Artificial intelligence is on its way to joining the stethoscope, bandage and thermometer as part of the modern medical kit with more than half of the fifteen companies selected for Victoria’s digital health ACTIVATE accelerator program delivering AI based products or services.

Delivered by ANDHealth in partnership with LaunchVic, ACTIVATE is a purpose-built, six-month accelerator designed to identify, support, and scale Victorian digital and digitally enabled medical technology companies with significant growth potential. The program not only accelerates the commercialisation journey for these startups, but also supports Victoria’s broader goal of fostering a dynamic and diverse startup ecosystem, with a strong focus on supporting women-led ventures and delivering measurable sector impact.

Victoria is a powerhouse of digital and connected health innovation with ANDHealth’s “The Rising Giant” report showing the state is home to 42% of Australia’s digital health companies. The number of digital health companies in the state has increased 106% since 2022. The report also reveals the important role the ACTIVATE program plays in providing an ongoing pipeline of companies, with Victoria having the highest proportion of early-stage companies compared to other states.

The commencement of the 2025 cohort comes on the back of an announcement by LaunchVic, the Victorian Government’s startup agency, to extend funding of the program until the end of 2028. Health technologies were also identified as apriority sector in the state’s Economic Growth Statement.

ANDHealth CEO and Managing Director Bronwyn Le Grice said, “The strength and diversity of this year’s ACTIVATE cohort is a testament to the incredible entrepreneurial talent emerging across Victoria. With the support of LaunchVic and the Victorian Government, it’s incredibly exciting to work these 15 companies on their journey to scale, create high-value jobs, and deliver life-changing health solutions to patients.

“Sustained investment in programs like ACTIVATE is critical to ensuring Victoria remains a global leader in digital and connected health innovation, and we look forward to seeing the impact this cohort will have on the future of healthcare.

“Two years ago only 14% of Australian digital health companies listed artificial intelligence as their main technology, now that figure is up to 22% and is the most commonly cited technology. We can see that trend continuing with more than half of this cohort developing AI based solutions. It shows the extraordinary potential of AI-driven health technologies to address some of Victoria’s most pressing health system challenges but also to set new global benchmarks for impact and scalability.”

LaunchVic CEO Dr Kate Cornick said, “HealthTech is Victoria’sjoint-largest startup subsector. To ensure the continued growth of the sector,LaunchVic is backing programs like ANDHealth ACTIVATE with a proven trackrecord of helping founders. It’s our hope that this will fast track their pathto market and support the development of home-grown digital health solutionsthat can help save lives.”

The 15 companies selected for the 2025 ACTIVATE program are:

·      Actimo Labs – A next-generation contract research organisation (CRO) harnessing AI to streamline preclinical antibody development. Its in-silico platforms enable rapid, cost-effective antibody toxicology assessments, supporting academia and industry in accelerating drug discovery with precision and scale.

·      ANTSA For Professionals – A digital mental health tool designed by clinicians to support clients between therapy sessions. It includes mood tracking, automated homework tasks, on-demand psychoeducation and the world’s first AI therapy chatbot overseen by practitioners and an AI scribe, jAImee, to enhance care and reduce clinician workload.

·      Co-Linic AI – The first AI agent that supports allied health professionals with all of their written tasks without changing their original workflow.

·      Dexora Technology – A digital solution centred around an AI-driven generative design platform and 3D printer, providing orthotic and prosthetic providers with more flexible and seamless products to enhance digital transformation.

·      HeraMED– An innovative medical data and technology company leading the digital transformation of maternity care. Its medically-validated technology is proven through multiple real-world implementations, and powers remote maternity care programs of some of the world’s most prestigious medical institutions.

·      I'm in Health – Giving health workforce administrators more time to focus on people not paperwork. Its eCME module has been built and designed with clinician, medical workforce and finance users in mind to streamline complex standard practice, local preferences and government requirements all into one easy-to-use app.

·       Mitte Analytics – Drug supply chain visibility andmanagement using AI and computer vision. Its Titrate platform helpshospitals better manage medication sub-stores to reduce urgent stock-outs andstock loss.

·      NexusMD.ai – Delivering customised medical Agentic AI solutions through innovative integration of workflows seamlessly embedded into the hospitals existing technological ecosystem.

·      OnSet – A platform that streamlines specialist workflows using AI: automating documentation, scheduling and billing through interactive, voice-first interfaces. OnSet builds tools that reduce admin burdens so specialists can focus on what matters most: delivering exceptional care.

·       StatDoctor – A 2-sided marketplace connecting verified doctors with shifts around the country. It aims to build a fully-engaged, doctor-centric platform by 2030.

·       The Play Way – A tech startup supporting access to allied health support for children in regional/rural and remote Australia.

·      TSNano – Its TSMeni Point of Care detects 30+different proteins simultaneously by integrating several technologies such as quantum sensing and different type of samples such as blood, urine and cerebrospinal fluid.

·      Vis-CAT – A health tech startup revolutionising the way visual cognition is assessed in children. At the intersection of neuroscience, education and digital innovation, Vis-CAT is developing a cutting-edge digital platform that delivers a novel, research-backed test of visual cognitive abilities.

·      Zaplutus Health – Developing small, wireless, body-worn medical device that automatically measures a full set of vital signs, including real-time cuffless blood pressure.

·       Zezehealth – The world’s first AI-powered tool, ALIGNOGRAM 1.0,  that automatically detects and measures “unusual spots” on standard X-rays – revealing hidden disease markers invisible even to experts. By converting subjective image reviews into objective data, item powers clinicians to deliver more precise, personalised care and unlocks scalable, AI-driven diagnostics for patients worldwide.

 LaunchVic’s most recent Startup Ecosystem Mapping Report shows the Victorian BioTech and MedTech sectors are topping the list of industries by VC investment, attracting a combined $180 million in2023. This marks the first time in five years that the health industry has topped the list of industries in Victoria by investment dollars

 Companies are selected for ACTIVATE through a competitive process, with the program focusing on companies which have, or are approaching, proof of concept, with significant global market potential. The program provides resources and expertise from executives and industry professionals with demonstrable track records in digital health commercialisation.

Throughout the 6-month program, companies receive tailored support and mentorship designed to result in a compelling business and investment case. This supports the companies to successfully navigate the due diligence processes of professional investors and enterprise customers.

‍