Senior Research Scientist Shanon Ranjit from the Garvan Institute of Medical Research has been named the winner of the Early-Stage Innovation Forum (ESIF) 2025, held as part of the AusMedtech conference in Sydney.
Since 2018, the ESIF has provided early-stage innovators with the opportunity to pitch to a panel of industry experts, gathering valuable feedback that helps them commercialise their projects and technologies. This initiative is one aspect of AusBiotech’s work in empowering start-ups and SMEs during their commercialisation journey.
Ranjit’s research on a liquid biopsy test for the early detection of acute kidney injury (AKI) stood out for its scientific rigour, clinical relevance, and potential for patient care.
The ESIF is a cornerstone of the AusMedtech program, spotlighting emerging innovators and early-stage technologies poised to drive significant change.
This year, Ranjit’s pitch captivated the judging panel with its clarity, passion, and focus on real-world impact, addressing a longstanding challenge in kidney health.
The liquid biopsy test uses methylation biomarkers to detect kidney damage, with an initial focus on early diagnosis.
“What inspired us was the significant gap in specific, early diagnostic tools for kidney injury and diseases, especially in post-operative patients who face life-threatening complications post-surgery,” Ranjit explained.
Acute kidney injury is a serious and often underdiagnosed complication in hospital settings, especially following surgery or sepsis. Early detection can significantly improve outcomes. However, current diagnostic options are limited and frequently too slow to support timely intervention.
Ranjit and her team saw an opportunity to apply molecular technologies to make early detection faster, more accessible, and ultimately more actionable.
Turning a lab-based concept into a clinically viable tool is no easy task. For Ranjit, the journey was marked by scientific and operational challenges.
“Translating a molecular concept into a clinically viable test required navigating complex discovery strategies, technical validation, securing ethical approvals, and coordinating pilot studies — all with limited resources,” she said.
One major hurdle wasn’t just the test itself, but what comes after a diagnosis.
“One of the biggest challenges we faced is the lack of therapeutics for kidney diseases, meaning that once we detect an acute kidney injury, clinicians have limited options for treatment,” she said. “Fortunately, there are a suite of therapeutics currently in clinical trials which will help bridge this gap.”
Winning ESIF 2025 is a signal of recognition and momentum. It is “a huge validation, not just of the science behind our work, but of its real-world relevance,” she said. “It provides both visibility and momentum, helping us move closer to scaling the assay for broader clinical use.”
As part of her prize, Ranjit receives two complimentary passes to AusMedtech 2026 and the support of AusBiotech’s communications platforms, connecting her innovation to a broader national and global audience.
At the core of Ranjit's work is a commitment to improving health outcomes.
“I hope our technology empowers clinicians to detect and manage acute kidney injury earlier and more efficiently than is currently possible, which will save lives and reduce the burden on the healthcare system,” she said. “For patients, it means earlier intervention, personalised care plans and ultimately better health outcomes.”
“Groundbreaking research only becomes transformative when it leaves the lab and enters clinics. Translation bridges that gap, turning promising discoveries into practical tools that improve patient care and save lives.”
Looking ahead, Ranjit is focused on expanding the test’s clinical validation and exploring partnerships for commercialisation.
The team is also exploring how this test could be adapted for other chronic conditions where early detection is key.
AusBiotech said it congratulates Ranjit on this well-deserved recognition and looks forward to seeing what comes next.
