Next Phase Newsletter

Interview with Anthony Ryan, CEO of Brisbane Economic Development Agency (BEDA) By Caitlin Dolegowski, Marketing Manager, LSN

Anthony Ryan

Caitlin Dolegowski

Anthony Ryan, CEO of the Brisbane Economic Development Agency (BEDA), shares how Brisbane is emerging as a global hub for MedTech innovation. From groundbreaking technologies like needle-free vaccines to cutting-edge immunology treatments, Brisbane’s MedTech ecosystem is thriving. In this interview, Ryan discusses BEDA’s mission to foster sustainable economic growth, the city’s unique strengths in healthcare innovation, and how initiatives like the Innovator’s Pitch Challenge at RESI JPM are connecting local talent with global opportunities.

Caitlin Dolegowski (CD): Can you share an overview of BEDA’s mission and its role in advancing Brisbane’s MedTech sector?

Anthony Ryan (AR): At BEDA, our mission is clear: driving sustainable economic growth for Brisbane.

Brisbane is at a transformative moment in its history, with the economy forecasted to grow by a remarkable 68% by 2041. As the city’s key driver of investment, our focus extends beyond numbers — we aim to make Brisbane an even better place to live, work, and thrive.

One of the cornerstone industries fuelling this growth is health, specifically the first and best in class MedTech innovations. We’re dedicated to the commercialization of local innovations, that will position Brisbane as a global leading ecosystem.

Together, we’re building a brighter future for our city and its people.

CD: What makes Brisbane a hub for MedTech innovation, and how does BEDA help foster this ecosystem?

AR: Brisbane has a proud history of MedTech innovation, from Gardasil, the world’s first cancer vaccine, to VAXXAS’ needle-free vaccine technology. If you have a bold idea in MedTech, Brisbane is the place to make it happens.

The city offers cutting-edge infrastructure, top-tier talent, and endless growth opportunities. Home to the largest health ecosystem in the Southern Hemisphere, healthcare is Brisbane’s biggest employer and is project to grow by 36% by 2031. A big part of that growth is being fuelled by successful early-stage MedTech companies making their mark on the global stage.

Our city attracts the brightest research minds from around the globe, while local universities create a steady pipeline of skilled talent for the industry. Add to this Brisbane’s enviable lifestyle, and you have a unique innovation hub that’s drawing more people and ideas each year.

Through BEDA’s MedTech Initiative, we advance their life-changing innovations by connecting them with international investors, licensing partners, and distribution networks, ensuring Brisbane breakthroughs make a global impact.

CD: You’re bringing nine companies to participate in the Innovator’s Pitch Challenge at RESI JPM. What inspired this initiative, and what do you hope these companies will gain from the experience?

AR: Tapping into the global $200 billion life sciences market to attract investment is a game-changer for MedTech businesses – but navigating it can feel overwhelming.

That’s where BEDA comes in. We help businesses fast-track connections with international partners and stakeholders, opening doors for collaboration, investment and distribution opportunities.

Brisbane’s MedTech companies have been making waves on the global stage, with standout podium finishes at RESI’s Innovator’s Pitch Challenge over the past few years. These successes highlight why Brisbane is a leading ecosystem within Australia.

We’re excited to provide deal flow opportunities for international investors to connect to promising “first in class” advancements, with an end goal of global patient impact.

CD: How do you select the companies that represent Brisbane at events like RESI JPM? Are there specific qualities or innovations you are looking for?

AR: When selecting companies to represent Brisbane at events like RESI JPM, it’s all about showcasing the best innovation and business models within devices, diagnostics, drugs and digital.

BEDA is backing winners who are investment ready. In addition to first and or best in class innovation, the companies selected have raised seed capital, have Proof of Concept (POC) and a secure IP position.

This includes early-stage innovators working on surgical robotics and advancing arthroscopy, AI-powered clinical trial hubs, novel IV catheter tip technology to reduce failure rates and cutting-edge immunology treatments. It also includes global leaders like VAXXAS, who are commercializing a novel needle-free vaccination technology that dramatically enhances the performance of existing and next-generation vaccines, and BiVACOR, a renowned clinical-stage medical device company developing a total artificial heart.

Our goal is to advance the full spectrum of Brisbane’s MedTech innovation and talent, from rising startups to established trailblazers.

CD: What unique strengths or innovations from Brisbane-based MedTech companies do you believe will resonate most with the global audience at RESI JPM?

AR: This year’s Brisbane MedTech cohort is truly dynamic, showcasing innovations that will stand out at RESI JPM.

Smilo Health is leveraging AI and data analytics to revolutionize personalised care and patient management, which highlights the shift toward digital health and precision medicine.

Kimaritec is making waves by identifying small molecules to target cancer proteins, while Cardihab is transforming cardiac rehab and chronic disease management with its digital platform, making healthcare more accessible.

Flomatrix and Exintech, are advancing medical devices—from IV catheter tips that reduce failure rates to facemasks that use an electrical current to eliminate viruses.

On the therapeutic front, Macrobiome Therapeutics and Servatus are tackling autoimmune and gastrointestinal conditions, with Macrobiome’s groundbreaking treatments using hookworm proteins.

This impressive group is shaping the future of healthcare, improving patient outcomes and making healthcare more accessible worldwide.

CD: Can you share any success stories from past collaborations or pitch challenges where BEDA-supported companies have achieved significant milestones as a result of participating in RESI?

AR: This is the third year of our collaboration with LSN, and the RESI pitch challenges have delivered some truly exciting results.

One great example is Convergence Medical. They are revolutionizing chronic pain treatment with innovative solutions for spinal cord injuries and neurological conditions – recently joining the prestigious FDA Breakthrough Devices Program, further cementing their role as leaders in medical innovation.

Another is Microbio, a company that has developed a test to identify pathogens that cause sepsis. Since their visit to JP Morgan Health Week in 2023, they have received regulatory clearance in India, are preparing a pre-market submission to the FDA and are looking to close their Series B round.

De Motu Cordis developed a needle-free epinephrine smart inhaler for the treatment of anaphylaxis, which has since expanded to a platform technology that can be applied across multiple emergency medicine products, including military applications.

CD: What strategies does BEDA employ to connect Brisbane’s MedTech companies with international investors and collaborators?

AR: At BEDA, we connect Brisbane’s MedTech companies with global investors and collaborators through tailored investment missions, strategic introductions, and valuable collaboration opportunities.

We leverage in-market expertise, such as our strategic partnership with LSN, to fast-track connections and elevate Brisbane’s MedTech sector on the global stage.

Through strong partnerships and a liaison point across all levels of government, including Trade and Investment Queensland and Austrade, we provide local companies with the resources and support they need to scale internationally.

CD: How do you envision Brisbane’s MedTech sector evolving over the next few years, and what role do events like RESI JPM play in that growth?

AR: Brisbane’s MedTech sector is set for some serious growth, fuelled by $11 billion in new health infrastructure projects and a strong culture of collaboration across the city.

More and more international companies are choosing Brisbane for their headquarters or operational facilities, which will see the city, continue to grow and mature as globally recognised ecosystem for healthcare innovation. BEDA will continue to support these international companies with full market entry support.

Investor Forums like JPM and investor conferences like RESI will continue to play a huge role in providing platforms to attract the required global capital for commercialization. We’re excited to promote and advance the local companies who are driving positive change in healthcare worldwide.

By Greg Mannix, VP, EMEA Business Development, LSN

Editor’s note: The below article is a digest of published expert analyst commentary rather than original content.

According to analysts, RFK Jr’s nomination to head HHS may have introduced a level of uncertainty when it comes to the future of biotech and pharma investment, especially in the areas of vaccines and infectious disease. After his appointment, pharma stocks, especially those of vaccine makers, dropped. Regulatory uncertainty is generally not ideal for the industry. For example, Moderna tried to reassure investors by asserting that according to legislation, the secretary’s role is management, not policy. We may see an RFK who focuses on diet and obesity prevention and leaves regulatory matters for the FDA commissioner (Trump nominated Marty Makary, MD). On the other hand, if HHS, FDA, CDC (for which Trump nominated Dave Weldon, MD) and NIH (for which Trump nominated Jay Bhattacharya, MD, PhD) see a departure of resources with scientific expertise, the resulting uncertainty could have a dampening effect on investment, especially at the venture stages. However, reducing FDA funding may face hurdles due to nearly half the agency’s budget being funded by user fees rather than federal funds.

RFK Jr has expressed skepticism of the transparency of the safety data behind COVID vaccines as well as vaccines for measles and polio. However, his primary complaint has been mandates rather than regulatory process; He has also expressed sentiment toward GLP-1s, highlighting that these drugs address symptoms rather than food system issues. This has resulted in some industry analysts expressing concern about the confidence of investors who fund vaccines or infectious disease therapies.

NIH funding is also a concern to biotech investors. RFK Jr previously stated that he would reduce NIH staff by 600 – 20,000 employees on his first day on office, potentially shrinking an organization that spends $50B on research, either directly, through monetary grants or through partnerships. Watch our video with the NIH, where they explain funding and partnering options beyond SBIR. Given the reliance life science startups have on NIH funding and partnerships, an RFK Jr effect on startup investment dollars could be most influenced in the short term by potential changes at the NIH. RFK Jr also said that he wants the NIH to take an 8-year break from researching infectious disease, presumably to focus on chronic diseases. He has also stated in the Wall Street Journal that half of NIH’s budget should be dedicated to research on preventative, alternative and holisitic medicine. Notwithstanding the above, the first Trump administration recommended cuts in federal spending on research too, but the NIH saw its budget increase 30% between 2016 and 2020.

Finally, RFK Jr has indicated that he wants DTC pharmaceutical advertising to cease. Analysts have estimated returns on DTC advertising to be 100% to 500%, and some have indicated that such a ban would reduce pharmaceutical revenue.

All that said, many analysts and government experts have indicated that they do not believe RFK Jr. will end up making seismic shifts in the above areas, due to congressional oversight, industry pressure or precedent during the first Trump administration. Perhaps more important will be Makary’s moves as FDA commissioner and Bhattacharya’s actions as head of the NIH. The one thing we can be sure of is the first quarter of 2025 will certainly be carefully watched by the biotech investors.

By Dennis Ford, Founder & CEO, Life Science Nation (LSN)

Life Science Nation (LSN) is proud to embark on our inaugural RESI London, taking place December 4-6, 2024, and the milestone 50th RESI JPM, scheduled for January 14-16, and 21, 2025, offer unparalleled opportunities for companies to jumpstart their fundraising efforts and shape their future in the industry. RESI London: A European Springboard, imagine stepping into the heart of the UK’s vibrant life science ecosystem at RESI London, co-located with Genesis 2024. This event isn’t just a conference; it’s a launchpad for companies looking to make their mark in Europe. Here, you’ll have the chance to refine your pitch for a discerning European audience, engage with elite investors and licensing partners, and showcase your innovation in the Innovator’s Pitch Challenge (IPC). The hybrid format, combining an in-person day with two days of virtual partnering, ensures you can maximize your reach and flexibility. RESI JPM: Where 2025 Global Partnering Roadshows Take Flight. As the calendar turns, RESI JPM in San Francisco beckons, offering a global stage amidst the energy of JPM Healthcare Conference week. This flagship event is your ticket to connecting with over 600 investors spanning the “4 Ds” – Drugs, Devices, Diagnostics, and Digital Health, as well as R&D Tools and Services. Picture yourself pitching to a panel of industry luminaries, forging connections that could define your company’s future, and kicking off the year with momentum that could carry you through 2025 and beyond.

The Art of Refinement

Remember the old joke about getting to Carnegie Hall? “Practice, practice, practice.” The same principle applies here. By participating in both RESI London and RESI JPM, you’re not just attending events; you’re embarking on a journey of refinement. Each interaction, each pitch, each conversation is an opportunity to hone your message, gain invaluable feedback, and build a global network that could be the key to your success.

LSN’s Global Partnering Ecosystem Is Your Secret Weapon

Behind these events lies LSN’s global partnering ecosystem. This isn’t just a network; it’s a sophisticated matchmaking system that spans the “4 Ds” and beyond, including R&D Tools, Services, and AI. With curated data profiles ensuring precise matches and a series of worldwide partnering events, LSN offers you a comprehensive toolkit for navigating the complex landscape of life science innovation and investment.

A Strategic One-Two Punch

Attending both RESI London and RESI JPM isn’t just about being present; it’s about strategic positioning. Use RESI London as your European warm-up, refining your approach for a continental audience. Then, take those lessons learned and amplify your impact at RESI JPM, where you’ll be primed to make a lasting impression on the global stage. This continuous engagement across two major markets isn’t just networking; it’s momentum-building at its finest. The time to act is now. By securing your place at both RESI London and RESI JPM, you’re not just registering for events; you’re investing in your company’s future. With LSN’s tailored support guiding you every step of the way, you’ll be equipped to navigate the challenges of the life science landscape and transform your innovative ideas into reality. Don’t let this opportunity pass you by – your next big breakthrough could be just one connection away.

Interview with Diana Caldwell, CEO of Amplified Sciences By Caitlin Dolegowski, Marketing Manager, LSN

Diana Caldwell

Caitlin Dolegowski

In this interview, we sit down with Diana Caldwell, CEO of Amplified Sciences and the first-place winner of the Innovator’s Pitch Challenge (IPC) at RESI Boston. Amplified Sciences stood out with their innovative approach, impressing both judges and attendees. Today, Diana shares insights into her company’s journey, their groundbreaking technology, and the experience of pitching at RESI. Join us as we dive into the story behind Amplified Sciences and what this win means for their future.

Interested in showcasing your innovation? Applications for the Innovator’s Pitch Challenge at RESI London and RESI JPM are open until this Friday, November 8th. Don’t miss the opportunity to pitch in front of a dedicated panel of investors, gain valuable feedback, and make lasting connections. Apply now to take your innovation to the next level.

Interview with Dennis Ford, Founder & CEO of Life Science Nation (LSN) By Claire Jeong, CCO, VP of Investor Research, Asia BD, LSN

Dennis Ford

Claire Jeong

In the high-stakes world of fundraising, competition is fierce, and success demands more than just a good idea—it requires strategy, persistence, and grit. At Life Science Nation (LSN), participant feedback helps us fine-tune our events to serve their needs better. Recently, concerns were raised about the fairness of the Innovator’s Pitch Challenge (IPC) at RESI Boston. In this forum, companies pitch to a panel of investor judges and audience, with some alleging that participants may have “gamed the system.” These observations point to a larger conversation about business dynamics—where determination often trumps traditional notions of fairness. In this candid interview, LSN’s CEO, Dennis Ford, explores the fine line between integrity, innovation, and the entrepreneurial hustle that drives results in a competitive environment.

Claire Jeong (CJ): What differentiates CEOs who succeed in fundraising from those who struggle, particularly in the context of RESI and the Innovator’s Pitch Challenge?
Dennis Ford (DF): The RESI IPC is a microcosm of the real-world fundraising landscape. Some CEOs adopt a proactive approach, while others wait for investors or licensing partners to approach them. The passive ones tend to wait for things to happen to them, while the proactive CEOs are out there making things happen. Just like in the real world, the ones who seize every opportunity are the ones who tend to succeed.

CJ: What mindset shift do you believe is critical for startup CEOs transitioning from academia to a competitive fundraising environment?
DF: Many startup CEOs, particularly those coming from academia, think that paying an entry fee, being selected to pitch, and setting up a poster is enough. They expect investors to naturally flock to them. However, that’s only a minimal effort. To truly excel at a partnering event like RESI, you need to actively seek out opportunities—engage with everyone who walks by, identify investors, and make sure they know who you are. This transition mirrors the shift from academia to the business world, where you’re no longer a scientist—you’re a salesperson, marketer, and business developer.

CJ: How important is balancing compelling science with a determined business development strategy in the fundraising process?
DF: Striking the right balance is essential. In fact, we’ve seen some of the more aggressive participants in the IPC go as far as asking people for their RESI dollars, getting colleagues to donate theirs, and working the system to gain attention. This is the point of the IPC – getting CEOs to put themselves out there and speak to as many attendees as possible. It gives companies many opportunities to practice their pitch, network, and push CEOs to tell as many people as possible their story. While it might not seem “fair” to some, this aggressive approach mirrors the cutthroat nature of fundraising. CEOs need to understand that they’re no longer just researchers—they’re operating in a startup environment where they need to fight for every dollar, every collaboration, and every opportunity.

CJ: Can you share examples of how startup CEOs who took a more aggressive approach achieved success at RESI or in their broader fundraising efforts?
DF: The CEOs who reframe their mindset and adopt a more aggressive approach are often the ones who succeed. The combination of preparation, hustle, and compelling science gives them a real chance. If a CEO lacks either preparation or hustle, the likelihood of failure increases. That’s why the failure rate in life science startups is so high. The process of translating science into a viable product is hard, and having a team willing to fully commit is even harder. But when you have that combination, you’re much more likely to succeed.

CJ: What advice would you give to CEOs who are hesitant to take an aggressive approach when engaging with investors at events like RESI?
DF: The hesitation is understandable, but this isn’t an environment where waiting around will get you anywhere. If you want to succeed, you have to go after it relentlessly. Yes, the market can be frustrating, and investors can be difficult, but those who adapt and push beyond their comfort zones are the ones who will secure funding. CEOs should view it as a way to practice their elevator pitch and refine their story – speaking to 100 people in the quest to gain RESI cash will help companies refine their pitch a lot more than if they stick to only speaking to people with whom they have scheduled meetings.

CJ: How does participation in the RESI IPC competition reflect the real-world challenges life science startups face in fundraising?
DF: The RESI IPC mirrors the fundraising marketplace perfectly. We’ve run about 50 of these competitions over the last twelve years, and the pattern is always the same—some participants hustle hard, others take a more passive approach, and many learn and improve as they go. What’s interesting is that the startups who win IPC prizes—based on votes from both RESI dollars and judges—tend to be the ones who also succeed outside of the competition. They’ve become guerrilla marketers and street fighters, combining that tenacity with a solid product and milestones. Success in the technology and innovation space has always required that mix of drive and substance, and it always will.

The RESI Innovator’s Pitch Challenge is not just a competition; it’s a testing ground for the broader fundraising landscape. It rewards those who balance science with the hustle, pushing past the perceived limits of fairness to carve out their path in the startup ecosystem. The lesson? If you want to succeed, you must be willing to fight for it—aggressively, intelligently, and relentlessly.

Interview with John Qiao, Founder & CEO of RadioClash By Caitlin Dolegowski, Marketing Manager, LSN

John Qiao

Caitlin Dolegowski

In this interview, we spoke with John Qiao, Founder and CEO of RadioClash, who secured third place in the Innovator’s Pitch Challenge at RESI Boston this past September. John shares insights into the company’s journey, their fundraising efforts, and their experience pitching to investors at the conference.

Interview with Victoria Paz, Co-founder and CEO of EYWA Biotech By Caitlin Dolegowski, Marketing Manager, LSN

Victoria Paz

Caitlin Dolegowski

EYWA Biotech is leading the charge in developing psychedelic APIs through cutting-edge synthetic biology techniques. In this interview, Victoria Paz, a key figure at EYWA, shares insights into the company’s mission, their innovative approach to solving mental health treatment challenges, and their experience at the Innovator’s Pitch Challenge during RESI Boston. From their fundraising journey to the impact they envision for the healthcare industry, this conversation sheds light on how EYWA Biotech is pioneering solutions in the biotech space.

About the Company

Caitlin Dolegowski (CD): Can you give us a brief introduction to EYWA Biotech and the problem you’re aiming to solve?
Victoria Paz (VP): Eywa Biotech is focused on using synthetic biology and gene engineering to produce GMP-certified psychedelic APIs like psilocybin, DMT, 5-MeO-DMT, and bufotenin. We aim to solve the challenge of providing a reliable, high-quality, and sustainable supply chain for psychedelic compounds used in research and therapeutic applications. Our goal is to address the mental health crisis by ensuring consistent access to these innovative compounds for conditions such as treatment-resistant depression and PTSD.

CD: What inspired you to start EYWA Biotech, and what differentiates your technology from others in the field?
VP: The inspiration behind Eywa Biotech came from the urgent need for new solutions in mental health treatment. Current production methods for psychedelic compounds are often inefficient and environmentally unsustainable. Eywa’s approach stands out because we use synthetic biology to create scalable microorganisms that produce these compounds in fewer steps, cutting down production time and reducing environmental impact. This enables us to deliver high-purity APIs for research and clinical use at a lower cost.

CD: How do you envision your solution impacting the healthcare industry in the next few years?
VP: We believe that Eywa Biotech’s innovations will play a key role in transforming mental health treatment by providing a reliable supply of high-quality psychedelic compounds. Our technology has the potential to make therapeutic psychedelics more accessible to researchers and healthcare providers, accelerating the development of novel mental health treatments. By doing so, we hope to contribute to a broader acceptance of psychedelics in medicine and support the advancement of personalized treatments for conditions like depression and PTSD.

Fundraising Status

CD: Where are you currently in the fundraising process?
VP: We recently closed our pre-seed round, which has allowed us to build and scale our initial production capabilities. We are now preparing to launch our seed round by the end of next year to support further scaling, commercialization, and the development of new formulations and preclinical trials.

CD: What type of investors are you seeking, and what do you hope to achieve with this round of funding?
VP: We are looking for strategic investors who have a strong understanding of biotechnology, mental health, and pharmaceuticals. Ideally, these investors will bring not only capital but also expertise in scaling biomanufacturing and navigating regulatory landscapes. With this round, we aim to scale our production to an industrial level, expand into new markets, and advance our pipeline of formulations and APIs.

CD: How have potential investors responded to your pitch so far, and what has been the most frequent feedback?
VP: Feedback from investors has been positive, especially regarding our innovative approach to scaling psychedelic API production and our focus on sustainability. The most common feedback has been around ensuring that our go-to-market strategy is well-defined, especially in terms of navigating regulatory challenges and market entry in different regions.

Experience at RESI Boston

CD: How was your experience participating in the Innovator’s Pitch Challenge at RESI Boston?
VP: Participating in the Innovator’s Pitch Challenge at RESI Boston was an invaluable experience. It provided us with a platform to showcase Eywa Biotech’s vision to a diverse panel of investors and industry leaders, allowing us to refine our message and receive valuable feedback.

CD: What was the most valuable aspect of presenting to a dedicated panel of investors at the event?
VP: The most valuable aspect was the insightful questions and constructive feedback from the panel, which helped us better understand the investment priorities of various stakeholders in the biotech space. It also offered a great opportunity to build connections with potential investors who align with our long-term vision.

CD: How did the RESI Boston conference contribute to your overall fundraising journey and networking?
VP: The RESI Boston conference significantly boosted our fundraising journey by allowing us to engage directly with high-quality investors and potential partners. It expanded our network within the biotech and life sciences community, helping us identify potential strategic partners for future collaborations.

CD: Did you find the feedback from investors during the pitch challenge helpful, and if so, how?
VP: Absolutely, the feedback was extremely helpful. It highlighted the importance of clarifying our regulatory strategy and demonstrating market readiness. This has guided us in refining our pitch to better address investors’ concerns about market entry timelines and scalability.

CD: Would you recommend the Innovator’s Pitch Challenge to other early-stage biotech companies, and why?
VP: Yes, I would highly recommend it. The Innovator’s Pitch Challenge provides a unique opportunity to receive direct feedback from experienced investors, gain visibility in the industry, and connect with like-minded entrepreneurs. It’s an ideal platform for any early-stage biotech company looking to validate their business model and accelerate their growth.