A record total of more than 90 applications were received for the latest intake of ANDHealth+, Australia’s leading digital and connected health commercialisation program, ANDHealth announced today.

“This represents a 65 per cent increase on the average number of applications received across the previous four ANDHealth+ cohorts, making this the most competitive round in the program’s history,” ANDHealth Chief Executive Bronwyn Le Grice said.

“The unprecedented level of interest in this intake reflects growing concern among digital and connected health founders about access to capital in the sector.  

“The more than 90 applications come from some of the most promising and innovative digital and connected health startup companies across Australia. The surge in demand highlights the critical role of non-dilutive, expert-led commercialisation support in an increasingly challenging funding environment for evidence-based digital and connected health technologies,” Ms Le Grice said.

Digital health is the fastest growing sub-sector within the broader health technology sector, growing at 22 per cent in comparison to the more established pharmaceutical sector (6%) and medical device sectors (7%). At the same time, successive industry sentiment data collected by ANDHealth highlights that access to capital is the key barrier to commercialisation cited by Australian digital and connected health companies.  

“As software-enabled and software-based technologies, including AI, play an increasing role in the prevention, diagnosis, management and monitoring of health conditions, alongside its increasing role in supporting accessible, affordable and effective health services, Australia needs to ensure that it has adequate capital to support its home-grown innovations,” commented Ms Le Grice.  

Supported by the Australian Government through the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF), ANDHealth+ is the flagship program of ANDHealth, Australia’s leading digital and connected health commercialisation organisation. Applications for the latest intake of the ANDHealth+ program opened on 2 September 2025 and closed on 16 January 2026.

Independent economic assessment has shown that ANDHealth+ portfolio companies raise significantly more follow-on capital and generate more revenue and jobs than companies participating in other leading accelerator programs across health and technology, highlighting the importance of structured commercialisation support in attracting private investment.

Together the 28 companies that have completed the ANDHealth+ program to date have achieved some remarkable outcomes, including:

  • Impacting more than 3.4 million patients, and climbing rapidly
  • Attracting $195 million in follow-on funding
  • Generating $82 million in revenue
  • Undertaking 42 new international market launches, showcasing Australian innovation to the world
  • Creating over 510 new, high-value jobs  

Ms Le Grice said the current environment was amplifying the need for specialist programs that can help founders build the clinical and commercial evidence required to scale and secure sustainable growth capital.  

“Digital and connected health companies face commercialisation and go to market hurdles that are distinctly different to those faced by traditional biopharmaceutical and medical device companies. It is critical that these companies receive tailored advice from national and international industry experts with direct experience in commercialising these types of technologies.  

“Investors are looking for de-risked opportunities with clear commercial pathways, and programs like ANDHealth+ are stepping into that gap by working intensively with companies to generate the data, partnerships and strategies that underpin successful raises,” Ms Le Grice said.

The shortlist of the top 10 ANDHealth+ finalists will be notified in late February 2026, with the up to five successful companies announced in March. Participants in the program will receive tailored project support, access to ANDHealth’s world-class global network of experts, and the opportunity to secure up to $5 million in milestone-based, non-dilutive funding over the two-year, two-stage program.

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Learn more about ANDHealth+