Australia’s leading life sciences incubator, CUREator, delivered by Brandon BioCatalyst in partnership with CSIRO, has opened applications for a new $33 million BioMedTech Incubator (BMTI) funding round.
Funded through the Australian Government’s Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF), the program supports early-stage biotech ventures that develop innovative therapies with strong commercial potential across the discovery, preclinical, and clinical stages.
Successful applicants will receive $1 million to $5 million in non-dilutive funding per project, released in milestone-driven tranches designed to instil commercial discipline and ensure capital is directed toward the most promising opportunities.
Brandon BioCatalyst founder and CEO Dr Chris Nave said the incubator has become a critical platform for translating Australian science into viable health technologies.
“In just four years, CUREator-supported companies have attracted more than $150 million in external investment capital, with 10,000 patients benefiting through clinical trials and implementation,” Dr Nave said. “It’s a growing alumni with real impact, and we’re excited to welcome the next wave of Australian innovators.”
The incubator model pairs funding with mentorship, technical support, and access to global industry networks. Preclinical projects can secure funding of $1 to $1.5 million, while clinical-stage ventures can apply for funding of $1 to $2.5 million, with top-up funding available for high-performing teams.
CSIRO’s Professor Susie Nilsson, Research Director for the Biomedical Manufacturing Program, said the initiative strengthens Australia’s innovation pipeline by closing the gap between discovery and clinical application.
“By bridging research and clinical translation, the BioMedTech incubator will deliver life-saving therapies and technologies — driving real impact for patients and strengthening Australia’s biotech and medtech sectors,” she said.
For the first time, applicants can also opt in for review by global partners AbbVie and CSL, providing exposure to international investment and collaboration opportunities via a single application.
AbbVie’s Green and Gold Innovation Award offers up to US$1 million (approximately A$1.5 million) to support early-stage Australian biotechs, including equity investments of up to $250,000 with potential top-ups of up to $500,000 for high-performing projects across immunology, oncology, neuroscience, obesity, and aesthetics.
“We’re investing in science, people, and ecosystems to shape tomorrow’s cures,” said Christian Schubert, VP of AbbVie Ventures. “The Green & Gold program is about supporting novel ideas that could lead to transformational medicines.”
CSL’s Research Acceleration Initiative (RAI) provides up to US$400,000 in non-dilutive funding over two years, connecting researchers to CSL’s global network of scientific and commercial expertise.
“Our collaboration with CUREator reflects a shared commitment to supporting early-stage discoveries and translating them into real-world therapies,” said Dr Marthe D’Ombrain, CSL’s Head of Research External Innovation.
Expressions of Interest for the first cohort are now open and close on Thursday, 4 December 2025. Applicants can attend a national information webinar on Monday, 20 October 2025 and regional roadshows across Perth, Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Adelaide.
Applications can be made via cureator.awardsplatform.com.