New wave of funding to fast-track dementia treatments, diagnostics and digital solutions

With 433,300 Australians currently living with dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, and another 1.7 million carers providing critical support, a new wave of funding is targeting the urgent need for innovative treatments, diagnostics and digital solutions.

The CUREator+ Dementia and Cognitive Decline Incubator program has opened its second funding round, offering up to $5 million in non-dilutive capital per project. The initiative is a strategic partnership between Brandon BioCatalyst, ANDHealth, and Dementia Australia.

The timing of this funding is particularly significant, coinciding with the recent TGA registration of the first new treatment in over two decades for Alzheimer’s disease – the most common type of dementia. Eli Lilly’s Kisunla (donanemab), an amyloid-targeting monoclonal antibody, has broken a longstanding stalemate in early-stage treatment, signalling a potential shift in patient care. Still, more is needed to support the broader dementia community.

“By tying public investment to key commercial milestones and connecting companies with the networks and guidance they need, CUREator+ empowers Australia’s most promising innovators to deliver therapies, devices and connected health solutions which can fundamentally change the lives of Australians living with dementia and cognitive decline,” said Bronwyn Le Grice, ANDHealth CEO and Managing Director.

Eligible projects must have commercial potential and will include the development of novel biomarkers, diagnostics, therapeutics (novel and repurposed), medical and assistive devices, and digital technology approaches and products at the preclinical, clinical and commercial development stages.

The tranche-based funding model not only provides milestone-linked investment but also embeds commercialisation expertise into the process. This dual-track approach helps prepare startups for the scrutiny of private investors while generating the robust data sets needed to attract them.

Professor Tanya Buchanan, Dementia Australia CEO, emphasised the human element behind the innovation drive.

“We are pleased to see the second funding round of CUREator+ enhancing innovation to improve the lives of people living with dementia, their families and carers. We are honoured to support consultation with people with a living experience of dementia, ensuring their voices are heard,” he stated.

Backed by the Federal Government’s $20 billion Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF), the CUREator+ program addresses two of the most persistent barriers to scaling digital health innovation in Australia: access to capital and commercialisation expertise.

“In the fight against dementia, brilliant science alone won’t win the battle – it takes vision, funding, and relentless execution,” said Dr Chris Nave, Brandon BioCatalyst Founder and CEO. “The CUREator+ program exists to fast-track Australia’s world-class research into real-world solutions, because a day without progress is too many for the patients and caregivers impacted by dementia.”

Applications are open from 21 May 2025 to 10 July 2025.

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