startups and spinouts, as well as co-funding operational support.

David is passionate about the contribution and future of agbiotech to Australian and global agriculture. During a 23 year career with Monsanto, David was actively involved in the development and adoption of conservation tillage by Australian farmers. Since 1996 David has been actively involved in the introduction of Australia’s first agbiotech crops, Ingard® Cotton, Roundup Ready® canola and most recently Super High Oleic Safflower. Since establishing his consulting firm, SGA Solutions in 2006, followed by PTM Solutions in 2014, David has provided consulting services to Australian and international private and public sector clients in the development and implementation of pathway to market strategies for innovative technologies applicable to the grains, horticulture, livestock, forage, forestry and seafood industries. 

Kimberley is a Nyikina woman from the Martuwarra Fitzroy River in the West Kimberley region of Western Australia. Born and raised on Kaurna Yerta in Adelaide, South Australia, she holds a Bachelor of Applied Science (Occupational Therapy) and a Graduate Certificate in Public Health.Kimberley is the Design and Engagement Co-lead at the Wiyi Yani U Thangani Institute for First Nations Gender Justice, housed at the Australian National University. The Institute builds on the landmark Wiyi Yani U Thangani (Women’s Voices) Project, and is Australia's first independent Institute dedicated to advancing the rights, knowledges, and aspirations of First Nations women, girls and gender-diverse peoples as powerful drivers of systemic change.

Professor Mark Hutchinson is Director of the Institute for Photonics and Advanced Sensing at the University of Adelaide. A leader in neuroimmunopharmacology and biophotonics,  his research on glial cells has transformed understanding of pain, addiction, and neurological disorders. His research has led to transformative clinical applications, from laboratory concepts to bedside treatments. Mark’s impact extends beyond academic achievements, fostering strong industry partnerships and commercial translations. He holds key national roles, including on the Prime Minister’s National Science and Technology Council, and on the Australia's Economic Accelerator board. 

Dr Seth Jones is WEHI’s Entrepreneurship Lead, where he played a pivotal role in structuring the IonOpticks deal and led the spinout of Research Code Pty Ltd. With 30 years in technology transfer, he has shaped commercialisation strategy at WEHI and JCU, raised capital for spinouts, and engaged with government on translation policy. He has delivered over $100M in outcomes across biotech, agriculture, and clean energy. Seth has served on eight spinout boards, including as Chair of NutriV Pty Ltd, led complex licensing deals, and coordinated JCU’s Innovation Strategy. He holds a PhD in Biochemistry and is a graduate of the AICD.

Shane Kilcullen brings a diverse career spanning start-ups, multinationals, and government sectors, with the past seven years focused on university technology transfer at the University of Melbourne. While trained as a mechanical engineer, Shane now navigates an extensive range of technologies across multiple disciplines. He is particularly passionate about artificial intelligence and its potential to enhance professional productivity. Through his leadership of KCA's AI Special Interest Group over the past year, Shane has developed deep insights into the unique challenges and opportunities facing the commercialisation community. This understanding has informed his co-design of this workshop, specifically tailored to help technology transfer professionals maximise AI's impact in their daily practice.

Jonathan Lacey is co-founder and partner at Cruxes Innovation, which exists to help universities, research organisations, and innovative companies unlock the huge potential of Australian researchers and innovators to make a positive difference in the world. We believe the best way to do this is to work alongside researchers and innovators to build partnerships between research, industry, community groups, and government to solve real-world problems.  Jonathan started his career as a physical science and engineering researcher at the University of Melbourne. He spent 10 years in Silicon Valley where he became fascinated by helping other researchers make a difference in the world with their ideas, in large companies and research spinouts.  He returned to Australia to lead a spinout based on Monash University research.  It raised $10M but failed.  The focus of his career since then has been putting the lessons he learned here to work in creating impact with research.

Cathryn Lee is a Commercialisation Manager at the University of Adelaide, with specialist portfolio skills in the Agricultural and Life Sciences area.  With a PhD in Materials Science and Engineering, Cathryn trained as a Wool Technician and has worked in commercial and RDC roles prior to joining the University in 2021. Cathryn supports researchers with IP and Commercial terms in research project contracts, as well as in taking research outputs to market through licensing and incubator programs.

Andre is MD/CTO of QuantX Labs as well as Chief Innovator of the Institute for Photonics and Advanced Sensing (IPAS) and Chair of Experimental Physics at the University of Adelaide. Andre was previously Director of IPAS for over 10 years.Andre is a fellow of the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences & Engineering and the Australian Institute of Physics and has raised over $50M for research. He obtained his PhD in Physics from the University of Western Australia in 1997, for which he was awarded the AIP Bragg Gold Medal. Andre was the joint inaugural winner of the WA Premier’s Prize for Early Career Achievement in Science. In 2013, Andre came to the University of Adelaide to take up a South Australian Research Fellowship from the SA Premier’s Department. In 2016, Andre co-founded a company, QuantX Labs, to exploit his leading-edge research. This company has been profitable from its foundation and now has 42 staff. 

Dr Sanjay Mazumdar is a proven chief executive and board director with over 30 years of experience in the defence, national security and ICT sectors.Sanjay is the Executive Director (Chief Executive) of the Defence Trailblazer, a $200+ million enterprise comprising 100+ industry partners, the University of Adelaide and UNSW, with funding from the Australian Government through the Trailblazer Universities Program.Sanjay’s previous roles include: • Defence and Technology Partner at KPMG Australia• CEO, D2D CRC Ltd • CEO, Defence Systems Innovation Centre• Head of Engineering Operations, BAE Systems Australia• Operations Manager, Motorola• Engineer, DSTO (now DSTG).

Dr. Andrew McLean is following his passion for working with inventors to build businesses solving generational human & global challenges. He has a passion for supporting entrepreneurs on the courageous journey of company-building and its source of growth & development.As part of the founding team at Oxford Science Enterprises he led investments into DJS Antibodies (acquired by Abbvie) mirobio (Acquired by Gilead), Vaccitech (inventor of the Oxford-AZ covid vaccine), Pepgen and hired the founding team of Base Genomics. He studied medicine at UWA and philosophy, politics, and economics at Oxford.Andrew has a passion for prime numbers, running and learning new languages. His current project is Yolngu Matha (an east Arnhem language)

Rob originally trained as a protein chemist, but has been an intellectual property lawyer for more than 30 years, specialising in IP transactions.  His work mainly involves planning, negotiating and structuring licence agreements and R&D contracts, and conducting due diligence on new technology ventures for investors.Currently Rob is shifting his focus away from legal work and towards angel investing, training, mentoring and advisory committee roles - but he remains active in assisting spinout teams and has helped around 20 spinouts reach agreed terms with their institutions in the past 5 years.

Peter is Deputy Vice Chancellor Research & Enterprise at UniSA, and new Pro Vice Chancellor Research Translation at Adelaide University, reflecting his experience in identifying, driving and supporting business development opportunities and translating research discoveries into real-world applications. Peter’s own research encompasses the engineering of surfaces and extends to applications in the optical, automotive, aerospace, defence, mining and renewable energy industry sectors. He has won more than $25 million of research grant funding and was awarded the 2016 ATSE Clunies Ross Award for Innovation for his work in the development of the world’s first plastic, external automotive rear-view mirror.

David McKeague MBA, Beng (Elec) is a serial venture builder with over 30 years experience in building and commercialising research. Bridging the gap!David has worked in large scale engineering projects including aluminium smelter energy systems both for Boyne Smelters and also Portland Smelter second expansion in automation and plant energy management systems. David has also headed the Systems Engineering for ISCMMS on the Collins Class submarine propulsion, habitability and battery management, F-111 Mission Simulator and has led the Business Development for Australian military C4ISR systems.In addition, David has personally been Venture Building numerous research lab spinouts both at wireless semiconductor (acquired by AMD), embedded AI on the phone funded by Intel Capital, Warner Bros, venture funded voice Gen AI startup and energy storage.

Joe Neale has nearly twenty years’ experience across venture capital, operations, and entrepreneurship in London and Zurich, driven by a passion for connecting venture capital, academic innovation, and regional development.He is relocating to Adelaide with his young Australian family and is eager to engage with the Australian innovation ecosystem. Joe currently supports Adelaide’s Eastend Ventures as a Venture Partner, while also advising universities, corporates, family offices, and venture funds on building venture-driven innovation ecosystems through his advisory firm, Techstone.Most recently, Joe was a Partner at VI Partners, ETH Zurich’s US$110m venture fund, where he developed the firm’s “digitalisation of the corporation” investment strategy. This flywheel model connected university spin-outs with both funding and large corporations seeking innovation solutions. During his tenure, he led four investments in AI, fintech, deep tech, and SaaS, including a potential future unicorn, Unique. He also served as a member of ETH Zurich’s Tech Transfer “Value Creation Strategy” strategy group. Previously, Joe was the founding Principal of m8 Capital, a US$50m London-based venture fund focused on mobile technology. The portfolio delivered multiple exits, including a seed-to-IPO journey (Fuller KK) and a seed-to-unicorn success (Noom), which achieved a 1,200x valuation increase. Collectively, portfolio companies went on to raise more than US$1b in follow-on capital from leading investors including Sequoia, Silver Lake, Founders Fund, KPCB, Accel KKR, and Samsung Ventures.

An experienced innovation leader and former investor backed deep technology entrepreneur, as well as social venture founder, Ann brings over 20 years’ expertise in strategy, early-stage business creation, partnership development and brand building across not-for-profits, startups, academia and private enterprise. With a proven track record in translating technology offerings into commercial outcomes, Ann is the Commercialisation and Social Innovation Manager at Monash University. Her extensive experience sees her leading research commercialisation from Humanities, Arts and Social Science and helping guide development of an ecosystem approach to social innovation more broadly across the university. She has a Bachelor of Arts (Psychology) and Masters of Community Development from University College Galway, Ireland and an Advanced Dip. in Screenwriting (Film, TV & Digital Media) from RMIT.

Melissa Nugent is Chair of the KCA Qld Chapter and a Senior Manager in QUT’s research partnerships and technology transfer office, specializing in agriculture and bioeconomy initiatives. Over her career Mel has led stakeholder engagement portfolios across Higher Education, Government, and NFP sectors – driving innovation and impact through collaboration.Prior to her current role at QUT, she was Director Business Development at ARM Hub, a national not-for-profit advancing manufacturing in Australia through AI and robotics innovation and adoption. Mel is a strong advocate for the role of technology transfer professionals in navigating the challenging path from tech innovation to adoption in important sectors including agriculture. 

Andrea Perry-Petersen is Head of Business and Social Innovation at Griffith Enterprise, where she leads initiatives that support social science researchers across the Arts, Education, Law, and Business disciplines. Her work focuses on enhancing engagement, commercialisation, and knowledge translation to drive meaningful, real-world impact.A Churchill Fellow, Andrea investigated global innovations in access to justice and created the podcast Reimagining Justice, which explored transformative approaches to legal and social systems. Her previous academic and research roles centred on the ethical dimensions of technology adoption and workplace transformation.Andrea brings a multidisciplinary background to her role, underpinned by her legal training and complemented by expertise in governance, human rights, and strategic partnerships. She brings a unique perspective on innovation and systems change as a result of roles across academia, government, not-for-profit organisations and industry.