Invention to Innovation

"The Digital Future has huge potential to unlock new waves of innovation and economic prosperity for all Australians. It's a future where Aussie kids see Aussie scientists and Aussie entrepreneurs solve Australian problems and take them to the world. Larry is passionate about this future for our children, and this book is all about how to make it happen."

"Powered by his extensive scientific entrepreneurship, Dr Larry Marshall shows us how to couple science with innovation to produce prosperity. Human ingenuity is an inexhaustible resource; this book explains how to mine it and refine it into societal value."

Dr. Alan Finkel, former Australian Chief Scientist, President of the Australian Academy of Technology and Engineering, Chancellor of Monash University, CEO and Founder of Axon Instruments

"For Australia’s budding technology entrepreneurs, [Invention to Innovation] is an excellent ‘how to’ manual, full of practical advice, and offering useful, tangible guidance on how our scientists and entrepreneurs can seize the tremendous opportunities Australia offers."

Michelle Simmons, CEO and Founder of Silicon Quantum Computing and 2018 Australian of the Year

"Few scientists have transitioned to become business leaders, or to create public companies, but Larry Marshall has done just that – and by sharing uncomfortable truths, failures and successes, all anchored by the real life experience of someone who has crossed the Valley of Death more than once, Larry seeks to provide other scientists with the confidence that, they too, can do it."

Catherine Livingstone, AO, former Chair of CSIRO, Commonwealth Bank and Telstra; former President of the Business Council of Australia; and former CEO of Cochlear

"Australia has a proud history of scientific research and industrial innovation. But despite this, we’ve got a lousy track record of translating this innovation into real impact, especially commercial impact. … We will only succeed if we try. This book is an important first step towards success."

Dr. Andrew Forrest, AO, Chairman and Founder of Fortescue Metals Group, Fortescue Future Industries, Minderoo Foundation and Tattarang

Foreword
About the authors
Introduction

Part 1: How to transform a scientist
1: Australia’s innovation dilemma
2: Venturing solutions
3: Championing scientist CEOs
4: Pathways for scientist CEOs
5: Market vision
A scientist's guide for approaching a venture capitalist

Part 2: How to transform a company
6: Innovation agenda
7: Venture science

Part 3: How to transform the system
8: System on a mission

Conclusion: leaping forward
Acknowledgements
Abbreviations
Endnotes
Index

Larry Marshall, PhD

Dr. Larry Marshall was Chief Executive of Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO, from 2015 to 2023, and prior to this spent more than 25 years in Silicon Valley, founding, leading and investing venture capital in deep-tech companies. With a PhD in physics, 20 patents, six startups and two IPOs to his name, Larry is a passionate supporter of Australian innovation and the power of science and technology to drive our economy and build resilience to future challenges.

Jenna Daroczy

Jenna Daroczy believes that well-chosen words and stories can inspire change. She works with leaders and changemakers to articulate their vision in robust ways that ignite interest, build understanding, influence opinion and inspire action. Jenna has worked as a journalist and in corporate communications for nearly two decades and has qualifications in communications, science, law and policy.