How did Australian university research become the foundation for 90% of the world's solar panels—all manufactured in China?

In this episode of Innovation Crossroad, we sit down with Professor Nicholas Ekins-Daukes (Ned) from UNSW's School of Photovoltaic and Renewable Energy Engineering to unpack one of the most successful deeptech commercialization stories in history.

Discover how UNSW's solar innovations—PERC and TOPCon technologies—scaled globally through an unexpected path: a "failed" Australian startup (Pacific Solar) that trained a generation of entrepreneurs who went on to build China's solar manufacturing giants like SunTech and JA Solar. With 1,000+ UNSW alumni now leading China's solar industry, this is a masterclass in bridging research excellence with manufacturing scale.

Key topics:

• Why early-stage deeptech appears "uninvestable" (and how to bridge that gap)
• The power of commercial "stepping stones" vs. direct IP licensing
• Navigating the lab-to-factory "manufacturing bridge gap"
• How UNSW's Torch Innovation Precinct connects Australian researchers to Chinese manufacturing
• Real examples from Ned's own solar sensor startup journey
• What "Future Made in Australia" means for the next wave of deeptech

Whether you're a founder scaling deeptech, an investor evaluating cross-border opportunities, or an ecosystem builder connecting innovation hubs, this conversation offers actionable insights on accelerating commercialization through strategic ecosystem bridges.

🎙️ Hosted by: Betty Zhang and Alan Cui, Boson Ventures

Learn more:

🌐 Website: boson.vc

💼 LinkedIn: Boson Ventures

👤 Guest: Professor Nicholas Ekins-Daukes, UNSW

In this episode of Innovation Crossroads, host Alan Cui from Boson Ventures engages in a compelling conversation with Steven Ducat, a seasoned entrepreneur with over two decades of experience in China. They explore the essential elements of building trust and forming successful partnerships in the Chinese market. Steven shares his journey from trading in Shanghai to establishing SPD Asia Group, highlighting the importance of cultural understanding and local team building. Tune in to gain valuable insights and practical advice for Australian startups looking to navigate the complexities of the Chinese innovation landscape.

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