Brandon BioCatalyst with ANDHealth are inviting expressions of interest for funding under the newly-created $50 million CUREator+ program.
The two organisations were selected to deliver the incubator program funded via the federal government’s Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF).
CUREator+ will provide successful startup companies with access to up to $5 million in non-dilutive funding, delivered in tranches upon meeting commercial milestones.
“CUREator+ will bridge the funding and capability gaps experienced by promising Australian drug, device, diagnostic, and digital health innovations. Linking larger amounts of non-dilutive funding to the attainment of commercial milestones de-risks the companies making them more attractive for further investment and potential partnerships,” said Dr Chris Nave, the CEO of Brandon BioCatalyst.
“The SMEs we work with cite access to local capital and sector expertise as among the biggest challenges they face. CUREator + funding will support companies that can ‘grow locally and scale globally’, providing support and specific advice to commercialise technologies that can address major global health challenges and service global patient populations, whilst remaining headquartered here at home,” said ANDHealth managing director and CEO Bronwyn Le Grice.
In addition to the capital, successful CUREator + applicants will have access to research teams, commercial capability-building coaching, intellectual property development, professional governance, management, and operational finance support.
“The expertise and access to networks provided by CUREator + will prove, in the long-term, to be as valuable as the non-dilutive funding provided. The incubator provides companies with the tools, advice and incentives for them to thrive, attract capital and become commercially successful,” continued Dr Nave.
“CUREator+ will deliver significant economic benefits to Australia by supercharging our innovation capabilities and providing advice to help companies directly address the commercialisation roadblocks they are facing. The impact of supporting more companies to bridge the viability gap between ideation and commercialisation is critical for Australia’s economy and will lead to the creation of highly skilled and specialised, deep technology jobs that can help support future economic growth,” added Ms Le Grice.
