Next-generation innovators put deep tech to the test at Creative Destruction Lab Melbourne
3 November 2025
A/Prof Charlie Nave, Prof Pitosh Heyden, Brigette McGuire,
Josh Pitt, Daniel Yang and Cath Norman.
Sixteen deep tech startups have kicked off a nine-month program designed to fast-track their research-driven ventures from lab to market.
CDL-Melbourne pairs early-stage companies with leading entrepreneurs, scientists, and investors to test technologies, refine business models, and map clear paths to investment.
On 29 October, founders spent the day pitching ideas, discussing strategy, and receiving feedback from mentors, investors, and scientific advisors.
“We’ve got a diverse group of startups this year tackling big challenges through very different lenses,” said CDL-Melbourne Director Associate Professor Charlie Nave. “It was a really strong start — the calibre only continues to increase each year, with brilliant founders flying in from across the region seeking expert guidance and mentorship.”
Critical minerals, sustainable agriculture, health innovation, and artificial intelligence emerged as key themes among this year’s ventures.
All CDL Mentors participating in the Large
Room Discussion.
“AI is a major focus, with ventures using deep-tech solutions to disrupt and optimise existing systems,” A/Prof Nave said. “We’re also seeing strong innovation in critical renewables, cleaner resource recovery, and sustainable farming — areas where Australia and New Zealand’s climate and health capabilities are really strong.”
Eight new mentors have joined the program: investor Maria Jose Alvarez, energy executive Neeraj Das, Hit.IQ Executive Chairman Earl Eddings, investor and entrepreneur Chris Hitchen, BOA Managing Director Cath Norman, economist and Sun Cable co-founder Fraser Thompson, Shiok Meats founder Ka Yi Ling, Datarock Chairman Stephen McIntosh, and Monash University minerals scientist Professor Mohan Yellishetty.
“All our mentors have either founded businesses worth over $50 million, led companies worth more than $100 million, are active investors, or are globally recognised specialists or scientists,” A/Prof Nave said.
“Our new mentors bring a highly specialised skill set, particularly in minerals and energy — they are world leaders as executives and innovators in the climate, energy, and mining sectors.”
The advisory group has also expanded, with Michelle Carey, Chief, Digital & Orebody Knowledge at IMDEX, and Kerri Lee Sinclair, Founder and Managing Partner at EVA Invests, joining the team.
This year’s cohort reflects the growing international reach and diversity of the program, with five ventures from New Zealand, one from Singapore, and more than half of admitted ventures being female co-founded.
A/Prof Nave said the mix creates a dynamic environment where founders challenge each other as much as the mentors.
“Having teams from different countries and backgrounds gives a really broad perspective on how people tackle problems, and challenges everyone to think differently,” he said.
Over the coming months, ventures will follow a milestone-driven structure to test assumptions, set objectives, and prepare for scale.
The Melbourne program is part of a global CDL network that has supported more than 2,900 ventures worldwide, generating over A$51 billion in equity value.
“We want to see these startups make real, material progress — securing pilots, raising capital, and scaling their work,” A/Prof Nave said. “But ultimately, what I want to see is these companies and technologies having a scalable, positive impact for people and the planet.”