Intan Oldakowska, CEO and Co‑Founder of Earflo, has been named the winner of the Early Stage Innovation Forum 2026 held as part of the AusMedtech Conference in Perth.
The forum, running since 2018, gives early-stage innovators the chance to pitch to a panel of industry experts and receive feedback that helps move projects and technologies toward commercialisation, one of AusBiotech’s key efforts to support start-ups and SMEs on their commercial journeys.
Oldakowska, a biomedical engineer and entrepreneur focused on clinically driven, commercially viable technologies, leads Earflo, a company developing a non-invasive at-home treatment for negative middle ear pressure in young children.
The condition can cause fluid buildup and chronic ear infections, and Earflo’s device combines precision pressure therapy with a child-friendly design and a companion app to support consistent treatment. Developed by biomedical engineers and ENT specialists, the device has earned recognition from TIME, CES and the Anthem Awards for innovation in healthcare.
“Winning the Early Stage Innovation Forum at AusMedtech 2026 was an incredibly proud moment for the Earflo team. As a start-up company, bringing a medical device from concept to commercialisation is a long and challenging journey, so this recognition is meaningful validation of the work our team has put in and the impact we hope to make for families affected by glue ear,” Oldakowska said.
“For me personally, the award reflects the dedication of our team, the support of our clinical collaborators, and the many families who have trusted us and shared their experiences along the way. Their support has been instrumental in helping us develop a solution that gives families another option before surgery.
"Attending AusMedtech 2026 was also a valuable experience. It was an opportunity to connect with investors, clinicians, industry leaders and fellow innovators, while gaining new insights and perspectives. The conference highlighted the strength of Australia's medtech community and the incredible support we have in WA, which has given us additional momentum as we continue to grow Earflo and expand our impact.”