Biotech Innovators Program
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The 2025 Biotech Innovators Program is designed for Victorian-based scientists, researchers, clinicians, SME, and tech transfer professionals who are looking to build their research translation skills.
- Under the guidance of the Brandon Capital investment team, you will cover foundational therapeutic development theory and explore the pathways and frameworks available.
- Internationally recognised guest speakers will augment the theory and contextualise the available pathways and frameworks by sharing their personal experiences.
- Facilitated interactive workshops will provide you with the opportunity to apply what you have learned, so that you’ll leave the program with a business plan for your research idea.
- You’ll be joining a cohort of like-minded participants embarking on a transformative journey that’ll expand your professional network to include peers facing similar opportunities and challenges.
You’ll also leave the program with the confidence that comes from insights that cannot be found through a google search or Chat GPT.
Program Details
Delivered via four in-person monthly seminars at The Cluster, Level 17, 31 Queen St Melbourne CBD:
- Thursday 21 August (2pm to 4.30pm with networking to follow): How to know if you have a good idea?
- Wednesday 17 September (2pm to 4.30pm): Translating research discoveries into drug development programs.
- Thursday 9 October (2pm to 4.30pm): Translating research to the Clinic.
- Thursday 13 November (2pm to 4.30pm with networking to follow): Company formation and fundraising.
To get the most out of the program, you’ll need to commit to attending each session in person.
Seminar One – How do you know if you have a good idea?
Delivered by Brandon Capital Investment Associate Dr Melissa Byrne and international guest speaker Dr Nick Wilson, Head of Immunology Research Unit at Biogen.
- Value proposition
- Stakeholders
- Prioritising market segments using target validation and commercial appetite
- Drug discovery and development – taking a product-centric approach to TPP and modality selection
Seminar Two – Translating research discoveries into drug development programs
Delivered by Brandon Capital Investment Manager Dr Katherine Jackman, Pre-Clinical Project Advisor Dr Ian Holmes, and Brandon Capital UK Partner, Dr Jonathan Tobin.
- Target validation
- Designing your development program – taking a product-centric view
- Modality and indication-specific considerations
- When to engage with regulatory bodies and what guidance to expect
Seminar Three – Translating research to the clinic
Brandon Capital Senior Investment Manager Bob Soh, M.D., and international guest speaker Dr Julie Cherrington, Board of Syncona Ltd, Actym Therapeutics (Chair), Tolremo Therapeutics (Chair), and MycRx (Chair).
- Clinical trial strategy
- Overall trial design including endpoint considerations
- Incorporating regulatory and reimbursement considerations
- Working collaboratively with regulatory bodies
Seminar Four – Company formation and fundraising
Brandon Capital Dr Chris Smith, with Dr Jane Rhodes, CEO of AstronauTx.
- Company structure, key governing documents and operations
- Future financing rounds – when to fundraise and who to approach
- Building commercial relationships and positioning for exit
- Team building, leadership and working with the Board
How to apply to the Biotech Innovators Program
Applications for the 2025 program are now closed.
The Places for Biotech Innovators program has limited spots available for individuals with a research idea who want to develop it into a business plan. Applicants need to describe their plan in a non-confidential way in under 250 words and provide a referee.
The Brandon Capital investment team will assess applications, and candidates will be notified of the results in writing.
