Australian innovation finance specialist Radium Capital has surpassed $1 billion in funding, underscoring its role as a key enabler of the nation’s research and development (R&D) ecosystem.
Since its founding in 2017, Radium Capital has provided early access to more than 1,000 companies’ R&D Tax Incentive refunds through its signature Radium Advances program. The milestone underscores the increasing significance of R&D finance as a catalyst for Australia’s innovation economy.
Managing Director Jeremy Loftus said the achievement reflected the company’s ongoing commitment to supporting innovators across all sectors. “For early-stage companies, R&D finance often provides the funding backbone,” Mr Loftus said. “It’s a game changer for businesses at all stages — from startups to ASX-listed firms — providing non-dilutive funding that can be reinvested into research, smooth cash flow, or position companies for future capital raises.”
Western Australian Minister for Science and Innovation Stephen Dawson congratulated the Perth-founded business, noting its impact across industries such as mining, medtech, and deep tech. “Radium Capital has played a valuable role in helping many innovative companies access the funding they need to keep developing, employing and commercialising their ideas here in Australia,” Minister Dawson said. “These businesses are creating jobs, boosting the economy and helping solve some of the world’s toughest problems.”
Mr Loftus said R&D lending was now becoming an embedded feature of the capital strategies of Australian innovators. “Some clients access funding quarterly or even monthly to expand their R&D capacity throughout the year, helping them grow faster and get their products to market sooner,” he said. “For companies running capital-intensive programs like clinical trials, R&D finance enables continuity without sacrificing equity or waiting up to 18 months for R&DTI refunds.”
Among Radium’s clients is ElectraLith, a sustainable mining-tech innovator whose CEO, Charlie McGill, said Radium’s support was crucial during the company’s Series A funding round. “They helped us when we were in a very tight situation and through that we were able to keep the technology progressing,” Mr McGill said. “That bridge allowed us to raise A$27.5 million in an oversubscribed round and ultimately be recognised as one of the World Economic Forum’s top innovators in 2025.”
Mr Loftus said Radium’s mission extended beyond finance, with the company focused on fostering community and collaboration across Australia’s innovation ecosystem. “R&D can be a lonely road,” he said. “We work hard to connect founders, investors and partners who can help them along the journey.”
Cicada Innovations Group Executive for Impact and Ecosystems, Sian Priest, said Radium’s role went well beyond that of a lender. “It’s amazing to have an organisation that not only funds innovation but shows up and supports the ecosystem across Australia,” she said. “One billion dollars in funding is an incredible achievement — it’s enabling innovators to do more, faster, and there are companies that simply wouldn’t be here today without them.”