- 12 November 2024
- Posted by: Laura Croft
- Category: General News
2024 is the 10th anniversary of CBRIN and the innovative ecosystem. To celebrate, we sat down with Zoe Piper, CEO of Rezicast Systems and asked about her journey, where she is now, the challenges she’s overcome and all the wins along the way.
What are your big wins/challenges since we last spoke?
So much has happened over the past six years! I’ve had two kids, led the development of multiple tech platforms (winning a few awards for them along the way), got accepted into the AirTree Explorer program (focused on angel investing), presented my PhD research on stage twice (the thesis write-up is still in progress), got elected to the AICD ACT Division Council (and served on a couple of boards), served as a University Dean (looking after Adjuncts), and recently co-authored a book chapter titled “Minimum Viable Research: how smaller research projects can lead to bigger impact”. There have been big challenges too, closing down businesses, becoming a single mum, and a severe infection in 2022 that led to septic shock which left me in intensive care for three days (and I still don’t feel like I’ve fully recovered from!).
What are you currently working on/towards?
I still can’t do just one thing at a time. Right now I’m focused on building:
- Houses using the REZICAST® precast concrete home building system (our system lets builders across the country build a house in 10 weeks instead of 10 months, we also do our own builds in ACT/NSW via Precast Homes)
- Software to help individuals manage and share their career data (CareerVitae)
- Connections between industry, research and government via the Tri-Sector Hub (building on my PhD research)
We know there’s a significant shortfall in the number of quality dwellings built each year, REZICAST® allows builders to triple their output whilst improving the build quality (without increasing the cost). So although there’s a lot of excitement around AI at the moment (and tech will always be part of my portfolio), it feels great to also be working on putting a roof over peoples’ heads.
How has being part of the innovative community helped you achieve your goals?
I can count on one hand the number of times I’ve been successful in applying for opportunities. Just about every job, client, appointment, or project I’ve worked on has come as a result of connecting with people. CBRIN and the work it does to bring the innovation community together has been an important way to stay connected locally.
What advice would you give to yourself 5 years ago?
There are many things I would have done differently over the past 5 years had I know how they would turn out! Most of it probably comes down to focusing more on being around good people, as well as being more selective about where to spend my time and energy.
How can we connect?
If any of the ventures I’m working on sound interesting, let’s grab coffee and chat!
Thank you Zoe for being part of the community and for sharing your journey. It’s amazing to see what you’ve accomplished and overcome in just 5 years, we’re keeping on eye on the next 5 to come!
Continue celebrating at the 2024 Innovation Showcase! Meet and connect with other female businesses, entrepreneurs and innovators.