University of Tasmania alumnus Rhys Edwards has long been driven by a curiosity about how economic and social systems shape society — and how good policy and innovation can improve lives. After graduating with a Bachelor of Economics from UTAS and later completing a Master of Science in Comparative Social Research at Oxford as a Rhodes Scholar, Rhys has built a career that spans high-level government service and, more recently, research-driven innovation.
Today, Rhys is a full-time company director and is extraordinarily proud to chair the board of InVent, the University’s research commercialisation entity, helping to turn bold ideas into practical outcomes.
“I was always interested in how economics could help us understand the world around us, and the role of government in creating a just society,” Rhys says.
After his studies in the UK, he returned to Australia intending to join the Australian Treasury in Canberra, but a summer at home in Hobart changed everything.
“By the end of January, I knew I didn’t want to leave,” he says.
Instead, he joined the Tasmanian Government’s economic development agency and went on to serve in a number of senior roles, ultimately spending six years as Secretary of the Department of Premier and Cabinet.
That time in the public service gave Rhys a unique perspective on how policy, research and innovation intersect. “The combination of economics and government policy provided a strong foundation for understanding the levers that drive impact,” he reflects.
In 2021, Rhys was invited to chair the board of InVent. It was a natural progression for someone deeply committed to public value — but also a new frontier.
“I’d seen some of the University’s early commercialisation work through my time on University Council, and while there were successes, I sensed we could do more to unlock Tasmania’s potential.”
Since then, he has helped guide a small, specialised team as they support researchers to identify, develop and share their innovations with the world. The work is long-term and collaborative — involving market analysis, partnerships, intellectual property strategy, and often, changes in mindset.
“This isn’t overnight work,” Rhys explains. “But when it succeeds, the impact can be profound.”
Some of the innovations supported under Rhys’ leadership are already making waves. One example is OxyGenie, a technology developed by UTAS researchers to control oxygen levels for premature babies in neonatal care. With Iicensing managed by InVent, it is now used in hospitals across more than 45 countries, helping protect newborns from the dangers of both too much and too little oxygen.
Other innovations include:
- Eco Detection, a water analysis tool developed by chemistry researchers, now used to monitor ecosystems from Tasmania to Africa.
- Cavicam, a plant hydration monitoring tool spun out into a startup, which recently secured national agtech recognition and funding.
- Curious Climate Schools, a program designed to build climate literacy among school students, now funded for statewide rollout.
- Emerging projects in mineral exploration, carbon capture, dementia diagnosis and sustainable agriculture.
“These stories reflect the quality of research coming out of UTAS, but also the importance of connecting that research to community and industry needs,” Rhys says.
Rhys believes the UTAS alumni community can play a powerful role in this journey. “We’re often looking for advisors, connectors and mentors — people who can help guide researchers or introduce them to industry networks,” he explains.
“It’s a meaningful way for alumni to stay involved, support the next generation, and contribute to something that could have real social or global impact.”
For Rhys, it all comes back to purpose and impact. “Whether in government or in innovation, I’ve always been motivated by the idea that good ideas — backed by evidence, shaped by collaboration — can make things better. That’s what excites me about this next chapter.”
If you're a UTAS alumnus interested in supporting research-led innovation as an advisor, connector or mentor, the InVent team welcomes your connection. The team can be contacted on invent@utas.edu.au.
Image top of page: Rhys Edwards