17 March 2026

The Tech Council of Australia has welcomed a major new national review of research and development, saying its recommendations, if adopted by Government, could significantly strengthen Australia’s ability to build and scale technology companies at home.

Ambitious Australia, the final report of the Strategic Examination of Research and Development (SERD) LINK TO REPORT, sets out a reform agenda that addresses longstanding weaknesses in Australia’s innovation ecosystem by modernising how R&D is funded, removing barriers to commercialisation, and ensuring more capital is available to help high-growth technology firms build and scale in Australia.

Lucinda Longcroft, Director of Policy and Government Affairs at the Tech Council, said Australia is producing world-leading innovators but the systems around them can work more effectively to support them to succeed.

“Australia produces world-leading innovators and founders in areas like medical technology, agricultural innovation and quantum computing, whose work attracts global attention.

“The opportunity is significant. If we get these settings right, more companies can be built, scaled and headquartered here in Australia rather than having to look overseas to grow.”

The Tech Council said the review reflects many of the priorities it has consistently advocated for on behalf of the tech sector. It highlighted three areas where Government action could make the biggest difference:

• Modernising the R&D Tax Incentive so it better reflects how software and technology is built and commercialised, including ‘deep tech’ innovations based on scientific and engineering advancements that aim to solve real-world problems facing Australians. This includes a new incentive stream designed for high-potential startups with simpler eligibility and broader support for commercialisation activity.
• Strengthening commercialisation pathways so founders and entrepreneurs can more easily build and scale new companies from Australian ideas and grow them here rather than overseas.
• Unlocking growth capital through reforms to superannuation investment settings including changes to rules that currently limit how much superannuation funds can invest in high-growth Australian companies, and venture capital settings, so more institutional funding can flow to the firms that need it most.

  “In practice, that could mean an Australian medical technology startup getting the support it needs to innovate and scale here rather than relocating offshore to access capital. Or a quantum computing company retaining its intellectual property and its talent in Australia rather than being acquired overseas. These are exactly the kinds of companies Australia is already producing, and that the right settings could help build and keep here.”

Among the most significant proposals for the tech sector are reforms to modernise the Research and Development Tax Incentive (RDTI), including a new stream designed to better support fast-growing startups and scaleups, with simpler eligibility and extended support for early commercialisation activity.

“Access to scale-up capital remains one of the biggest barriers facing Australian technology companies. Reforms that strengthen venture capital settings and make it easier for superannuation funds to invest in high-growth firms will help more Australian companies grow here rather than being forced to look overseas for funding.”

Ms Longcroft said that the recommendations, if adopted, could unlock a new generation of Australian technology companies. 

“Australia has the talent and the ideas to compete with the best in the world. This review recognises that we also need the right ecosystem to turn those ideas into companies – and to keep those companies anchored in Australia as they grow and scale globally. 

“The Tech Council has been supportive of this review from the outset, and the report reflects many of the priorities our members have consistently raised. We look forward to working with Government to focus on the recommendations that will have the greatest positive impact for Australian innovators.”

ENDS

Media Enquiries
Amy Soloman
Tech Council
0403 339 038