Three months of hard work building deep tech startups came to a climax today when their founders told their stories at CSIRO’s ON Accelerate showcase in Melbourne.
The ninth cohort of the national science agency annual program to support founders from Australian universities and CSIRO itself featured 11 finalists, spanning drug development, healthcare delivery, and sustainability.
The three-month accelerator helps the entrepreneurial researchers turn their groundbreaking ideas into real-world solutions, connecting them with industry experts and investors, to refine and validate their ideas for commercial success.
The ProSeek Bio team. Photo: Joseph Byford
Dr Jen Taylor, executive director of Future Industries said the program helps drive Australian innovation.
“We’re constantly amazed by the groundbreaking solutions from the ON Accelerate teams, and this cohort is an inspiring reflection of Australia’s burgeoning strength in biotech and healthcare innovation,” she said.
“By fuelling Australia’s technology ecosystem with bright minds, we empower researchers to see their work evolve from the lab to reality, creating a brighter and healthier future for all.”
They now join 83 other science startups in the ON alumni, who’ve gone on to subsequently land $336 million in commercialisation grants.
On top of funding the total cost of participation, worth around $150,000, the ON Accelerate program offers several payments of up $80,000 per team based on performance. More on the program here.
This year’s cohort are:
3DCeraFlex, from James Cook University, has developed patented technology for 3D printing flexible ceramic solutions, revolutionising high-temperature, defence, and energy applications. Currently working with AIMS to develop ceramic solutions for reef collaboration.
Ability Optics, an SME spun out of the Australian National University, focused on accelerating drug development. It has patented imaging hardware that enables faster and more cost-effective cell and tissue microscopy techniques, quickening the time-to-market for new personalised medicines.
Amorfoil, from CSIRO developed a patented planar flow casting process to create cost-competitive, efficient materials for grid distribution and electric vehicles.
The Topicure team from RMIT
Elemental Therapeutics, from The University of Melbourne, is restoring the efficacy of antibiotics against drug-resistant infections through the development of PBT2, a small molecule therapeutic for community-acquired bacterial pneumonia.
Enhanced Analgesics, from the University of Sydney, is addressing the global chronic pain crisis by developing a non-opioid drug that provides 24-28 hours of effective pain relief, offering a sustainable breakthrough alternative for millions suffering.
Epiblox, from the University of South Australia, is developing a breakthrough treatment for severe childhood epilepsy. Its lead drug candidate holds life-changing potential and strong commercial viability.
Facet Amtech, an SME licensing technology from the University of Newcastle, is revolutionising ammonia production with a breakthrough technology that improves energy efficiency, reducing the need for carbon-intensive natural gas.
I-VADE, from Edith Cowan University and in partnership with Alpha Immersion, is addressing rising violence in healthcare with an innovative VR-based aggression de-escalation training solution, improving overall staff and patient care.
ProSeek Bio, a startup commercialising technology from QIMR Berghofer, is closing the gender health gap with next-gen diagnostics, starting with ovarian cancer blood tests, aiming to revolutionise ovarian cancer diagnosis for women worldwide.
Topicure, from RMIT University, is developing gel-based formulations to improve the delivery of active compounds through the skin, reducing side effects and increasing compliance for patients.
Viortec, an SME spun out of the Australian National University, is developing innovative devices for hip and knee replacement surgeries, enhancing surgical precision, supporting surgeons and improving patient outcomes.
The I-VADE team from ECU
