Round 2
Round 2 Projects
Neurospheric
Integration and Validation of Smart Sensor and AR-Driven Control Systems for a Neurosurgical Soft-Robotic Platform.
About
Neurospheric Pty Ltd is a Perth-based med-tech startup pioneering the development of a minimally invasive, soft-robotic surgical tool and an augmented reality (AR) neurosurgical navigation platform. The company collaborates with the Perron Institute, UWA, and other research partners to advance brain-tumour intervention technologies. Neurospheric’s multidisciplinary team spans neurosurgery, biomedical engineering, robotics, AI, and nanomaterials, focusing on enhancing surgical precision, reducing patient trauma, and improving intra-operative decision-making. The organisation operates at Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) 3–6, with active R&D in mechatronic design, sensor integration, and neuro-signal processing. Neurospheric’s target market includes neurosurgeons, hospitals, and research institutions globally, with ongoing innovation in real-time data visualisation, AR interfaces, and bio-compatible actuation systems.
Project
Neurospheric is addressing the problem of limited precision and accessibility in brain tumour surgery by developing a minimally invasive, soft-robotic tool integrated with an augmented-reality surgical platform to improve safety, accuracy, and clinical outcomes.
This multifaceted project involves student team working on material integration; spectrometric analysis to validate biomarkers; cybersecurity protocols, and simulation testing for system resilience; and assessing health-economic frameworks.
Benefits
For students, this project provides direct exposure to cutting-edge med-tech innovation, bridging biomedical research and advanced robotics. They gain practical experience in systems integration, validation, and clinical-grade design thinking, enhancing their technical and professional development.
For Neurospheric, the collaboration accelerates experimental verification, expands data-driven insights, and strengthens partnerships with universities while progressing toward commercial readiness and IP development milestones.
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Angelina Nikitkina
Edith Cowan University
School of Science
Skills: Biomaterials and cell viability testing; laboratory skills, expirimental planning & execution, data processing & interpretation; critical thinking, problem solving & troubleshooting in research workflows; effective cross-discipline teamwork.
Sunday Ogundoyin
Macquarie University
Computer Science
Skills: Machine-learning & AI-time-series analysis, predictive modelling, automation; data & sensor analytics; cyber security & privacy-vulnerability assessments; programming (Python, Java, Matlab, LAN/WAN, VPN, firewalls); and collaboration, teamwork, leadership & communication.
Kingsley John
Murdoch University
Environmental Engineering
Skills: Problem solving; critical thinking; time management; teamwork; and adaptability.
Adelakun Odunyemi
Murdoch University
Business School
Skills: Data analytics, statistics, econometric analysis & modelling; clinical leadership & management; health economics & policy research; adaptability & flexibility; and interpersonal, communication & project management skills.
VitalTrace
Real-Time Algorithm Development for Physiological Signal Analysis
About
VitalTrace is an award-winning, VC-funded medtech company based in Perth, Western Australia. With a team of ~50 staff and contractors across engineering, clinical, and operations, we are developing next-generation monitoring technologies to improve maternal and neonatal outcomes. Our flagship product, DelivAssure, is a world-first continuous intrapartum sensor designed to measure lactate levels in real time, enabling earlier and more accurate identification of foetal distress during labour. VitalTrace is targeting a US$2.1 billion beachhead market across the US, EU, UK, and APAC regions in childbirth monitoring.
Project
This project focuses on developing algorithms and models for real-time analysis of physiological time-series data captured during childbirth. Students work on signal processing, feature extraction, and time-series modelling to improve accuracy, reliability, and robustness of sensor-derived lactate data. Activities include literature review of state-of-the-art approaches, data cleaning and pre-processing, design and testing of algorithms, and simulation of real-time performance.
The anticipated outcome is a validated framework of candidate algorithms and models that can be further integrated into our medical device platform. This work will directly contribute to the advancement of DelivAssure, supporting its clinical performance and regulatory readiness.
Benefits
Students gain practical experience in applying advanced data science, signal processing, and algorithm development skills to a real-world medtech challenge, with exposure to regulatory and clinical translation contexts.
VitalTrace benefits from fresh technical insights, prototype algorithms, and the opportunity to explore novel approaches to real-time data analysis.
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Difei Xiao
University of Western Australia
Engineering School
Skills: Signal processing; data analysis; programming; 3D modelling & fabrication; and numerical simulation.
Weiyou (Adam) Liu
Edith Cowan University
School of Business & Law
Skills: Data analytics, predictive modelling & data-driven solutions; AI/ML software development; research analysis & communication; multi-agent systems & automated planning; and teamwork & project management.
Matilda Health
Enhancing Engagement and Value in Digital Prehab/Rehab for Endometriosis Surgery
About
Matilda Health is a Perth-based digital health startup transforming the way people prepare for and recover from endometriosis-related surgery. Backed by WA Health and co-designed with people with lived experience, Matilda offers an 8-week (4-week prehab, 4-week rehab, 12-month access) evidence-based program through a mobile app that includes expert educational content, weekly clinician-led coaching group calls, a supportive community, and habit tracking. Our goal is to improve surgical outcomes, reduce healthcare costs, and empower patients to actively participate in their recovery and long-term condition management.
Project
We aim to optimise clinical impact/value, demonstrate cost effectiveness, and enhance the user experience of our pre- and post-operative support platform for endometriosis surgery.
This project explores three key workstreams:
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Data Science: Build a graphical database to help understand important relationships to inform data-driven decision making.
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Health Economics: Modelling return on investment to demonstrate potential cost savings for patients, clinicians, and health systems.
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Behavioural Design: Broad, out-of-the-box, 30,000ft view thinking to identify features that improve user value, engagement, drive revenue, and support better outcomes.
Activities include data analysis, dashboard/report automation, health economic modelling, behavioural audits, and UX design recommendations.
Benefits
Student benefits include using PhD related skills applied to real-world/industry problems, working collaboratively as a multi-disciplinary team, contributing to new knowledge about how to best support people before and after endometriosis surgery using technology.
Company benefits include gaining new knowledge about important relationships within our data-set, as well as having individual third parties provide estimates for cost-savings to help understand our economic impact and explore our dataset and processes to help improve them.
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Maryam Shahabikargar
Macquarie University
School of Computing
Skills: Cross-disciplinary communication & collaboration; data science & Machine Learning; applied research & analytical thinking; agentic AI & intelligent decision support; and problem solving with business impact.
Uchitha Rajapaksha
Murdoch University
Information Technology
Skills: Programming (Python and Java); Machine learning & Deep learning; SQL & Git/Hub; project management & agile methodologies; and team work & collaboration.
Yekti Pratiwi
University of Western Australia
School of Business
Skills: Analytical thinking; data analysis (using excel, STATA, or R); statistics; cost and benefit analysis; and project management.
MTPConnect
Project 1: Biomedical and Healthcare Innovation: WA Ecosystem Building
About
MTPConnect is a federally funded, independent, not-for-profit industry growth centre, working to accelerate the medical technology, pharmaceutical, biotechnology and digital health (MTP) sector in Australia.
The WA Life Sciences Innovation Hub (WALSIH) is a partnership between MTPConnect, the WA Government and the University of Western Australia (UWA) to accelerate the growth of the state’s MedTech and Pharmaceuticals sector, create new jobs and support economic diversification.
WALSIH delivers a varied and valuable annual program of activities that deliver growth opportunities for the WA health and medical life sciences sector. The team works with stakeholders across the entire innovation pipeline, from discovery research to companies scaling. The Hub leverages its partnership approach to tap into connections across Australia and the globe.
Project
The iPREP industry placement includes two projects focusing on two priority areas for WALSIH and the WA health and biomedical innovation ecosystem.
Project 1 includes strategic analysis of ecosystem capacity, capability and enablers to translate innovation and research into impact, with a focus on global best practice for medical innovation precincts.
Benefits
Students gain new knowledge and skills related to innovation ecosystem building and evaluation including ecosystem enablement; stakeholder consultation, engagement and management; and understanding the economic benefits of and priorities for the health and biomedical industry, in particular innovation, product development and entrepreneurship. They also benefit from the oportunity to build a new professional network with potential to support expanded opportunities for collaboration and career pathways.
This work will assist WALSIH to accelerate strategic planning regarding ecosystem enablement approaches including hub and precinct models.
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Shivangi Shukla
University of Western Australia
School of Human Sciences
Skills: Experimental design & validation; data analysis & interpretation; collaboration across disciplines; scientific communication; and translational mindset & problem-solving.
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Nadesapillai (Nades) Nadeswaran
Central Queensland University
School of Business & Law
Skills: Complex problem solving across multiple disciplines and cross functional team; project and programs management & agile mind-set based approaches; literature review & qualitative research; technical team leadership; and IT planning and strategy crafting.
MTPConnect
Project 2: Biomedical and Healthcare Innovation: Impact Evaluation
About
MTPConnect is a federally funded, independent, not-for-profit industry growth centre, working to accelerate the medical technology, pharmaceutical, biotechnology and digital health (MTP) sector in Australia.
The WA Life Sciences Innovation Hub (WALSIH) is a partnership between MTPConnect, the WA Government and the University of Western Australia (UWA) to accelerate the growth of the state’s MedTech and Pharmaceuticals sector, create new jobs and support economic diversification.
WALSIH delivers a varied and valuable annual program of activities that deliver growth opportunities for the WA health and medical life sciences sector. The team works with stakeholders across the entire innovation pipeline, from discovery research to companies scaling. The Hub leverages its partnership approach to tap into connections across Australia and the globe.
Project
The iPREP industry placement includes two projects focusing on two priority areas for WALSIH and the WA health and biomedical innovation ecosystem.
Project 2 involves impact analysis of selected training and development initiatives to demonstrate, enhance and leverage the innovation and ecosystem building potential of the WALSIH training and development programs, and the alumni network.
This includes analysis across the following domains:
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Quality of the training programs and participant capability building
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WA economy and jobs / skills / diversification
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Health economic benefits / projection, including financial / non-financial, and social impact
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Impact on biomedical industry specifically.
Benefits
Students gain new knowledge and skills related to innovation ecosystem building and evaluation including ecosystem enablement; stakeholder consultation, engagement and management; and understanding the economic benefits of and priorities for the health and biomedical industry, in particular innovation, product development and entrepreneurship. They also benefit from the oportunity to build a new professional network with potential to support expanded opportunities for collaboration and career pathways.
This work will assist WALSIH to accelerate impact evaluation and engagement activities for selected WALSIH initiatives, and inform future planning and opportunities to optimise impact and engagement.
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Xiaoyue (Moon) Zhuo
Murdoch University
School of Psychology
Skills: Behavioral science & applied psychology; qialitative and mixed methods research; assessment tool design & validation; training, facilitation & stakeholder engagement; and human-centered evaluation & improvement-focused tools and systems.
Biruk Abate
Curtin University
School of Public Health
Skills: Communication & research dissemination; data analysis & evidence synthesis; critical thinking, problem-solving & adaptability; teamwork, mentorship & lifelong learning; and project and time management.
Bernadette Wong
University of Western Australia
Medical School
Skills: Health technology, regulatory & commertialisation literacy; agile & adaptive project thinking; applied research & fieldwork; collaborative communication; and design thinking & systems awareness.
Uluu
Unlocking the Potential of Seaweed Sugars
About
Uluu is an Australian deep tech company pioneering the production of natural, biodegradable materials from seaweed. As a pre-revenue scale-up, Uluu operates a test plant that transforms seaweed into PHA (polyhydroxyalkanoates) pellets - materials that can replace petrochemical plastics in packaging, fashion, and consumer goods. Uluu’s innovation combines seawater-based fermentation, renewable seaweed feedstock, and saltwater microbes to produce a truly circular plastic alternative. In parallel, Uluu develops new approaches to make better use of seaweed sugars and proteins, enabling more efficient and sustainable processes. With partnerships across global and local brands, Uluu is working to prove and scale its model from test plant to demonstration facilities. The company’s vision is to establish a global network of production sites through technology and brand licensing, accelerating the replacement of polluting plastics with materials that are good for the world.
Project
Seaweed contains valuable sugars, but efficiently accessing and using them remains a challenge. This project will focus on improving how Uluu processes seaweed so that more of its natural sugars can be harnessed in fermentation to create plastic alternatives.
Project involves hands-on experience in protein science, helping to test and analyse enzymes that break down seaweed into fermentable sugars, assessing their stability and performance under different conditions and explore how they can be used more effectively in Uluu’s processes.
Another aspect of the project will focus on microbial genomics, using bioinformatics tools to study microbes that naturally use seaweed sugars. This work will help reveal biological pathways that guide future strategies for making the most of seaweed as a renewable resource for biomanufacturing.
The project will support Uluu’s mission to turn seaweed into renewable, biodegradable alternatives to petrochemical plastics.
Benefits
For students, this project provides valuable experience in biotechnology, including enzyme analysis, microbial genomics, and applied sustainability research. They will gain practical skills while contributing to a real-world solution for plastic pollution.
For Uluu, the collaboration provides fresh insights and research capacity that help accelerate innovation and strengthen its mission to create materials that can replace plastic, while tackling climate change and boosting ocean health.
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Alanah Grant-St James
Murdoch University
Molecular Sciences
Skills: Chemistry expertise; wet lab skills; efficient research and literature review methods; data analysis using Python or R; and written and verbal communication skills.
Tadele Gashayie
Australian National University
Computational Biology
Skills: Data science, statistics & ML; programming & system development (C++, PHP, Javacript, Java, Laravel, R Shiny); data visualisation & communication; collaboration; and commertial thinking.
Materia Health
MateriaPOD: Revolutionising the Standard of Care in Organ and Tissue Transportation
About
Materia Health is a Perth-based, clinician-led MedTech company dedicated to transforming organ and tissue preservation. Our mission is to improve transplant outcomes through innovation, with our flagship product, the MateriaPOD, setting a new standard in donor organ and tissue transport.
Today, most organs are still transported on ice, a method that often causes temperature-related damage and leads to primary graft dysfunction (PGD), the leading cause of death within 30 days after transplantation. The MateriaPOD is a smart, portable, reusable device that provides precise, active temperature control during transport. By protecting organs and tissues from hypothermia, pressure, and rewarming injury, it ensures they arrive in optimal condition for transplantation.
Materia Health is advancing the MateriaPOD from prototype to clinical readiness within two years, including preclinical validation, product testing, and regulatory preparation. As a growing organization, we are committed to evidence-based innovation, inclusivity, and sustainability, while creating opportunities for scientists, engineers, and clinicians to contribute to a mission with real global impact.
Project
Materia Health is addressing one of the critical challenges in transplantation: the safe and effective preservation of donor organs and tissues during transport. Current methods, which rely on ice-based storage, often fail to maintain optimal conditions, leading to organ damage and poor patient outcomes. Preclinical research is essential to refine the MateriaPOD – our smart, portable, temperature-controlled preservation system – and validate its ability to maintain organ viability.
This project involves preclinical research to investigate organ, tissue, and blood viability under different preservation conditions:
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Conducting experiments at the UWA Large Animal Facility and supporting laboratory work at Materia Health’s office.
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Performing literature reviews, data analysis, and preparing reports.
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Supporting the design and refinement of preclinical study protocols under the supervision of senior scientists.
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Assisting with the preparation of animal ethics applications and logistics planning for large animal studies.
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Contributing to pilot studies using the MateriaPOD prototypes, testing them in controlled environments, and refining study methodology based on findings.
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Collaborating in a multidisciplinary setting with scientists, engineers, and clinicians.
Benefits
Students will gain hands-on experience in an innovative MedTech company, contributing directly to real-world research and translation in transplant medicine. They will develop valuable skills in study design, data analysis, and laboratory research practices, supporting both their academic and professional growth. By working alongside experienced scientists, engineers, and clinicians, students will gain unique insights into the medical device development process and make a meaningful impact on the healthcare outcomes of transplant patients.
For Uluu, the collaboration provides fresh insights and research capacity that help accelerate innovation and strengthen its mission to create materials that can replace plastic, while tackling climate change and boosting ocean health.
By engaging PhD students in preclinical research, Materia Health benefits from fresh perspectives, academic rigor, and expanded research capacity. Student contributions help refine the MateriaPOD and accelerate its development pathway, advancing the device toward clinical readiness and future trials. This strengthens the company’s innovation pipeline while helping the company to discover talent/future employees.
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Odgerel Bumandalai
Murdoch University
Environmental and Conservation Sciences
Skills: Biotechnology product development; intellectual property management; project & team coordination; data analysis; and commercialisation & entrepreneurship.
Eaftekhar Ahmed Rana
Murdoch University
School of Veterinary Medicine
Skills: Clinical diagnostics; microbiology & molecular biology techniques; multidisciplinary team collaboration; problem solving & analitical skills; and data analisys software proficiency.
Sadleir Technologies
Non-linear Intravenous Drug Dosing Devices for Enhanced Patient Safety
About
Sadleir Technologies is a MedTech company based in Perth, Western Australia, specialising in innovative solutions for the prevention of in-hospital drug hypersensitivity reactions and anaphylaxis. The company focuses on enhancing patient safety through targeted medical device development.
Project
For students, this project provides direct exposure to cutting-edge MedTech innovation, gaining practical experience with plastics prototyping and development, bench-testing, and a strong understanding of medical manufacturing technologies such as plastic injection moulding, device assembly, sterilisation processes, and relevant regulatory standards.
Sadleir Technologies benefits from fresh technical insights and academic rigor in their prototype development, assessment, and validation.
Abdolvahab Ravanji
Macquarie University
Mechanical Engineering
Skills: Simulation & CAD tools; applied AI in engineering design; system optimisation; engineering problem-solving; and cross-disciplinary design thinking.
Behrouz Aghajanloo
Macquarie University
Biomedical Engineering
Skills: CAD tools (SolidWorks, Rhino, AutoCAD, CATIA) for biomedical device design; 3D printing & plastic injection molding; simulation & modeling for microfluidics & multiphase systems; characterisation & end-to-end device performance validation; and communication & stakeholder engagement.
Chezhiyan Balachander
Curtin University
Biomedical Sciences
Skills: Experimental design & data analysis; technical literacy in biomedical tools; problem solving & critical thinking; science communication & translational insight; and collaboration & interdisciplinary teamwork.
Round 1
Round 1 Projects
Neurospheric
Technology Feasibility Study and Proof-of-Concept Finalisation
About
Neurospheric was founded with a clear mission: to transform neurosurgery by combining state-of-the-art technology with real-world surgical needs. Inspired by the challenges neurosurgeons face, our team of engineers, medical professionals, and innovators came together to develop tools that enhance surgical precision, minimise risks, and save lives.
Project
The project aims to develop a precision-controlled, durable neurophysiological interface system. Key objectives include identifying optimal actuation methods, selecting suitable materials, designing accurate control systems, and implementing intuitive user interfaces. The end goal is to create a robust, scalable platform that can be reliably deployed in operational environments.
Roles and Activities:
Software Developers: Implement firmware and software layers for sensor integration and data processing. Create an intuitive user interface and visualisation tools for operators. Integrate software modules for reliability, security, and maintainability.
Engineers: Design and prototype the mechanical actuation system, including motors, servos, or other actuators. Select and integrate sensors, wiring, and power components for stable and accurate performance. Develop and refine control algorithms for actuation and real-time feedback. Conduct stress tests, calibration, and optimisation for mechanical/electrical subsystems. Ensure compliance with safety, environmental, and durability requirements.
Researchers (R&D Specialists): Investigate emerging actuation technologies and materials suitable for the operative environment. Run controlled experiments to validate material performance under various conditions. Analyse system response data to improve control accuracy and efficiency. Identify best practices, standards, and frameworks to guide further innovation.
Material Specialists: Evaluate candidate materials based on strength, flexibility, durability, and biocompatibility. Conduct environmental and load testing to ensure long-term reliability of chosen materials. Collaborate with engineers to optimise fabrication methods and production processes. Recommend coating, finishing, or surface treatments to enhance longevity and performance.
Benefits
For students, this project provides direct exposure to cutting-edge med-tech innovation, bridging biomedical research and advanced robotics. They gain practical experience in systems integration, validation, and clinical-grade design thinking, enhancing their technical and professional development.
For Neurospheric, the collaboration accelerates experimental verification, expands data-driven insights, and strengthens partnerships with universities while progressing toward commercial readiness and IP development milestones.
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Bahram Mahjoobkarambasti
Edith Cowan University
Engineering
Skills: Project management; computational modelling & simulation; communication & teamwork; optimization & decision-making tools; data analysis & interpretation.
A F M Fahad Halim
Murdoch University
Engineering and Energy
Skills: Laboratory operations; scientific research & experimentation; problem-solving & critical thinking; creativity & innovation; adaptability & learning agility.
Mingxin Ye
University of Western Australia
Mechanical Engineering
Skills: Engineering design; programming; material testing & evaluation; project management; leadership & communication.
Kazi Morshed Alom
Macquarie University
Natural Sciences
Skills: Molecular biology techincal & lab skills; analytical skills; problem-solving & critical thinking; writting & communication skills.
iyarn
Optimising PROM's - Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement - With Wearable Technology
About
iyarn is a Perth-based digital health company focused on enhancing emotional and physical wellbeing through structured check-ins and wearable data integration. Trusted by schools, healthcare providers, researchers, and community organisations, iyarn enables timely, person-centred insights through its secure and flexible platform. With a focus on capturing the voice of the participant and supporting better decision-making, iyarn continues to evolve its tools for mental health, chronic disease, and community care programs. The platform is ISO27001-certified and designed to deliver actionable, culturally safe and scalable digital health experiences
Project
iyarn is a clinical tool designed to collect and analyse data in healthcare settings. Recently, we integrated with leading consumer wearable devices, including Apple, Google, Withings, and Garmin, to enhance our platform’s capabilities. Our goal is to analyse this data and adapt the software to provide personalized feedback based on insights from wearables and user check-ins.
We are collaborating with Perth Clinic on a project to predict and monitor mental health outcomes. Psychiatrists at the clinic already find iyarn to be an effective clinical marker. This project aims to extend our success in inpatient settings to outpatient care, leveraging iyarn as a data collection and synthesis tool.
With hundreds to thousands of patients participating in outpatient programs across Western Australia - such as CBT-based treatments - there is a growing demand for a digital tool that supports remote monitoring and enhances clinical decision-making.
In addition to our partnership with Perth Clinic, other healthcare projects will contribute data to this initiative, including Royal North Shore Hospital and Chronic Care Australia. These collaborations will help broaden the scope of our research, ensuring iyarn is applicable across different healthcare settings and patient populations.
This project will serve as a proof of concept, demonstrating iyarn’s feasibility in outpatient care. Additionally, it has the potential to aid in detecting physical health issues throughout treatment, further supporting patient well-being.
Benefits
Students will engage in meaningful innovation at the intersection of digital health, behavioural science, and wearable technology. Working closely with iyarn’s team, they will develop technical and strategic capabilities in health analytics, PROM design, user engagement workflows, and research translation. The placement offers hands-on exposure to a fast-paced startup environment and the opportunity to contribute to impactful health tools that support real-world clinical and research pilots.
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Khadija Malik
Western Sydney University
Psychology
Skills: Interdisciplinary collaboration; behavioral science; data analysis; project management & organisation; clinical & ethical considerations.
Saadia Bhatti
Murdoch University
Health Future Institutes
Skills: Creative & strategic thinker; collaborative nature, people-oriented; time management & organisation; flexible & adaptable; team player & efficient learner.
Jiwei Guan
Macquarie University
Computing
Skills: AI programming; problem-solving; project management & leadership; cross-functional collaboration; strategic thinking & business impact of AI.
Aditya Himanshubhai Vashi
Griffith University
Environment Science
Skills: Robotics & automation; electronic equipment; data analysis; writing & communication; computer vision & image processing.
Pretect Devices
Integrated Development the Vedette® Prototype: Clinical Trial Planning, Medical Device Engineering, and Software Optimization for a Clinical Study
About
Pretect Devices is developing the Vedette®, a novel non-invasive continuous monitoring device for detection of PIV infiltration and extravasation in our first indication, preterm and term infants, with the aim of preventing extravasation injury (EVI).
EVI a devastating and far too common injury experienced by NICU patients, it is especially prevalent and impactful in the premature baby population. EVI can require surgical intervention and result in lifelong complications such as scarring, restricted mobility, and amputation. EVI also impedes the delivery of live preserving drugs and nutrition, which is particularly critical for premature babies reliant on intravenous sustenance.
Pretect Devices is driven through personal and professional passion to enhance NICU life support procedures via rapid detection of IV leakage by automatically shutting off the IV pump and alerting healthcare staff to correct IV line integrity. Pretect's solution is integrated into the current NICU workflow and reduces the workload of nurses enabling a higher level of healthcare. In 2021 the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care introduced new clinical care standards for IV catheter management.
Project
The project involves working with the Pretect Devices mentors to ensure the successful development and optimization of the Vedette® prototype through a collaborative effort involving medical device engineering and clinical trial planning in preparation for a clinical study slated for the second half of 2025.
Project scope and activities:
Prototype development: Working with local Perth medical device engineering experts at Atamo the intern will ensure point of care requirements for a clinical study, planned for the second half 2025, are being met and that a robust quality management system is being established.
Clinical trial project planning: Working with the South Metropolitan innovation pipeline (HealthReady) the intern will develop a clinical study protocol ensuring ethics and regulatory standards are met for commencement in the second half of 2025.
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Sara Farzadi Haghighi
Australian National University
Medical Research
Skills: Passion for learning; attention to detail; work ethic; teamwork; and data presentation & writing.
Seyyedmorteza Ghamari
Edith Cowan University
Engineering
Skills: Power electronics; embedded software; MATLAB coding; digital control; and team management.
Alcolizer Technology
Emerging Trends and Analysis of Drug and Alcohol Testing Data
About
We provide high-quality, reliable, and innovative products tailored to enhancing safety through cutting edge technology and exceptional customer support.
With over 35 years of experience we are recognised for our unwavering commitment to accuracy and reliability. Our core activities encompass the development, manufacture, and supply of alcohol breath testing and drug testing equipment, along with data collection and management services.
We cater to a range of industries, including Law Enforcement, Workplace Safety, Health, Transport and Logistics and provide a range of testing solutions designed to meet regulatory compliance and safety requirements.
Our clients rely on our guidance on emerging trends in drug and alcohol testing procedures to help anticipate changes to testing regimes. Our dedication extends beyond just quality – we prioritise research, development, data management, enhanced efficiencies and customer service. This approach ensures we are consistently delivering premium testing solutions.
Delivering solutions that optimise operations and enhance safety are at the core of what we do. Our reputation stems from meeting rigorous industry standards, and our own internal quality measures, confirming our ability to deliver precise and dependable safety solutions and services.
Built for longevity and durability, our devices reduce long-term operational costs for businesses and contribute to more sustainable practices by minimising the need for frequent replacements.
Our primary manufacturing facility is in Perth, Western Australia with research and development, manufacturing, servicing and quality control teams located Australia wide; all working seamlessly together to provide accurate, reliable drug and alcohol testing solutions.
Our deep understanding extends beyond manufacturing with our equipment being used directly by technicians conducting drug and alcohol testing, providing valuable insights into how our devices perform in real-world scenarios. Testing for drug and alcohol impairment demands accurate and reliable equipment.
Project
Review and trend analysis of deidentified drug and alcohol testing data to determine historical result trends, emerging result trends, and test device usage.
Wide scope to assist in identifying what the data actually tells us and how this can be used to provide insights to customers about their comparative position within their industry and against other industries.
Scope to include industry benchmarking of drug & alcohol test results and identifying potential reporting tools to help customers with visibility of their data.
Gap analysis of what data is missing that could be important and useful in this analysis, leading to improved product development and data capture to further improve analysis, forecasting and reporting.
Benefits
Our company has access to a wide range of industry experts who will actively support this project, providing technical and application-specific knowledge to ensure the research is both accurate and impactful. By engaging PhD students, Alcolizer benefits from fresh perspectives, academic rigor, and expanded research capacity.
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Sania Khalil
University of Western Australia
Economics
Skills: Data analysis & quantitative research; policy & economic impact assessment; ICT & healthcare system knowledge; interdisciplinary integration & strategic thinking; time management & multitasking.
Parinaz Jabbari
Macquarie University
Science and Engineering
Skills: Data-driven problem-solving ; translating scientific findings into commercial and regulatory solutions; nanomaterial synthesis & characterization; molecular biology techniques; problem-solving, communication, collaboration & leadership.
Tianshu (Roy) Gao
Curtin University
Electrical Engineering, Computing and Mathematical Sciences
Skills: Programming languages including python, SQL, R, etc; critical thinking; large scale data analysis & data visualisation; analytical thinking; and technical report writing & presentation.
Lipovexa
New Strategies for Metabolic Diseases
About
Lipovexa is a spin-off launched by the venture builder Cube Labs S.p.A., dedicated to developing both natural and synthetic molecules to tackle major health challenges. The company focuses primarily on innovative solutions for diabetes management, obesity control, and liver health support. With products ranging from nutraceuticals to pharmaceutical treatments, Lipovexa bridges cutting-edge scientific research with real-world healthcare needs. The company’s mission is to transform groundbreaking discoveries into effective solutions that enhance patient health and well-being.
Innovative Metabolic Health Strategy: Lipovexa develops both natural and synthetic molecules to address metabolic and hormonal imbalances, focusing on obesity, type 2 diabetes, and liver dysfunction through GLP-1/GIP secretagogue mechanisms.
Disruptive Science: Unlike current GLP-1 mimetics, Lipovexa’s patented compounds stimulate the body’s own GLP-1 release, offering a safer alternative validated in vitro and in vivo.
Sustainable Approach: The company integrates circular economy principles by extracting high value bioactives from food industry by-products (like olive oil, soy, and rice residues) using eco-friendly, green technologies.
Project
Despite advances in treatment, a major unmet need remains in effectively managing metabolic disorders like obesity, type 2 diabetes (T2D), and MAFLD. Most current therapies manage symptoms but fail to correct the root metabolic and hormonal imbalances that cause these diseases. There is a critical demand for innovative, non-invasive, and accessible solutions that enable early intervention and address the underlying drivers of disease. To truly impact long-term outcomes, strategies must integrate precision medicine, sustainable approaches, and greater emphasis on prevention and public awareness.
The project involves developing and testing new molecules and natural extracts aimed at treating metabolic disorders such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and fatty liver disease (MAFLD).
The activities include:
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Designing pharmacological screening strategies using both cell-based (in vitro) and animal (in vivo) models.
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Conducting in vitro testing of natural compounds to assess their biological activity and potential efficacy.
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Evaluating the effectiveness of a new compound (ps318), phytochemical extracts, and novel chemical entities (NCEs).
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Participating in the development of animal models and administering experimental treatments.
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Analysing biological and histological data to identify the most promising therapeutic candidates.
The ultimate goal is to discover safe and effective compounds that address the underlying metabolic imbalances of these conditions, contributing to the development of innovative, non-invasive therapies.
Benefits
Student gains hands-on experience in drug and nutraceutical discovery, learning in vitro/in vivo techniques, data analysis, and ethical research practices. They contribute to real-world innovation in metabolic health while building strong scientific skills. This project enhances their career prospects through exposure to cutting-edge research and potential academic or industry collaborations.
Student's direct contribution to key activities such as in vitro and in vivo screening of new compounds, animal model development, and biological data analysis supports Lipovexa in accelerating project progress, facilitates the identification of promising lead compounds, and strengthens the company’s integrated approach that combines therapeutic innovation with sustainability (e.g., valorising food industry by-products). Additionally, working with young researchers reinforces Lipovexa’s ties with academia and enhances its positioning as a scientifically advanced company committed to ethical and environmental impact.
