Next Phase Newsletter

By Claire Jeong, Chief Conference Officer, Vice President of Investor Research, Asia BD, LSN

At RESI JPM 2025, 56 companies participated in the Innovator’s Pitch Challenge (IPC). These finalist companies pitched to an audience and fielded questions from an investor judges panel, as well as showcased their technology at the conference in the IPC exhibition hall.

Registered RESI attendees, including startup executives, early-stage investors, and industry experts, voted for their favorite IPC company using RESI cash provided. Votes were based on the pitch company’s presentation and networking in the exhibit hall and their performance in the Q&A portion of their pitch session.

Life Science Nation is thrilled to announce the winners who received the most votes during RESI JPM 2025. Congratulations to all the winners for their exceptional contributions and to all participants for showcasing their inspiring innovations!

First Place: Kimaritec

Kimaritec is a pre-clinical-stage small molecule therapeutics company with lead programs in cancer and a platform technology applicable to many targets and for future indications including neurological disorders. We develop inhibitors that selectively block SUMOylation, a post-translational modification used by cancer cells to stabilise target proteins. Blocking specific SUMOylation events induces Targeted Protein Degradation (TPD) or inhibits protein function leading to anti-cancer outcomes. In vitro Proof-of-Concept has been achieved for two cancer targets o Because SUMOylation inhibition is a new paradigm for TPD, we chose EGFR as a demonstration target. A hit molecule series causes EGFR degradation and reduces cancer cell growth. o Kimaritec’s lead commercial program is a first-in-class inhibitor of a undrugged transcription factor required for tumour initiation and growth. We seek a $4M seed investment to focus on the commercial target, to progress our molecules through a drug discovery process and achieve IND candidate status by 2027.

Dennis Ford, Founder and CEO of Life Science Nation, Creator of the RESI Conference Series | Sally Stephenson, Founder, Kimaritec Pty Ltd | Greg Mannix, VP, International Business Development, Life Science Nation

Second Place: Molecular You

Molecular You is the first and only multi-biomarker analytics platform, designed to support providers with early detection of disease in over 26 areas. This AI-powered platform analyzes 250+ protein and metabolite biomarkers and gives practitioners evidence-based lifestyle recommendations to tackle disease risk. The product is in-market, selling through clinics across the US and Canada looking to offer the most advanced preventive testing to their patients. In Q4 2024, the company also signed a distribution and licensing deal with a nationwide lab partner, HealthQuest Esoterics. This deal will expose Molecular You’s offering to over 1 million patients, through multiple verticals already established by the partner. Molecular You is raising a $6 million SAFE, with $3 million committed.

Haiyan Yang, Ph.D., MBA, VP Operations, Co-founder, Molecular You | Joey Wong, Director of Investor Research, Life Science Nation | Gene Shkolnikov, CTO, Molecular You | Rob Fraser, Ph.D., CSO + President, Co-founder, Molecular You | Dennis Ford, Founder and CEO of Life Science Nation, Creator of the RESI Conference Series

Third Place: Rhythm Biotherapeutics

Rhythm Biotherapeutics is focused on addressing a critical unmet need: preventing and treating atrial fibrillation (AF), a chronic, progressive, and life-threatening disease. AF occurs in 30% to 50% of patients undergoing open-chest cardiac surgery, leading to increased costs, morbidity and mortality. Our lead asset is a prophylactic human cardiac exosome therapy that has demonstrated an 87% reduction in postoperative AF in extensive and compelling preclinical studies that confirm safety, efficacy, and a mechanism of action targeting the cause of AF: inflammation and fibrosis. Dr. Darryl Davis, our founder and CEO/CSO, is a cardiologist and cardiac electrophysiologist, globally recognized as the leading expert on using human exosomes to treat heart rhythm disorders. Our platform pipeline includes indications for patients with paroxysmal AF. We are raising a $3 million seed2 round to complete our phase 1 clinical trial, to advance our preclinical pipeline therapies, and secure strategic partnerships.

Dennis Ford, Founder and CEO of Life Science Nation, Creator of the RESI Conference Series | Julia Pomoransky, Chief Business Officer, Capital Bioventures | Erika Wu, Business Development Manager, Life Science Nation

For those interested in participating in the next Innovator’s Pitch Challenge, applications are now open for RESI Europe 2025. This event will take place on April 1 at the InterContinental Barcelona, featuring a one-day in-person conference followed by two days of virtual partnering. Early application is encouraged as spots are filled on a rolling basis.

Additionally, registration for RESI Europe is now open with super early bird rates available. Prospective attendees can save €400 by registering before Friday, January 31.

Convergence Medical Secure $5 Million From Global Investors for World-First Surgical Robot

Life Science Nation is thrilled to announce a remarkable achievement within our ecosystem. Avicella Capital (Listen to the Interview with Dr. Gennady Bratslavsky, Co-Founder & Partner at Avicella Capital), a valued member of our Global Partnering Network, and Convergence Medical, a standout from the LSN Entrepreneurial Education program cohort sponsored by Brisbane Economic Development Agency, have joined forces in a $5M funding round.

This accomplishment underscores the power of collaboration and the impact of the resources and opportunities provided through the LSN Partnering Ecosystem. We’re proud to see these connections driving innovation and fueling growth in the life sciences sector.

Congratulations to Avicella Capital and Convergence Medical on this successful partnership—we can’t wait to see the incredible advancements that emerge from this collaboration!

Brisbane MedTech company Convergence Medical has secured AU$5 million from global investors, closing out its successful Series A funding round.

US investor Avicella Capital has backed the company’s world-first arthroscopic surgical robot – named VO1 – which will support plans to commercialise the robot, expand into the US and disrupt the $6.1 billion global arthroscopic industry.

The funding milestone elevates the company to a valuation of over AU$30 million, setting the stage for significant expansion and innovation in the global healthcare sector. It also delivers a significant return on investment to angel, pre-seed and seed investors who have backed the company since its inception three years ago.

Arthroscopic surgery is used to treat over 50 million injured wrists, elbows, shoulders, spines, hips, knees and ankles each year globally. The V01 robot is designed to reduce the physical and cognitive burden on surgeons while enhancing operative precision and dexterity and is set to transform arthroscopic operations.

The funding follows the VO1’s acceptance into the US Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Breakthrough Devices Program in December 2023, expediting its path to market. Less than 3% of devices submitted to the FDA are accepted into this program.

Convergence Medical founder and CEO Chris Jeffery, a medical doctor with an extensive history of orthopaedic innovation, and seasoned entrepreneur behind other notable MedTech ventures including Field Orthopaedics and Audeara, said the investment would help accelerate growth. 

“We’re thrilled to achieve this important milestone in our journey to commercialisation and excited to be working with Avicella Capital, who are seasoned investors with a great track record in the global MedTech industry,” said Dr Jeffery.

“This funding enables us to accelerate our growth and bring our transformative technology to hospitals and surgeons around the globe.

“Our mission is to create more efficient, effective solutions that support medical professionals and improve patient outcomes worldwide.”

Dr. Gennady Bratslavsky, co-founder and Partner of Avicella Capital is excited to partner with the Brisbane-based MedTech company. 

“We recognise the potential of Convergence Medical as they look to transform arthroscopic surgeries for physicians and patients globally. Convergence Medical, under the leadership of Chris Jeffrey, is a pioneer in MedTech innovation,” said Dr. Bratslavsky.

The funding will be directed toward scaling production, expanding global partnerships, and advancing research and development efforts in preparation for the Company’s soon anticipated soft launch of the V01 World First Arthroscopic Surgical Robot.

With its headquarters in Brisbane, Convergence Medical is also committed to fostering local talent and solidifying the city’s reputation as a leader in medical technology.

Brisbane Economic Development Agency CEO Anthony Ryan said the investment reflected the opportunities in Brisbane’s MedTech industry. 

“Brisbane’s MedTech sector is experiencing remarkable growth, unlocking incredible opportunities for innovation and investment,” Mr Ryan said.

“We’re delighted to see Chris and the Convergence Medical team continue to grow and attract investment on their journey to commercialisation.

“Brisbane has a proud history of pioneering world-firsts in health, driven by our exceptional talent and world-class health and research institutes.

“At BEDA, our mission is to foster a collaborative and supportive business community that empowers this momentum, ensuring Brisbane remains at the forefront of global health advancements.”

For more information, please contact: Dr Chris Jeffery
E: chris@convergenceortho.com
M: +61 401249783.

About Convergence Medical: Convergence Medical is a Brisbane-based MedTech innovator developing world-first robotic solutions for surgical precision and efficiency. Founded by Chris Jeffery, a medical doctor with an extensive history of orthopaedic innovation and experienced entrepreneur, the company is dedicated to transforming medical practices globally through advanced technology and a commitment to excellence.

By Greg Mannix, VP, EMEA Business Development, LSN

RESI Europe 2025 offers an exciting opportunity for life science professionals with Super Early Bird registration rates ending on January 31, 2025. Attendees can save €400 by registering before this deadline for the conference taking place in Barcelona.

The event will feature an in-person conference on April 1, 2025, at The InterContinental Barcelona, followed by two days of virtual partnering on April 2-3, 2025. Hosted by Life Science Nation (LSN) in collaboration with Biocat, the conference aims to connect healthcare innovators with global investors and strategic partners.

With over 250 global investors and 250 life science innovators expected, RESI Europe provides a critical platform for companies in drugs, devices, diagnostics, and digital health to secure capital, explore partnerships, and negotiate potential licensing deals. Professionals interested in taking advantage of the significant savings should register before January 31, 2025, to benefit from the Super Early Bird rates