In a celebration of innovation and excellence, Dr Alastair Hick, Chief Commercialisation Officer at Monash Innovation was named the 2023 KCA Research Commercialisation Professional of the Year at the Knowledge Commercialisation Australasia (KCA) Annual Conference last week.
This prestigious award acknowledges individuals who significantly contribute to research commercialisation, as shown by their substantial economic, social or environmental impact.
Dr Hick’s recognition is a tribute to his 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.
At Monash University, Dr Hick has demonstrated visionary leadership as the inaugural Chief Commercialisation Officer since December 2021.
Building on his previous roles from 2007 to 2021, he strategically integrated commercialisation, investment, and support for spin-outs and startups, through to entrepreneurial talent development programs, into the university’s overall strategy, fostering a cohesive ecosystem for innovation.
“I’m honoured to receive this recognition from KCA,” said Dr Hick.
“It underscores not just my journey, but the collective effort and unwavering commitment of the entire team at Monash and our partners globally.”
Professor Doron Ben-Meir, Monash University’s Deputy Vice Chancellor (Enterprise & Engagement) and Senior Vice President, praised Dr Hick’s contributions.
“Under Alastair’s leadership at Monash, we have seen our innovation and entrepreneurial ecosystem go from strength to strength,” said Professor Ben-Meir.
“Our inventions are being licensed to top industry players, our startups are on a global stage, and we’re consistently launching new ventures, accelerated by the support of our new pre-seed fund with Breakthrough Victoria.
“This award is not only a personal achievement for Dr Hick but also a testament to the thriving and impactful ecosystem of innovation that Monash University continues to nurture and expand.”
Over the last five years, Monash University’s Enterprise and Engagement portfolio has invested $200 million in research at Monash, creating a significant virtuous cycle.
Having already raised $440 million from external sources, this $200 million investment is further enhancing the University’s research output and empowering Monash researchers to tackle the greatest challenges of our age.
About Monash Innovation
Monash Innovation drives commercialisation across the university, transforming bold ideas into impactful solutions that make the world a better place.
Over the past five years, the Commercialisation team has seamlessly guided the innovation journey of Monash’s research, processing 561 invention disclosures, activating 213 patent families, completing 165 licence deals, and spinning out 26 new ventures based on Monash IP. Noteworthy spinouts, such as Jupiter Ionics, Amaero, Additive Assuarance, Electraith, n0de, Inosi Therapeutics, RAGE Biotech,Cincera and Aravax, have emerged where Monash holds equity.
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