Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO, has announced the project teams for its ninth ON Accelerate cohort, showcasing high-potential ventures in drug development, healthcare delivery, and sustainability innovations.
This growth builds upon Australia’s rich history of medical breakthroughs, from the bionic ear to the cervical cancer vaccine, solidifying our nation’s position as a hub for cutting-edge healthcare solutions.
ON Accelerate is a structured three-month accelerator for entrepreneurial researchers, providing them with the tools and resources needed to translate their groundbreaking ideas into real-world impact.
The program connects researchers with industry experts and investors, enabling them to refine and validate their ideas for commercial success, ultimately helping them secure funding and build successful companies.
The 11 teams selected will join the ranks of alumni who have created 83 new companies and secured over $336M in commercialisation grants.
Dr Jen Taylor, Executive Director of Future Industries, highlighted the ON program’s pivotal role in driving Australian innovation forward.
“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,” Dr Taylor said.
“Our ninth ON Accelerate cohort showcases the researchers working at the cutting edge of technology, particularly in drug development, healthcare delivery, and diagnostics, addressing some of society’s greatest challenges.”
Australia’s biotech and healthcare start-up sector is surging, with Cut Through Venture data showing a 28 per cent rise in early-stage venture capital investments to $347M in 2024.
“We’re incredibly proud to support their journey. This cohort is very impressive, but we know that venture pathways come with plenty of challenges. Connecting with expertise and support can be the difference in unlocking the success pathways that ensure their ideas evolve into real-world solutions, products and companies that will truly improve lives,” Dr Taylor 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.”
The teams moving to the final stage of this year’s ON Accelerate include:
- 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.
- 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 selected teams have undergone an intensive immersion period, setting the stage for a rigorous three-month ON Accelerate program that will culminate in a Showcase event in Melbourne on June 5.
Throughout the program, they will work closely with industry experts, receiving personalised coaching and tailored development plans to refine their ventures.
Designed to equip participants with the knowledge and skills needed to bring their innovations to market, ON Accelerate provides deep insights into commercialisation pathways.
Graduating teams will emerge with a robust business model, a clear route to market, and the foundations to build a viable startup.
For media assets, including additional images of all participating ON Accelerate 9 teams.
