A conversation with Larry Marshall, CSIRO

We are excited to welcome Larry Marshall to join us to talk about innovation in Australia. Larry is an Australian entrepreneur and physicist, and Chief Executive of CSIRO.

CSIRO (The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation) is Australia's national science agency and one of the most multidisciplinary research organisations in the world. CSIRO has a proud legacy which includes; fast Wi-Fi, Aerogard and polymer banknotes.
For around a century CSIRO have been pushing the boundaries of what is possible in science and technology. Everything they do is focused on creating measurable economic, environmental and social benefits that better the world and Australia’s place in it.

Larry has a PhD in Physics and is a global leader in laser research. He was honoured as a Federation Fellow and later as an ATSE (Australian Academy of Technology and Engineering) Fellow. He invented the “eye-safe” laser which enabled lasers to be used safely in public. This inspired him to found his first company, Light Solutions, which invented the world’s first solid-state green laser for the treatment of blindness in diabetics.

Larry is a serial entrepreneur and has founded five other companies, in biotechnology, telecommunications, semiconductors, and venture capital. In 2007, as MD of Southern Cross Ventures, who specialise in Australian innovation, he delivered the first Nasdaq IPO of an Australian-venture backed startup commercialising science. He’s written over 100 publications and conference papers, holds 20 patents, and has served on 20 boards of high tech global companies.

Larry is joining us to talk about the role of science and technology in recovery and resilience, post COVID as well as longer term as we work towards transforming Australia’s economy, energy and environment.