FeBI Technologies

Iron disorders affect more than two billion people worldwide, yet standard blood tests often overestimate how much iron is actually stored in the body, leading to delayed or incorrect treatment, particularly for women and those with chronic health conditions.

Founded by Dr Nicole Jenkins, Dr David Simpson and Dr Gawain McColl, FeBI Technologies is a startup developing a new diagnostic approach using diamond-based quantum sensing to provide a more accurate measure of iron. The sensor has the potential to improve diagnosis and management of iron deficiency, anaemia, and haemochromatosis at scale – ultimately benefiting millions.

The technology emerged from a collaboration between the University of Melbourne and the Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, and has received funding from the Department of Industry, Science and Resources’ Critical Technologies Challenge Program, the Department of Education’s Australia’s Economic Accelerator fund, and the Queensland Government.

It is currently undergoing validation in clinical applications with female athletes and remote First Nations communities.