Australian research meets enterprise to build tomorrow’s health tech solutions

A device that turns bedridden patients; a portable, ultra-efficient microscope; and an affordable device for people diagnosed with heart failure are among the innovative health solutions recently showcased to investors at the Powerhouse Museum.

The event is the culmination of a new healthtech accelerator program delivered by the UNSW Sydney’s Founders Program, in partnership with The George Institute for Global Health.

Launched in May, Health10x is working with startup teams developing solutions for some of the world’s biggest health burdens, and its contribution has been recognised with a $295k grant from the government’s Incubator Support initiative, announced by Minister for Industry, Science and Technology Karen Andrews.

Principal Director of The George Institute, Professor Stephen MacMahon said the initiative was aiming to empower the brightest minds in medical research with disruptive entrepreneurship skills, to create successful commercial ventures that have global potential.

“Chronic and non-communicable diseases are leading causes of death and disability globally, and particularly in emerging markets and low-resource populations,” said Prof MacMahon. “Australia has a wealth of talent – we’ve seen game-changing medical innovations developed here and then become successful globally. Health10x is using tech innovations to find answers for some of the biggest health problems we face, and helping take those solutions to the people who need them most.”

The five Health10x teams will join six other startups participating in the 10x Accelerator program to pitch their innovative ideas and prototypes to an audience of over 250 researchers, engineers, investors, and key figures from Sydney’s startup ecosystem investors:

• Attoquest – a novel ‘plug and play’ microscope that can accurately measure pathogens in minutes
• Beacohealth – an automatic patient-turning device that reduces and prevents pressure sores
• Bio-Sens Tech – a low-cost and pain-free saliva test for fast insulin detection in diabetic patients
• CardioBionic – an affordable temporary device for patients with heart failure
• Evidentli – cloud software that improves clinical research data

Director of Entrepreneurship at UNSW, Dr Elizabeth Eastland said that the first of its kind partnership would connect entrepreneurial researchers and professionals to the industry mentorship and funding sources they need to navigate the critical early stages of startup and, through the Founders Program, provide the ongoing support they’ll need to scale into global companies.

The Health10x accelerator will continue in 2020, with the next round of health startups working on innovative and tech-based solutions to address the world’s biggest health burdens.

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