Inventors of 3D bioprinted wound dressings, AI-powered digital health app developers and innovators in immunology are among the businesses selected to join Brisbane Economic Development Agency’s (BEDA) third-year cohort for its MedTech Global Accelerator program.

Delivered in partnership with U.S.-based investment facilitator Life Science Nation, the cohort will participate in a six-month intensive syllabus led by leading local industry experts and mentors, who will help the companies attract commercialisation funding for their life improving innovations.

The program will culminate with the founders pitching to global investors at J.P. Morgan Healthcare Week in San Francisco, in January next year.

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said Brisbane's reputation for pioneering life-changing health technology is supported by a thriving start-up culture and world-class research and healthcare facilities.

“Brisbane is at the forefront of medical technology innovation globally and this year’s cohort represent the next wave of groundbreaking health solutions,” Cr Schrinner said.

“Their success will not only benefit the lives of everyday people, but also contribute significantly to Brisbane’s economy by creating jobs and attracting investment and top-tier talent to our city.

“Our city’s investment in research and development is yielding impressive results, with homegrown businesses like Vaxxas and Microba, who are mentors for this accelerator program, leading the way in gaining international recognition and securing vital partnerships and investments.

“We are proud to support these businesses as they continue to innovate and make a positive impact on healthcare worldwide.”

With the largest health ecosystem in the Southern Hemisphere and an export growth rate of medical and pharmaceutical products almost seven times the Australian average, Brisbane’s health sector is set to grow by 36 per cent by 2031.

Accelerator alumni and founder of Convergence Medical, Dr Chris Jeffery, whose world-first arthroscopic surgical robot VO1, was last year accepted into the US Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Breakthrough Devices Program, said BEDA had been one of his company’s biggest supporters.

“Convergence Medical is proud to be a Brisbane-based company and we see many advantages living here, working here and collaborating with the other organisations,” Dr Jeffrey said.

“BEDA is one of our biggest supporters and champions. They’ve got behind us in numerous campaigns, for example with JP Morgan and the medtech accelerator, and ongoing investment conversations, to help us work through plans and strategies.”

“I’m a third time founder. My prior two companies are global businesses and I still call Brisbane home. I don’t think there’s anywhere better for work/life balance, living your best life and setting up and growing in technical industries.

“We’ve got great universities, we’ve got a lovely ecosystem that’s highly supportive with capital and growth opportunities, and we’re at a perfect point of connection around the world where we can grow a global footprint when we’re ready to launch.”

The 2024/25 MedTech Accelerator cohort includes:

• Akunah: Pioneering AI and data analytics company at the forefront of personalised healthcare software solutions.
• AP1 Longevity: AP-1 inhibition to reignite youthful Immune-cell function for enhanced vaccine and immune therapy efficacy in the elderly.
• Bio BKN: Bio BKN’s vision is to improve health and clinical outcomes by developing novel 3D bioprinted marine collagen matrices (soft tissue applications including wound dressings and hard tissue applications for complex ligament or tendon applications and replacement).
• Cardihab: Making health more accessible and equitable via a digital platform for cardiac rehabilitation and the management of chronic diseases.
• Exintech Pty Ltd: Developing advanced diagnostic tools for early disease detection.
• Fempro Armour: Designing discreet protective gear against hip injuries the elderly, dementia sufferers and people with disabilities.
• Flomatrix: Innovating novel IV catheter tip technology, aimed to reduce the high failure rates experienced when the IV cannula is dwelling in the vein.
• Kimaritec Pty Ltd: Identifying small molecules that can block modification of specific cancer related proteins that cause targeted protein degradation.
• Macrobiome Therapeutics Pty Ltd: Harnessing the therapeutic potential of hookworms to develop drugs for the treatment of inflammatory, autoimmune, metabolic and respiratory diseases.
• Servatus Ltd: Develop innovative treatments for autoimmune, gastrointestinal and dermatological conditions.
• Smilo Health: Providing end-to-end virtual AI-powered dental solutions for practitioners to connect with patients and drive better practice growth.

BEDA’s MedTech global accelerator program is delivered in partnership with U.S. based investment facilitator Life Science Nation and will culminate with attendance at the global investor RESI Conference in San Francisco where participants will pitch to active investors during J.P. Morgan Healthcare Week in January 2025.