Australia’s vaccine and infectious-disease research sector has received a significant boost with the official launch of Biointelect Venturer, a new national incubator designed to accelerate local scientific breakthroughs from early discovery toward commercial reality.
Applications open today for the first cohort of innovators, marking the beginning of a long-anticipated effort to turn world-class Australian science into market-ready products.
Backed by $32.9 million in funding from the Australian Government through the Medical Research Future Fund’s 2024 BioMedTech Incubator initiative, Biointelect Venturer will support researchers working on vaccines, immunotherapies and related technologies.
Successful applicants will be eligible for up to $5 million in non-dilutive funding, as well as strategic guidance, commercialisation support, and access to national and global networks. Expressions of interest close on 19 December, with the first intake expected to begin in early Q3 2026.
For Emeritus Professor Paul Young, a leading vaccine researcher, the launch represents a long-overdue investment in Australia’s scientific strengths. “Australia’s vaccine research ecosystem just got its shot in the arm — literally,” he said. “Funding for Australia’s new incubator for vaccine development signals real confidence in Australia’s ability to lead the next generation of vaccine innovation. We’ve long had the science and the talent — now we are finally seeing the investment to match.”
Despite strong scientific foundations, Australia has historically struggled to translate early-stage discoveries into commercial products. Researchers frequently face the so-called 'valley of death,' where promising concepts stall due to a lack of support for mid-stage development. Traditional grants rarely fund activities needed to move a product toward industry or investor readiness, often leaving innovators with nowhere to go.
“Biointelect Venturer aims to boost the current trajectory,” states Leah Goodman, Chief Executive Officer of Biointelect. “By providing the right funding, mentorship, and strategic frameworks, it will work hard to guide innovators to bridge the translation gap and bring new health technologies to life for the prevention of infectious diseases.”
“The focus will be on innovations with the highest unmet clinical need, clear global health and regional security benefit and strong potential for commercialisation,” she said.
Over the next four years, the incubator will support three cohorts of innovators with a package of tailored assistance. That includes catalytic funding, expert guidance on development and commercialisation, connections to partners across industry and academia, and an emphasis on ensuring innovations meet real-world health and market needs.
“Our ambition for this incubator to be a game changer and firmly place Australian vaccine and infectious disease innovation on the global stage,” said Jenny Herz, Co-Founder and Director of Biointelect. “Ultimately, our aspiration is for Biointelect Venturer to become a world-leading catalyst for transformative local innovation and impact, with our vision to build a sustainable and diversified funding model that goes beyond federal grants.”
“It’s a pivotal moment for Australian vaccine research - the kind that turns potential into real global impact. This investment ensures our best minds can translate world-class science into life-saving outcomes. It’s exciting and significant for Australia,” added Professor Young.