Seven Australian startups will share $15.6 million in funding through CUREator+ Dementia & Cognitive Decline to accelerate the development and commercialisation of new therapies, diagnostics and technologies targeting dementia and cognitive decline.
Funded by the Australian Government through the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF), CUREator+ Dementia & Cognitive Decline is a national program delivered by Brandon BioCatalyst in partnership with ANDHealth and Dementia Australia. The program is focused on accelerating the research translation and commercialisation of early-stage Australian medical research and innovations with commercial potential.
The program supports innovations spanning therapeutics, diagnostics, biomarkers, medical devices, assistive technologies and digital health technologies designed to improve the diagnosis, treatment, monitoring and quality of life for people living with dementia and cognitive decline.
The seven companies selected in Round 2 are developing innovations addressing some of the most significant challenges in dementia and neurodegenerative disease – from childhood dementia and Alzheimer’s disease to earlier detection of cognitive decline.
Through CUREator+ Dementia & Cognitive Decline, the companies will receive non-dilutive funding alongside expert commercialisation support and access to industry networks to help accelerate development and build commercially viable Australian healthcare companies.
By backing promising Australian research with capital and commercial expertise, CUREator+ Dementia & Cognitive Decline aims to help translate breakthrough science into technologies and companies capable of improving patient outcomes, attracting further investment and strengthening Australia’s life sciences ecosystem.
The Hon Sam Rae MP, Minister for Aged Care and Seniors said, dementia is the leading cause of death in Australia – making action more important than ever.
“The Albanese Government is proud to support these critical and very promising research projects through the Medical Research Future Fund, backing our best and brightest researchers to make a real difference when it comes to dementia.”
“Our government is investing in the critical research, innovation and commercialisation we need to make sure every Australian can age with dignity and in good health.”
Dr Amanda Vrselja, Program Head, CUREator, said the breadth of technologies supported through the round demonstrates the strength of Australian innovation in dementia and neurodegenerative disease.
“Dementia and cognitive decline are incredibly complex challenges and there will not be a single solution. We need innovation across the spectrum – from detecting disease earlier to developing new therapies capable of slowing or changing its progression.
“These seven companies are tackling that challenge from very different directions, including gene therapy, novel medicines, artificial intelligence and digital diagnostics.
“CUREator+ is committed to helping promising Australian innovations take the critical next steps towards commercialisation. By combining funding with experienced commercialisation support, we can help researchers and founders build investable companies and ultimately move new solutions closer to the people who need them.”
Bronwyn Le Grice, CEO of ANDHealth, said “Dementia and cognitive decline remain among the most significant health challenges facing an ageing Australia. The ability to detect changes early has the power to fundamentally change patient outcomes.”
“These technologies also reflect the calibre of innovation coming out of Australia. With the right funding and commercialisation support, we can support these digital and connected health companies to build the evidence base needed to scale here in Australia and internationally.”
Professor Tanya Buchanan, Dementia Australia CEO, said including the perspectives of people with living experience of dementia is essential in shaping the future of dementia treatment and care.
“We are proud to partner with CUREator+ Dementia & Cognitive Decline to support the research and development of dementia treatment and technologies. Through our Community Steering Committee, Dementia Australia Dementia Advocates share their lived experience of dementia which influence how potential treatments and care are considered. We look forward to seeing what these exciting companies achieve over the coming years.”
The second-round recipients are:
We congratulate the seven companies awarded funding through CUREator+ Dementia & Cognitive Decline Round 2: CodeBreakers, Healthily, Intracellica Bio, Kinoxis Therapeutics, Quinthera, Synerva Therapeutics and TasTest.
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About CUREator+ Dementia & Cognitive Decline
CUREator+ Dementia & Cognitive Decline is a national research translation and commercialisation program delivered in partnership by Brandon BioCatalyst, ANDHealth and Dementia Australia. The program is funded by MRFF Medical Research Commercialisation initiative through the 2023 BioMedTech Incubator – Dementia and Cognitive Decline grant opportunity.
The program supports the translation and commercialisation of early-stage Australian medical research and medical innovations for dementia and cognitive decline with commercial potential.
It supports innovations including therapeutics, diagnostics, biomarkers, medical devices, assistive technologies and digital health technologies designed to improve diagnosis, treatment, monitoring and quality of life for people living with dementia and cognitive decline.
About Brandon BioCatalyst
Brandon BioCatalyst is Australia’s leading life sciences venture capital firm, with more than two decades of experience building globally competitive biotechnology and healthcare companies. Brandon has supported more than 70 companies, helping translate breakthrough science into therapies, technologies and diagnostics that improve lives while delivering economic value for Australia.
About ANDHealth
ANDHealth is Australia’s national commercialisation organisation for digital and connected health, supporting entrepreneurs to build investable businesses and accelerate the adoption of innovative healthcare technologies in Australia and internationally.
About Dementia Australia
Dementia Australia is the source of trusted information, education and services for the estimated more than 446,500 Australians living with dementia, and the more than 1.7 million people involved in their care. We advocate for positive change and support vital research. We are here to support people impacted by dementia, and to enable them to live as well as possible. No matter how you are impacted by dementia or who you are, we are here for you.
For support, please contact the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500. An interpreter service is available. The National Dementia Helpline is funded by the Australian Government. People looking for information can also visit dementia.org.au
For further information please contact:
Ruth Heenan
E: rheenan@bcpvc.com
M: 0416 565 332
