The University of Western Australia is accelerating the transformation of health care through targeted seed funding that supports a new wave of medtech initiatives. The 2025 Innovation Seed Fund, backed by the State Government’s Future Health Research and Innovation (FHRI) Fund, has allotted almost $5 million to 12 research‑led start‑ups. These companies span heart health, cystic fibrosis, orthopaedics, respiratory medicine, and diagnostic testing, bringing cutting‑edge solutions closer to market and to patients in Western Australia and beyond.
How the Innovation Seed Fund Drives Commercialisation
Seed funding is the bridge between laboratory discovery and commercial product development. With capital, teams can conduct pre‑clinical trials, refine prototypes, secure regulatory approvals, and begin building manufacturing pipelines. In the past, many promising Australian inventions stalled at the “proof of concept” stage due to limited financing.
UWA’s involvement is dual‑fold: 1) the university hosts the research teams that generate breakthroughs, and 2) it provides governance and industry‑partner networks that turn ideas into viable businesses. The Harmony of academia and industry in this model means research can be translated into high‑value health products faster than in a purely academic setting.
Key Projects Receiving Seed Funding
Below is a snapshot of the projects awarded funding and the clinical problems they aim to solve.
1. Respirion Pharmaceuticals – Inhaled RSP‑1502 for Cystic Fibrosis
Clinical Associate Professor Barry Clements leads Respirion, a spin‑out that receives $649,312. The company is developing an inhaled version of the drug RSP‑1502, designed to reduce infection and inflammation in cystic fibrosis lungs. The therapy could shorten hospital stays, lower antibiotic requirements, and improve quality of life for the approximately 3,000 Australians living with the disease.
2. Every Heartbeat Matters – Pocket‑Sized Radar for Home Heart Monitoring
Professor Girish Dwivedi’s collaboration with the University of Sydney aims to integrate a low‑cost radar sensor into everyday objects, such as a kettle or smart mirror. The $99,937 grant will fund hardware development, signal‑processing algorithms, and user‑acceptance studies. The goal is early detection of cardiac arrest or arrhythmia, especially for seniors who live alone.
3. Asthma Innovation – Small Molecule Therapy
Dr Thomas Iosifidis, a respiratory researcher at UWA Medical School, secured $499,640 to forge the first‑in‑class small molecules that target airway repair in asthma patients. By focusing on the root cause rather than symptoms, this therapy could reduce exacerbations and the cumulative burden of the disease on the healthcare system.
4. ArthroLase – Robotic‑Assisted Laser Arthroplasty
Professor Riaz Khan’s company, ArthroLase, received $496,332 to refine the HAiLO™ System. The technology uses a laser to shape bone with millimetre precision, potentially enabling minimally invasive joint resurfacing with less tissue damage and faster recovery.
5. Promarker® Endo – Blood Test for Endometriosis
Dr Richard Lipscombe’s Proteomics International, in partnership with the Harry Perkins Institute, got $500,000 to commercialise Promarker® Endo. The assay can detect endometriosis early, reducing diagnostic delay and enabling disease‑specific treatment plans.
6. Project Hummingbird – Pre‑eclampsia Risk Test
Professor Samuel Lundin’s Biotome ventures $498,000 into a novel, cost‑effective antibody panel that predicts pre‑eclampsia risk. Early identification allows obstetricians to intensify monitoring, possibly preventing severe complications for both mother and baby.
7. Vedette® – Continuous IV Leak Detector for Neonates
Dr Nipanjana Patra’s Pretect Devices receives $494,821 to deliver a sensor that continuously monitors IV lines in premature infants. By warning staff of extravasation, the device can prevent tissue damage and improve outcomes for vulnerable newborns.
8. MateriaPOD – Organ and Tissue Transporter
Dr Emily Zhen’s Materia Health is funded with $500,000 to build a device that maintains optimal temperature and oxygenation during organ transport. This could extend viable organ windows for transplant patients, saving lives.
Impact Beyond Local Borders
While the immediate beneficiaries are Western Australian patients, the long‑term outcomes touch global markets. Building domestic manufacturing capabilities can reduce import dependencies, create skilled jobs, and position Australia as a leader in medtech exports.
Moreover, the funding strategy aligns with the Australian government’s National Health Innovation Agenda, which prioritises patient‑centred solutions and rapid pathways to market.
How to Get Involved If You’re a New Startup
UWA’s startup ecosystem welcomes external teams and entrepreneurs who share a vision for patient‑centric innovation. Steps to apply for seed funding or connect with the university’s incubators are:
- Identify a commercialising partner within UWA research centres.
- Prepare a concise business plan highlighting clinical need, competitive advantage, and scalability.
- Submit an application to the FHRI Fund Innovation Seed Fund cycle of interest.
- Leverage UWA’s industry advisory board for mentorship and potential co‑investments.
Take the Next Step Toward Medtech Innovation
For research teams looking to transition from prototype to product, the University of Western Australia offers a robust support network, funding access, and a strategic location near world‑class laboratories and industry partners.
- Contact the UWA Innovation Hub for guidance on funding rounds.
- Explore collaboration opportunities through UWA’s Industry Partnerships portal.
- Consider applying for additional seed programs such as the FHRI Innovation Seed Fund next cycle.
Invest in a healthier future by supporting the next generation of medtech breakthroughs that originate in Western Australia.
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Want to find out more about medtech opportunities at UWA? Engage with the university’s Innovation Hub or share your insights in the comments below.
