2 days ago
India–Australia bioinnovation corridor launches cross border tech accelerator
The Bangalore Bioinnovation Centre (BBC) and La Trobe University (LTU), Australia, have launched the Ind–Aus Launchpad Programme, a cross-border accelerator designed to fast-track high-potential biotech, digital health, and sustainable technology startups for global initiative builds on the Bioinnovation Exchange Corridor, established under a September 2024 MoU between the State of Victoria and the State of Karnataka. Supported by the Department of IT, BT and S&T, Government of Karnataka, and the Victorian Government, the corridor integrates the startup ecosystems of Bengaluru and Melbourne, enabling joint R&D, advanced prototyping, and rapid commercialization in sectors including digital health, sustainable agriculture, precision medicine, and environmental resilience.
The programme's first cohort of 11 Indian startups underwent an intensive 12-week pre-accelerator at BBC, combining shared lab and prototyping facilities, market access simulations, IP advisory services, and advanced TRL (Technology Readiness Level) assessments. Startups were also evaluated on Commercialization Readiness Level (CRL) and Manufacturing Readiness Level (MRL) to ensure technology viability and scalability.
Following this process, three startups were selected for a fully sponsored immersion programme at LTU's Bio Innovation Hub in Melbourne:
1. Microbeworks Scientific – Developing bioengineered microbial dyes to replace toxic synthetic dyes in textiles, with potential to reduce water contamination by up to 90%.
2. HornetBiologicals – Using RT-PCR and microarray-based genetic screening to improve livestock breeding productivity by over 30%.
3. IMRobonix – Creator of SurgiKot, India's first robotic handheld device for precision-driven minimally invasive surgeries, integrating AI-guided navigation.
The Melbourne immersion includes co-location with LTU researchers, regulatory readiness workshops, investor roundtables, and product-market feasibility studies for Australia and global markets. Over the next phase, the programme will add a one-month onsite immersion, 12-month virtual residency, and cross-border co-innovation sprints for startups from both India and Australia.
'The Ind–Aus. Launchpad operationalizes a global innovation pipeline — giving startups real-world access to R&D infrastructure, regulatory expertise, and market intelligence,' said Dr Mohamed Adil A.A, Managing Director, BBC.
'This is a two-way bridge between two leading innovation economies, designed to deliver deep-tech and digital health solutions with global relevance,' added Professor Theo Farrell, Vice-Chancellor, La Trobe University.
With global biotech expected to reach USD 3.88 trillion by 2030 (Grand View Research), and India projected to become a USD 150 billion bioeconomy by 2025, the corridor exemplifies how international innovation diplomacy can accelerate the translation of research into market-ready technologies.
By linking India's high-growth startup ecosystem with Australia's advanced research infrastructure, the Ind–Aus. Launchpad positions both economies to address shared challenges in health, sustainability, and technology-led growth.
