Through Bioplatforms Australia, Australian biotechnology startups can access national research infrastructure capabilities and translational support to generate critical data, validate innovations and accelerate commercial development. This support has helped three Australian companies — Number 8 Bio, Platypus Bio and HydGene Renewables — advance technologies addressing major challenges across sustainable agriculture, human health and renewable energy.
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The three companies were recently recognised as recipients of the NSW Government’s Emerging Technology Commercialisation Fund, which supports NSW-based companies to accelerate the commercialisation of innovative technologies with strong global market potential.
- Number 8 Bio is developing biological solutions to reduce methane emissions from livestock, supporting more sustainable food production while addressing a major contributor to agricultural greenhouse gas emissions.
- Platypus Bio is advancing next-generation RNA technologies with applications in diagnostics, therapeutics and synthetic biology.
- HydGene Renewables is developing enzyme and microbial platforms to support the production of renewable fuels and chemicals, contributing to the transition towards more sustainable energy systems.
Number 8 Bio and HydGene Renewables are both spin-out companies from the Bioplatforms Australian Genome Foundry, and Platypus Bio accessed data resources and high-performance computing through Bioplatforms.
By connecting emerging companies with advanced research capabilities and expertise, Bioplatforms helps bridge the gap between scientific discovery and commercial application. This support enables startups to strengthen their evidence base, refine technologies and progress towards investment and market opportunities.
The success of Number 8 Bio, Platypus Bio and HydGene Renewables highlights the broader economic and societal impact of Australia’s research infrastructure ecosystem. Beyond supporting individual companies, national research infrastructure plays a key role in fostering innovation, strengthening Australia’s biotechnology pipeline and translating scientific advances into solutions that benefit industry, the environment and human health.
Advancing discovery through biotech research.