Speakers

Anne Bannister

Anne Bannister is the Head of Social & Behavioural Sciences at UniQuest, the commercialisation company of The University of Queensland. She specialises in commercialising UQ’s evidence-based technologies and programs which transform the way global communities tackle mental health and wellbeing, chronic disease, public health, education, and ageing, leveraging technology for enabling sustainable delivery at scale. With previous executive management roles in commercial and non-government organisations, her expertise in building businesses based on commercialising IP was developed in her own start-up. Anne has a Bachelor of Commerce from UQ, is a Chartered Accountant, a Justice of the Peace (QLD Qualified), and is a Graduate member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Will Charles RTTP

Will Charles has been Executive Director Investment since 2005. In the last six years alone UniServices has started, supported and invested in 43 technology-based companies that have raised nearly $1 billion million in venture and seed funding for these companies. In 2016 he founded and manages the University of Auckland Inventors Fund, a $40m evergreen fund dedicated to start-ups generated by staff and students at the University of Auckland.

Dave Christensen RTTP

Dave is an experienced manager with responsibility for the University of Otago's commercialisation company - Otago Innovation Ltd. He joined Otago Innovation in 2007 as a commercialisation manager, and subsequently held senior commercialisation manager and GM roles in the organisation, before taking up the reigns as CEO in 2018. Dave has a wealth of experience in assessing, project managing and concluding deals based off of academic research. In addition to managing the company’s day to day activities, Dave has been and continues to be involved in a number of investment committees such as Return on Science’s Biotech & Pharma &Otago Momentum, as well as the Brandon BioCatalyst investment review committee. Dave also serves on various start-up company boards.As the University of Otago's commercialisation company, Otago Innovation is responsible for the identification, protection and transfer of intellectual property generated by academic staff at the University of Otago to newly formed spinout companies or established industry.

John Grace AO RTTP

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.

Mark Hutchinson

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.

Erin Rayment RTTP

Dr Erin Rayment is Vice-President (Business Development) at QUT and has over 15 years’ experience in academic research, industry engagement and commercialisation. She also holds leadership roles in organisations that support the development and growth of the Australian innovation ecosystem, including as Director at the Translational Research Institute Australia, Director at Knowledge Commercialisation Australasia, Chairperson of QUT Bluebox, and as a Reef Restoration and Adaptation Program board member. An interdisciplinary biologist with expertise in regenerative medicine, cell therapy and bioprocessing, Erin is also a Superstar of STEM, a program that aims to increase the visibility and diversity of women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Her mission is to foster collaboration, innovation, and impact across disciplines and sectors.

Carlie Rogers

Carlie Rogers is the Lead for Technology Transfer for the Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS) at the University of Melbourne, where she champions the commercialisation of research with a strong social purpose. With a background in business development, trade and investment across public and private sectors, Carlie brings a strategic and commercially focused approach to translating HASS research into real-world outcomes. She has been instrumental in helping shape the University’s approach to social ventures and is an advocate for the role of HASS in building more inclusive, purpose-driven innovation ecosystems.

Emerald Scofield

Emerald is an Associate at Main Sequence Ventures, where she backs deep-tech founders and helps scale groundbreaking companies with the potential to change the world.With six years in deep-tech investing, Emerald focuses on Feeding 10 Billion People, Decarbonising the Planet, and Humanity Scale Healthcare. She is deeply involved in early-stage investment and company building, backing founders to turn cutting-edge science into real-world impact while also supporting companies as they scale.Before joining Main Sequence, she invested in deep tech at a New Zealand-based fund, working across similar sectors. Emerald has also been on the startup side—working to scale a medtech company and leading an early-stage climate tech startup—experiences that built a strong sense of founder empathy and an appreciation for the highs and lows of building a company.

Kate Taylor RTTP

Kate Taylor is Executive Director of Industry Engagement at Queensland University of Technology (QUT), where she leads efforts to drive strategic research partnerships, foster innovation, and commercialise QUT’s intellectual property. With over 13 years of experience in technology transfer and business development, Kate’s experience spans diverse sectors including health, agriculture, defence, education, and creative industries, all aimed at delivering impactful, real-world outcomes. Kate is a Registered Technology Transfer Professional and holds a Bachelor of Biotechnology (First Class Honours) from the University of Queensland. She is also a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. In addition to her role at QUT, Kate serves on the board of the Queensland Social Enterprise Council and chairs the Queensland Network Chapter of Knowledge Commercialisation Australasia. Recognised as an AgriFutures Future Young Leader in 2019, Kate is committed to fostering collaboration and entrepreneurship across sectors.

Contact:

KCA Professional Conference Organiser
P: 02 9431 8600
E: conference@techtransfer.org.au