Seven Australian startups will share $15.6 million in funding through CUREator+ Dementia & Cognitive Decline to accelerate the development and commercialisation of new therapies, diagnostics and technologies targeting dementia and cognitive decline.

Funded by the Australian Government through the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF), CUREator+ Dementia & Cognitive Decline is a national program delivered by Brandon BioCatalyst in partnership with ANDHealth and Dementia Australia. The program is focused on accelerating the research translation and commercialisation of early-stage Australian medical research and innovations with commercial potential.

The program supports innovations spanning therapeutics, diagnostics, biomarkers, medical devices, assistive technologies and digital health technologies designed to improve the diagnosis, treatment, monitoring and quality of life for people living with dementia and cognitive decline.

The seven companies selected in Round 2 are developing innovations addressing some of the most significant challenges in dementia and neurodegenerative disease - from childhood dementia and Alzheimer’s disease to earlier detection of cognitive decline.

Through CUREator+ Dementia & Cognitive Decline, the companies will receive non-dilutive funding alongside expert commercialisation support and access to industry networks to help accelerate development and build commercially viable Australian healthcare companies.

By backing promising Australian research with capital and commercial expertise, CUREator+ Dementia & Cognitive Decline aims to help translate breakthrough science into technologies and companies capable of improving patient outcomes, attracting further investment and strengthening Australia’s life sciences ecosystem.

The Hon Sam Rae MP, Minister for Aged Care and Seniors said, dementia is the leading cause of death in Australia – making action more important than ever.

“The Albanese Government is proud to support these critical and very promising research projects through the Medical Research Future Fund, backing our best and brightest researchers to make a real difference when it comes to dementia.”

“Our government is investing in the critical research, innovation and commercialisation we need to make sure every Australian can age with dignity and in good health.”

Dr Amanda Vrselja, Program Head, CUREator, said the breadth of technologies supported through the round demonstrates the strength of Australian innovation in dementia and neurodegenerative disease.

“Dementia and cognitive decline are incredibly complex challenges and there will not be a single solution. We need innovation across the spectrum - from detecting disease earlier to developing new therapies capable of slowing or changing its progression.

“These seven companies are tackling that challenge from very different directions, including gene therapy, novel medicines, artificial intelligence and digital diagnostics.

“CUREator+ is committed to helping promising Australian innovations take the critical next steps towards commercialisation. By combining funding with experienced commercialisation support, we can help researchers and founders build investable companies and ultimately move new solutions closer to the people who need them.”

Bronwyn Le Grice, CEO of ANDHealth, said "Dementia and cognitive decline remain among the most significant health challenges facing an ageing Australia. The ability to detect changes early has the power to fundamentally change patient outcomes."

"These technologies also reflect the calibre of innovation coming out of Australia. With the right funding and commercialisation support, we can support these digital and connected health companies to build the evidence base needed to scale here in Australia and internationally.”

Professor Tanya Buchanan, Dementia Australia CEO, said including the perspectives of people with living experience of dementia is essential in shaping the future of dementia treatment and care.

“We are proud to partner with CUREator+ Dementia & Cognitive Decline to support the research and development of dementia treatment and technologies. Through our Community Steering Committee, Dementia Australia Dementia Advocates share their lived experience of dementia which influence how potential treatments and care are considered. We look forward to seeing what these exciting companies achieve over the coming years.”

The second-round recipients are:

  • CodeBreakers (WA): Developing a gene editing therapy aiming to reverse childhood dementia caused by mitochondrial disease – awarded $2,129,972
  • Healthily (VIC): Developing an AI-powered voice platform for the early detection of cognitive decline in older Australians – awarded $1,928,237
  • Intracellica Bio (QLD): Developing an intracellular anti-Tau antibody therapy for Alzheimer’s disease and related tauopathies – awarded $1,607,074
  • Kinoxis Therapeutics (VIC): Developing a novel therapy for chronic agitation and aggression associated with dementia – awarded $2,500,000
  • Quinthera (QLD): Developing an oral therapy targeting neuroinflammation in Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias – awarded $2,425,000
  • Synerva Therapeutics (VIC): Developing first-in-class therapies designed to prevent neuronal cell death in Parkinson’s disease and related dementias – awarded $2,489,934
  • TasTest (TAS): Developing a simple digital self-assessment that identifies dementia risk decades before symptoms appear, giving people the chance to act earlier to protect brain health – awarded $2,500,000