Enterprising Melbourne Review 2024

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We know it takes time, resources and the right mix of people, research and capital to translate a good idea into lasting impact and commercial success.

Enterprising Melbourne Review is the University of Melbourne’s annual publication showcasing commercialisation and entrepreneurship highlights, metrics and inspiring case studies of industry partnerships, social ventures and startups active in the University’s innovation ecosystem during 2024.

2024 in numbers

# 721 RESEARCH CONTRACTS WITH EXTERNAL PARTNERS IN 2024
# 156 INVENTION DISCLOSURES RECEIVED IN 2024
# $785M INVESTMENT RAISED BY UMC PORTFOLIO COMPANIES SINCE 2020

2024 innovation ecosystem highlights

December 2024

Faculty of Science's Professor Paul Donnelly is awarded the Richard Robson Chair of Chemistry, in recognition of his research and leadership in discovery-based chemistry and its clinical translation to benefit society.

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September 2024

Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences establishes Innovator Award scheme, granting $1M to teams driving health research translation projects.

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September 2024

Collaboration established between Sony Corporation and the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences to develop a digital surgical training system.

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“The academic-industry collaboration means we now have a broad clinical development pipeline with products in Phase III trials, some of which have already improved people’s lives.”

– Dr Alan Taylor, Executive Chairperson, Clarity Pharmaceuticals

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Portrait shot of Alan Taylor
Clarity Pharmaceuticals is developing next-generation radiopharmaceuticals for cancer patients.

Explore stories of impact

Clarity Pharmaceuticals is a clinical stage, ASX-listed radiopharmaceutical company that aims to transform oncology management through developing safer, more effective diagnostics and treatments with the ultimate goal of improving outcomes for people with cancer.

Clarity Pharmaceuticals

From the Australian benchtop to the ASX: developing next-generation radiopharmaceuticals for cancer patients

YEAR ESTABLISHED: 2010 
SECTOR: Therapeutics and Diagnostics 
FACULTY: Faculty of Science
IMPACT PATHWAYS: Startup, Partnership, Licensing

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The Leaf Protein Co.

Protein goes green: edible superfood aiming to tackle environmental and health challenges

YEAR ESTABLISHED: 2020 
SECTOR: Agtech 
FACULTY: Faculty of Science (alum), Faculty of Engineering and IT (alum) 
IMPACT PATHWAY: Startup

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Researcher testing pea crops in large field
For decades, plant-based protein has focused on soy, pea and wheat – but these come with sustainability challenges and dietary limitations. The Leaf Protein Co. is exploring new food manufacturing possibilities by extracting protein from leaves, a widely available yet underutilised resource, to support a more diverse and sustainable food system.
Traditional social skills programs often fail neurodivergent kids, forcing them to fit neurotypical expectations rather than supporting authentic social growth. Next Level Collaboration takes a different approach by using cooperative video games to foster teamwork, communication and confidence in a way that aligns with their strengths.

Next Level Collaboration

Using video games to empower neurodivergent children and adults

YEAR ESTABLISHED:  2020 
SECTOR:  Social enterprise
FACULTY: Faculty of Education 
IMPACT PATHWAYS: Startup, Social  venture

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Denteric

Novel immunotherapy targets periodontal disease

YEAR ESTABLISHED: 2019 
SECTOR: Biotech 
FACULTY: Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences 
IMPACT PATHWAYS: Licensing, Startup

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Denteric is developing an immunotherapy that targets the bacteria causing periodontal gum disease, offering hope to the one billion people worldwide suffering from this chronic and painful condition that increases the risk of serious health complications.
The road from conceptualising medical devices to achieving clinical application can be long and arduous. Melbourne-based Neo-Bionica hopes to transform this path with its unique commercialisation and manufacturing services supporting innovative startups and established companies.

Neo-Bionica

Australian facility redefines MedTech manufacturing – and goes global

YEAR ESTABLISHED: 2021 
SECTOR: Neurotech manufacturing
IMPACT PATHWAYS: Startup, Partnership

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Yadzia

The intersection of AI and music therapy in dementia care

YEAR ESTABLISHED: 2024 
SECTOR: HealthTech/AgeTech/Music Technology
FACULTY: Faculty of Fine Arts and Music, Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, Faculty of Medicine Dentistry and Health Sciences
IMPACT PATHWAY: Startup

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Aged care worker with resident listening to music
Dementia can affect the quality of communication and connection with family and those caring for them. Severe symptoms such as agitation, distress and confusion can add to the strain. Attuned Music’s MATCH technology harnesses AI-driven music therapy to detect agitation and distress, tailoring music interventions in real time to restore moments of calm, connection and dignity to those who need it most.
While most organisations have now transitioned to digital business software, much of the data that is gathered remains underutilised as deep analysis of this data can be laborious, costly and time consuming. A spin-out housed at the University of Melbourne is changing all that with its revolutionary process mining solution.

Apromore

AI software that harnesses untapped process data to improve business efficiency and drive operational excellence

YEAR ESTABLISHED: 2019 
SECTOR: Software 
FACULTY: Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology
IMPACT PATHWAYS: Startup, Partnership

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First published on 29 July 2025.

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