From Campus to Commercial Success: Pathways, Partnerships and IP Strategy
Join LESANZ for an illuminating conversation with three of Australia’s foremost leaders in research commercialisation as they dissect the practical, legal and strategic considerations that underpin successful university-to-market journeys.
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Across an engaging panel discussion and audience Q&A, our speakers will explore the motivations, rewards and hurdles faced by researchers, universities and investors alike.
Join us as we how intellectual property frameworks create investible opportunities and protect university inventions, share hard-won insights on building enduring industry partnerships and examine university-originated startups and how founders can bridge the culture gap between academia and markets.
Whether you are a technology transfer professional, founder, investor or policy adviser, this session will equip you with actionable strategies to propel discoveries beyond the lab and into the hands of global customers. We look forward to welcoming you and encourage you to share this invitation with colleagues who are passionate about advancing research impact through powerful commercial collaborations.
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Event details: Tuesday
7 October 2025
Time:
3:30pm arrival | 4:00–5:00pm panel Networking until 5:30pm
Seminar Pricing:
$25 LESANZ member
$40 non-member
Proudly Hosted by:
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The speakers
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Moderated by:
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Anna Smyth - Lawyer - Gilbert + Tobin |
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Warwick Dawson
Pro Vice Chancellor Industry and Engagement - University of Newcastle
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Warwick commenced as Pro Vice-Chancellor, Industry and Engagement at the University of Newcastle in January 2023. In this role he has broad responsibility for strengthening external engagement with industry, government and the community and translation of our research to deliver high impact outcomes in the region and beyond. He was formerly the Director, Knowledge Exchange at UNSW Sydney. Warwick has over 25 years’ experience leading university research and commercialisation initiatives, including heading the bid team from UNSW/ Newcastle for the Australian Trailblazer for Recycling & Clean Energy. He also has significant private sector experience with NCR Australia Pty Ltd, and as a former Commercial Advisor for BHP Engineering.
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Naomi Levi
Head of IP and Commercialisation Law
Legal & Compliance | Office of Assurance and Integrity - UNSW Sydney
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Naomi Levi works within the Legal and Compliance team at UNSW and is Head of IP and Commercialisation. Naomi frequently assists with structuring complex IP licencing arrangements and advises on UNSW's equity portfolio in UNSW spinouts. Naomi has also worked in top-tier law firms in Sydney and Tel Aviv.
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Elaine Stead
Principal - Main Sequence
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Elaine Stead is a member of the investment team at Main Sequence, with a focus on the “Humanity Scale Healthcare” challenge. With a background spanning science, entrepreneurship, and venture capital, she's known for her enduring roles in innovation and has an investment track record that extends to over 80 startups across Australia, the United States and Southeast Asia.
Previously, Elaine served as the Director of New Ventures and Entrepreneurship at the Australian National University (ANU), leading the startup and equity investment strategy of knowledge translation. She has also been a founder of venture businesses, including Blue Sky VC, Human VC and Tribe Global Ventures.
Elaine has advised state governments on innovation policy, directed innovation initiatives, and served on boards in Australia and the US. She's coached startup founders nationwide and contributed to a variety of publications. In all avenues, Elaine prioritises human-centricity, emphasising authentic connections, vulnerability, and compassion. She advocates for values-driven innovation and a desire to make better that which can be.
Elaine holds a Ph.D. in Biochemistry (Stem Cell Biology) and a B.Sc.in Biochemistry and Microbiology, both from the University of Adelaide.
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Registration
Registration is closed. Please contact the Secretariat for late registrations by email