As Australia's Biggest Week in Biotech approaches, AusBiotech is celebrating four emerging companies that have joined its growing national community through AusBiotech Connect, a membership designed to support the next generation of biotechnology, medical technology and health technology innovators.
Launched in 2026, AusBiotech Connect provides an accessible entry point for early-stage companies in their first two years of operation, connecting founders with the relationships, knowledge and opportunities needed to support their growth.
From artificial intelligence transforming scientific research and advanced materials enabling new therapies, to biotechnology research in space and precision cancer treatments, AusBiotech's newest Connect members reflect the diversity and ambition of Australia's emerging life sciences sector.
AusBiotech is delighted to welcome BowerLabs, PurerPoly, Outlier Space and Platypus Bio to the AusBiotech community.
BowerLabs: Accelerating scientific discovery through AI
BowerLabs is developing technology to capture the knowledge, observations and decisions behind scientific research, helping organisations improve reproducibility, retain expertise and accelerate research and development.
Through smart glasses and other interfaces, Bower captures experiments and scientific observations as they happen, transforming research activities into reusable organisational knowledge. Its technology is designed to support a future in which scientists and AI work together to make research faster, more effective and easier to scale.
Bower is led by co-founders Michelle MacRae, CEO and Chief Product Officer; Renaud Joannes-Boyau, Chief Science Officer; James Boysons, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Revenue Officer; and David Lyon, Chief Technology Officer.
"This community matters to us because our role is getting Australian innovation into the world faster, and we want to build with Aussie scientists, learn from them, and help them commercialise faster," a spokesperson said.
Michelle is speaking at the AusBiotech International Conference, held from 21–23 October, as part of Australia's Biggest Week in Biotech on the Gold Coast.
Outlier Space: Taking biotechnology research beyond Earth
Outlier Space is opening new possibilities for biotechnology, pharmaceutical and advanced materials research by providing reliable access to microgravity.
Led by global aerospace experts, the company combines a reusable satellite platform with end-to-end mission services, enabling researchers and innovators to explore opportunities for scientific discovery, product development and future manufacturing in orbit.
Working alongside payload partners, Outlier provides biotechnology and pharmaceutical research and manufacturing services designed to reduce the complexity of accessing space-based research environments.
Alex Linossier, Head of Customer at Outlier Space, explained: "The potential of microgravity is significant, but understanding where it creates genuine value can be challenging. That's where Outlier and our partners stand apart.
"We work alongside our partners, researchers, innovators and commercial teams to identify opportunities, navigate complexity, and define a practical path to space and back, aligned to their objectives."
Alex will also be speaking at the AusBiotech International Conference, held from 21–23 October, as part of Australia's Biggest Week in Biotech on the Gold Coast.
Platypus Bio: Programming precision cancer treatments
Sydney-based Platypus Bio is translating pioneering RNA-sensing research into next-generation medicines and diagnostics, with the ambition of developing cancer treatments capable of distinguishing diseased cells from healthy ones through precise genetic signals.
Its lead therapeutic platform, TRICK (Trigger RNA-Induced Cell Killing), is designed to recognise cancer-associated RNA signatures, including single-nucleotide mutations, and selectively destroy diseased cells while sparing healthy cells.
The company's initial focus is acute myeloid leukaemia, an aggressive blood cancer for which relapse and treatment toxicity remain significant challenges.
In 2026, Platypus Bio secured $1.81 million through the NSW Government's RNA Pipeline Grants program to advance preclinical development of TRICK. It has also progressed its complementary RNA-based diagnostics platform, TRACE, through a US ARPA-H-supported research consortium focused on multi-cancer early detection.
As it advances towards planned in vivo proof of concept for acute myeloid leukaemia in late 2027, Platypus Bio is seeking investment and strategic partnerships to accelerate development.
Chris Alma, CEO of Platypus Bio, said: "Australia has world-class scientific talent and a thriving life sciences ecosystem. For an emerging biotech like Platypus Bio, being part of AusBiotech Connect is about building the relationships that turn breakthrough research into real treatments for patients. We're excited to collaborate with investors, industry partners and fellow innovators as we take that next step."
Chris is presenting at the Early-Stage Innovation Forum (ESIF) at the AusBiotech International Conference, held from 21–23 October, as part of Australia's Biggest Week in Biotech on the Gold Coast.
PurerPoly: Advancing the next generation of long-acting therapeutics
Melbourne-based start-up PurerPoly is developing a new bioresorbable polymer platform designed to support the next generation of long-acting injectable therapeutics.
Its naturally metal-free platform aims to overcome limitations associated with conventional PLGA materials, including residual metal catalysts, manufacturing costs and batch inconsistency.
By improving the purity, performance and cost efficiency of drug delivery materials, PurerPoly aims to help developers advance new therapeutic solutions, including treatments involving sensitive biologics.
"We are a Melbourne start-up reinventing PLGA manufacture to unlock the next generation of long-acting therapeutics," said Mark Appleford, Founder of PurerPoly.
"We make excipients, so recognise that we are only ever part of a therapeutic solution.
"Being tied into the wider AusBiotech community means that we can find partners, customers and suppliers more rapidly."
Mark is also presenting at ESIF at the AusBiotech International Conference, held from 21–23 October, as part of Australia's Biggest Week in Biotech on the Gold Coast.
Supporting innovation from the very beginning
40 years, AusBiotech has supported Australia's life sciences sector across every stage of the innovation journey, from research and translation through to development, commercialisation, manufacturing and global growth.
AusBiotech Connect builds on this commitment by ensuring emerging companies can participate in Australia's largest life sciences business community from the beginning of their business journey.
Connect members benefit from industry networking opportunities, professional development and knowledge sharing, member pricing for national conferences, access to AusBiotech communications and insights, and opportunities to contribute to national policy and advocacy.
Hayley van der Meer, AusBiotech's Director of Membership Services & Strategic Partnerships, said, "AusBiotech Connect reinforces our longstanding commitment to supporting the next generation of Australian biotech, medtech and health tech innovators. Our goal is to ensure they can access the relationships, knowledge and opportunities they need from the very beginning of their journey and thrive as part of Australia's largest life sciences business community."
Connect with AusBiotech at Australia's Biggest Week in Biotech
With Australia's Biggest Week in Biotech taking place on the Gold Coast from 19–23 October, there is no better opportunity to connect with the people, organisations and ideas shaping the future of Australia's life sciences sector.
Meet Hayley and the AusBiotech Membership team at the Member Lounge at the Gold Coast Convention & Exhibition Centre, 21-23 October, to discuss how AusBiotech can support your organisation.
Whether you're an established AusBiotech member or an emerging company interested in joining our community, AusBiotech encourages you to visit the Member Lounge and say hello.
Learn more about AusBiotech Connect and discover how membership can support your organisation's next stage of growth: https://www.ausbiotech.org/ABT/Members/AusBiotech_Connect.aspx
Find out more about Australia's Biggest Week in Biotech: https://biggestweekinbiotech.com
