Behind the breakthroughs: Australasian innovation making its mark
Knowledge Commercialisation Australasia
What do breakthrough brain research, smarter pasture management, technology to protect newborns, and support for young people affected by violence have in common?
The answer: amazing technology translation teams that turn world-class research into real-world impact.
These are just some of the achievements celebrated at the 2026 KCA Australasian Research Commercialisation Awards. The awards recognise the people and partnerships who combine research, industry expertise and commercial know-how to turn promising ideas into products, services and solutions that deliver real-world benefits.
“These awards highlight the vital role research commercialisation plays in ensuring world-class research makes a real difference,” said Kate Taylor, KCA Chair.
“Behind every success are the researchers, commercialisation professionals and industry partners whose collaboration, creativity and persistence bring promising ideas to life. This year’s winners demonstrate how those efforts can strengthen industries, support communities and deliver lasting benefits across Australia and New Zealand.”
KCA announced the winners at its Annual Conference in Brisbane on 14 October 2026.
https://www.techtransfer.org.au/membership/awards/
StrepSure®
From nanobiotechnology to newborn health: a long-standing partnership delivering rapid Group B Strep detection.
Name.Narrate.Navigate
From grant-funded research to sustainable social impact: scaling trauma-informed support for young people affected by violence.
C-Dax Pasture Meter
Smarter pasture management from New Zealand research: nearly two decades of farm productivity, exports and regional impact.
Ceretas
Turning breakthrough brain research into an ASX-listed company pursuing new treatments for neurodegenerative disease.
Dr Sean Mackay
A scientist, inventor and commercialisation leader who is turning research into ventures, partnerships and impact across New Zealand and beyond.
Knowledge Commercialisation Australasia (KCA) is the peak body representing professionals who turn research into real-world impact.
These annual awards honour the people and partnerships behind Australia and New Zealand’s most successful commercialisation efforts; innovators whose work improves lives, drives new industries, and strengthens the region’s position in the global knowledge economy.
About us:
About KCA
Knowledge Commercialisation Australasia (KCA) is the non-profit, peak body leading best practice in industry engagement, technology transfer, and entrepreneurship for research organisations since 1978. KCA is a founding member of the global Alliance of Technology Transfer Professionals.
Contact details:
For more information and interviews, please contact:
Kate Taylor, KCA Chair
[email protected]