Pre-Clinical Stream

The Preclinical Stream provides grant funding of up to $500,000 (per project) for preclinical medical research or medical innovation projects based in Australia with commercial potential.

This program, supported by the MRFF Early Stage Translation and Commercialisation Support (ESTAC) grant, identifies early-stage biomedical technologies that require targeted funding to support their progression to the point that they are investment or partnering ready.

Projects must conduct obvious key milestone tests and/or experiments in anticipation of achieving all or some of the following:
• de-risking an asset
• confirming a proof of concept
• working towards improving the attractiveness and investability of the project

This is likely to include studies such as:
• key proof-of-concept experiments
• mechanism of action studies
• lead optimisation and lead selection
• formal development
• indication selection
• commercial positioning
• validation activities

All preclinical stream awardees are invited to apply for additional grant funding through this stream (up to an additional $500,000) upon successfully meeting key milestones and project outcomes.

The goal of top-up funding is to further support the de-risking and maturation of projects towards successful commercialisation outcomes. Applicants are not guaranteed top-up funding. Top-up funding is awarded through a competitive, multi-stage process:

1. Application: CUREator preclinical stream awardees will be invited to submit an Additional funding application to CUREator, to be assessed by the CUREator Investment Review Committee (IRC), including a nationally representative sub-committee of the Brandon BioCatalyst IRC and independent members with significant sector expertise.
2. Presentation: If shortlisted for top-up funding, applicants will be required to address feedback from the CUREator IRC in written format and will be invited to present to the committee.
3. Due Diligence and execution: If selected for funding, the CUREator team will work with the company including the legal and business development team to complete corporate due diligence, IP (Intellectual Property) review, project planning, timing, budgets and milestones.

Top-up funding for the Preclinical Stream is offered through two competitive rounds. The first round is now closed. The second and final round is currently under review.

Awardees of the Preclinical Stream can be found here for Round 1 and here for Round 2.