Trifecta for UQ technology commercialisation

Three start-up companies based on technology from University of Queensland research programs have received a total of $280,000 under the State Government’s Innovation Start-up Scheme (ISUS).

The three companies, formed this year by UQ’s technology commercialisation company UniQuest Pty Limited, will focus on the further development of these technologies.

* Diabax Pty Ltd aims to develop a rapid test for blood-borne bacterial infections that may be easily administered by general practitioners. Most of these diseases are treatable if diagnosed early,however early symptoms are often indistinguishable from those commonly associated with the flu or other infections. UQ researchers have identified sequences in bacteria that can be used in diagnostic assays to rapidly detect infection in human tissues and blood.

* Antepodi Technologies Pty Ltd aims to develop an economical antenna for wireless LAN applications (the fLANtenna). An application of UQ’s patented Radial Line Slot Antenna, fLANtennaTM provides a solution to the problem of achieving the desirable mix of an aesthetically pleasing, high-gain, low-cost, simply-installed wireless base station antenna, commonly referred to as an “access point” inside buildings.

* BiReme Pty Ltd aims to commercialise a device and objective test for the diagnosis of mood disorders, including bipolar disorder. Based on the measurement of the rate of switching between the brain’s hemispheres, this simple test promises to revolutionise the early diagnosis of such disorders.

UniQuest’s managing director David Henderson welcomed the ISUS announcement.

“The three start-up companies are representative of the diverse portfolio of opportunities being developed at UQ. The ISUS grants will provide them with the opportunity to further commercialise their products,” he said.

Media: For further information, contact David Henderson on (07 3365 4037 or 0418 745 404).