Australia’s small businesses could soon have new weapons to tackle old challenges, thanks to a fresh wave of innovators unveiled by CSIRO this week.
The national science agency just announced its ninth ON Accelerate cohort, a three-month bootcamp that turns bold research into real-world breakthroughs. And this year, biotech and healthcare are front and centre.
From medicated skin gels to VR training that calms chaos in emergency rooms, these 11 research teams are chasing innovations with serious ripple potential across Australia’s SME landscape. We’re talking better antibiotics, cheaper materials for electric vehicles, and a blood test that could finally crack ovarian cancer. This isn’t just lab bench daydreaming. These ventures are primed to go the distance, with a showcase set for June 5 in Melbourne.
“We’re constantly amazed by the groundbreaking solutions from the ON Accelerate teams, and this cohort is an inspiring reflection of Australia’s burgeoning strength in biotech and healthcare innovation,” says Dr Jen Taylor, CSIRO’s Executive Director of Future Industries. And she’s got the data to back it up. Early-stage biotech funding surged 28 percent in 2024, hitting 347 million dollars, according to Cut Through Venture.
Startups with SME-sized impact
Take Elemental Therapeutics from The University of Melbourne. They’re developing PBT2, a molecule designed to combat drug-resistant pneumonia. That is huge news for healthcare and aged care SMEs grappling with infection control. Or consider Enhanced Analgesics from the University of Sydney, working on a long-lasting, non-opioid painkiller. For small businesses in wellness or pharmacy, that’s a potential shelf staple without the risks of opioids.
Then there’s I-VADE, a joint effort between Edith Cowan University and Alpha Immersion, using virtual reality to train healthcare workers in de-escalating violence. It’s a growing concern for clinics, especially in rural or understaffed areas. “We’re incredibly proud to support their journey,” Dr Taylor adds. “This cohort is very impressive, but we know that venture pathways come with plenty of challenges.”
And yes, the challenges are real. These projects are still deep in the lab-to-market trenches, navigating tight budgets and the skepticism that often shadows early-stage science. But ON Accelerate gives them a leg up. The program connects teams with industry mentors and investors and has already helped create 83 companies that have raised more than 336 million dollars in grants.
What’s in it for small business owners
Not every project screams immediate commercial payoff. 3DCeraFlex from James Cook University is 3D-printing flexible ceramics for high-heat gear. That could be a game changer for defense or energy sectors, though not exactly your average café. But others, like Amorfoil from CSIRO, are designing efficient materials that could cut production costs for small manufacturers or EV startups. And then there’s ProSeek Bio from QIMR Berghofer, developing a blood test to detect ovarian cancer. That could prove transformative for diagnostic startups, particularly those run by women.
“Our ninth ON Accelerate cohort showcases the researchers working at the cutting edge of technology, particularly in drug development, healthcare delivery, and diagnostics, addressing some of society’s greatest challenges,” Dr Taylor notes. And for small businesses, that is the real draw. These are not abstract ideas. They are practical fixes to everyday problems, from managing chronic pain to improving surgical precision. Cheers to Viortec for that one.
So what does this mean for small business owners? Maybe a future partner, a smarter supplier, or just a shot of inspiration to think bigger. “By fuelling Australia’s technology ecosystem with bright minds, we empower researchers to see their work evolve from the lab to reality, creating a brighter and healthier future for all,” Dr Taylor says.
For now, these 11 teams are powering through a three-month sprint. In June, we’ll see which ones are ready to shake up the status quo.
Register to attend the ON Accelerate 9 Showcase.
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