In a short lifespan of just five years, we’ve spun out twelve startup companies which have collectively raised $230m in venture capital. These companies have a combined valuation of over $1 billion, representing a 40-fold return on government investment. Learn about some of our startups below.
SWAN Genomics
SWAN is changing the way we sequence DNA with a new approach that goes beyond today’s short-read and long-read methods. Their technology is more flexible, scalable, and cost-effective—opening up exciting possibilities for healthcare and biotech.
Learn more: https://www.linkedin.com/company/swan-genomics
NewEra Bio: Natural & Eco-Friendly Dyes for Fabrics
Newera.bio’s mission is to transform textile dyeing into a bio-based industry that benefits the planet, communities, and future generations. They harness synthetic biology and proprietary platform technologies to produce low carbon and high-performance dyes that are cost-effective and eco-friendly.
Learn more: https://www.newera.bio
Wild Yeast Zoo
Wild Yeast Zoo is an innovative platform committed to the Nagoya Protocol, building a diverse library of wild Australian microbes to create nature-based solutions for sustainable industrial innovation. They focus on developing bio-based applications across industries, from fermented beverages to agriculture, with a strong emphasis on environmental responsibility and scalability. Through collaboration and creative approaches, they aim to accelerate transformative change for a brighter future.
Learn more: https://www.wildyeastzoo.com
Levur: Unlocking the Next Generation of Oils
Levur is transforming how industries produce oils, offering a sustainable, scalable alternative to palm oil—a resource found in over 50% of supermarket products and linked to deforestation, biodiversity loss, and high emissions. Using synthetic biology and precision fermentation, they brew palm oil derivatives in a controlled environment, enabling tailored oil profiles for cosmetics, nutraceuticals, and food. Their process helps industries comply with sustainability regulations like the EU’s 2026 deforestation ban while reducing environmental impact. Partnering with leading FMCG companies, they are scaling towards a nature-positive economy, empowering businesses to meet sustainability goals and protect biodiversity for future generations.
Learn more: https://www.levur.com.au
EntoZyme: Building a Bio-Future
EntoZyme is transforming sustainable waste management and biomanufacturing industries with the use of transgenic Black Soldier Flies.
Learn more: https://www.entozyme.com
Number 8 Bio
Number 8 Bio pioneers transformative change in the AgriTech and CleanTech sectors, providing innovative and sustainable methods to reduce livestock emissions. Its product BetterFeed™ is expected to achieve a remarkable 98 percent reduction in methane emissions while helping cattle gain 10% percent more weight on the same amount of feed.
Key recent milestones include the commencement of first cattle trials and the active construction of a pilot plant in Lane Cove, emphasising scalability.
Learn more: https://www.number8.bio
LIFE REIMAGINED
We are a world-leading research centre whose goal is to take us beyond what any single, existing microbe on earth can do.