How to apply

Applicants are invited to submit their project to be considered for a presentation on the AusBiotech 2024 Early-Stage Innovation Forum programme.

To be considered for a position, you are required to answer five questions, as outlined below:

1. Institution name

2. Project title

3. Project description (maximum 300 words)

4. What is the investment you are looking for? (maximum 150 words)

5. What will the investment be used for and what will be the outcome at the end of the investment? (maximum 150 words)

Before you commence your submission, it is recommended that you type the answers to the questions in Word, then cut and paste into the applicable fields.

Submissions close at midnight (AEST) 1 September 2024.

AusBiotech actively incorporates gender balance, diversity and inclusion in all aspects of its events programme. Submissions from each state will be considered to ensure representation across Australia.

Selection process

1. Candidates submit an application by midnight (AEST) 1 September 2024 for consideration

2. Submissions are reviewed by the appointed Advisory Group. Applicants may be contacted for further information once the evaluation process is complete in September

3. All candidates are notified

4. Official invitation to present at the AusBiotech 2024 - ESIF will be issued to 15 successful candidates

5. The successful candidates will conduct their presentations to an expert investor panel AusBiotech 2024 on Wednesday 30 October 2024

6. A 2024 Early Stage Investment Forum winner will be announced and will receive a prize of the following:

   • Two complimentary tickets to AusBiotech 2025

   • Exclusive feature in BiotechDispatch, a prominent industry publication, amplifying your recognition and visibility

   • Announcement of your win to AusBiotech’s social media community of more than 30,000

   • Featured in AusBiotech’s 2025 Journal: Australasian Biotechnology

Conditions of entry

• Submissions are only open to investable projects from Australian research institutions or companies seeking seed or series A investment;

• Information included in the application process and presented on the day should be non-confidential;

• Applications from Institutions with Technology Transfer or Research Commercialisation Offices must have prior approval from the relevant technology transfer or commercialisation office, unless the entire IP rights to the project have been assigned to the individual submitting the proposal;

• Where relevant, applications are preferred from the associated technology transfer or commercialisation offices of the Institutions;

• Companies seeking seed or series A investment and Institutions without technology transfer or commercialisation offices should apply directly;

• The Early-Stage Innovation Forum will be delivered in person, therefore all successful applicants are expected to travel to Melbourne and present on Wednesday 30 October;

• Presenters will be allocated 7 minutes for their pitch, with a further 3 minutes Q&A / feedback from the expert investor panel;

• Successful applicants will receive a 10% discount off their registration rate and participation in this forum is contingent to purchasing a registration;

• Successful applicants will receive a template to be used for the presentation, with a limit of 5 slides (not including the title slide) per presentation. Use of the template will be strictly enforced, although you can apply your own branding and other visual elements to assist in presenting your early-stage technology.

Important dates

10 July 2024: Submissions open

1 September 2024: Submissions close

11 September 2024: All applicants notified

30 October 2024: ESIF presentations

31 October 2024: AusBiotech 2024 - Day 2

1 November 2024: Winner announced on Day 3 of AusBiotech 2024