Overview of the Partnership
AusBiotech and Sydney-based life sciences company creator Proto Axiom have joined forces. Together, they signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to strengthen national coordination across investor-focused life sciences programs. This move marks a significant step forward for Australia’s biotech and health innovation ecosystem.
The partnership aims to build a more connected journey for researchers and founders. It creates clearer pathways from early-stage pitching and validation through to national industry platforms and later-stage investment. Furthermore, it aligns key events into a coordinated calendar that benefits innovators at every stage.
What the MOU Covers
The MOU between AusBiotech and Proto Axiom outlines a structured, multi-event collaboration. It covers programs running from March through to September 2026. Additionally, the agreement establishes a foundation for ongoing co-designed initiatives in areas of national health importance.
Broadly, the partnership targets three goals. First, it connects early-stage founders with experienced investors. Second, it creates structured exposure to industry platforms. Third, it brings underfunded health areas — particularly women’s health — into the national innovation spotlight.
Key Programs in the 2026 Calendar
Challenger Pitch for Health
The first event under this partnership kicks off in March 2026. Proto Axiom runs Challenger Pitch for Health in collaboration with the St Vincent’s Curran Foundation. This national pitch competition awards $500,000 in non-dilutive grants to leading researcher-founders.
Non-dilutive funding is especially valuable. It allows innovators to grow their research without giving up equity. As a result, founders retain greater control over their intellectual property and commercial direction.
Early Stage Innovation Forum (ESIF) Sessions
Next, the Early Stage Innovation Forum (ESIF) sessions take place in May and October. These sessions run alongside the AusMedtech and the AusBiotech International Conference. Consequently, early-stage innovators gain direct exposure to industry leaders, investors, and commercialisation pathways at the same time.
This format is strategic. Innovators do not need to attend separate events to build the same connections. Instead, they access a concentrated network of stakeholders in a single, well-structured setting.
New Joint Program: Women’s Health Focus
In August 2026, AusBiotech and Proto Axiom will launch a brand-new co-designed initiative. This joint program focuses on specific research areas of national interest. Importantly, the initial emphasis centers on translational innovation in women’s health — a historically underfunded area in biomedical research.
By placing women’s health at the center of the agenda, this program addresses a long-standing gap. Moreover, it signals to the broader ecosystem that underrepresented health areas deserve dedicated investment pathways.
What Leaders Are Saying
Proto Axiom CEO Anthony Liveris spoke directly about the importance of connected ecosystems. He noted that researchers do not experience innovation in silos. They move from lab to pitch, then from conference to capital raise. He expressed particular excitement about the August program and its focus on putting underfunded health areas at the center of Australia’s innovation agenda.
AusBiotech CEO Rebekah Cassidy also shared her perspective. She described the Proto Axiom partnership as part of a broader set of investment-focused collaborations AusBiotech builds nationally. Moreover, she highlighted its role in helping Australian companies prepare to engage with capital at each stage of their growth journey.
Why This Partnership Matters
Australia has a strong research base. However, translating that research into commercial outcomes has historically been a challenge. Many founders struggle to navigate the gap between academic discovery and investor-ready products. This partnership directly addresses that gap.
By aligning key events and programs, AusBiotech and Proto Axiom reduce friction in the founder journey. Additionally, the partnership signals a maturing of Australia’s life sciences investment landscape. It shows that leading organizations are willing to coordinate — rather than compete — for the benefit of the broader ecosystem.
Looking Ahead
The collaboration between AusBiotech and Proto Axiom sets a strong precedent. Other organizations in the life sciences sector can look to this model as an example of effective national coordination. Furthermore, the focus on women’s health and translational innovation shows a commitment to equity and impact.
Together, these programs create a pathway where Australia’s best research ideas can find the capital, mentorship, and platforms they need to grow. That outcome benefits not just founders and investors — it benefits patients and communities across the country.
