Discovery Translation Fund – campusplus.com.au

“Does this innovation have commercial potential?”

That is the fundamental question the Discovery Translation Fund seeks to answer by funding translational activities that bridge the gap between research and commercial development.

Leveraged funding
Spin-out creation
Licensing deals
Industry collaboration
Institutional impact
Contract research
Income diversification

Strong commercial potential
Underlying science, technology or concept is of high quality
IP position is novel and creates a barrier to entry
Submitting institution has rights to commercialise project IP

Proof-of-concept work
Prototype development
Technical validation activities
Mouse trials
IP advice
Early-stage business development
Market validation activities

DTF and ROI

A ten-year review of one institution found that DTF participation provided a 10x return on investment. Over a decade, $5M was invested in DTF projects with leveraged funding in excess of $50M flowing back.

SPIN-OUTS: Two spin-out companies who started with a DTF grant, returned $5.84M between them back to the University in the form of research contracts. One was also the Partner Organisation in successful Linkage and CRC-P applications with the University.

GRANTS: The results achieved through DTF grants helped researchers attain Laureate, ARENA, ARC and NHMRC research grants, including an ARC Centre of Excellence.

“The DTF program funded the first animal studies that underpinned our thesis that combination therapy with an LSD1 inhibitor and chemotherapy reduces tumour volumes in mice. From this we were able to establish EpiAxis Therapeutics, raise over $6M in capital over 5 years, signed multiple research agreements with the University of Canberra and proceeded with the development of our first in class LSD1 inhibitors”.

Dr. Jeremy Crisp, CEO, EpiAxis Therapeutics

“The DTF award was a catalyst for starting Liquid Instruments. It provided incredibly valuable, highly leveraged funding to allow the LI Team to retire the major technology risks associated with the company’s technology and strategy. This project led directly to the formation of Liquid Instruments at the conclusion of the project, and the securing of LI’s first venture capital investment later that year.”

Prof. Daniel Shaddock, CEO, Liquid Instruments

“The DTF program was the catalyst of InterfereX Communications, enabling us to get started and get serious about the product, customers, and market. The funding was critical in kickstarting the team and provided the necessary focus to deliver on our prototype and customer interviews. The outcome of the project enabled us to go on and raise $1.2m of Investment and triggered the establishment of a Board which brought credibility and momentum.”

Dr. Mark Reed, former CEO, InterfereX