The fund is part of the university’s newly set up investment arm Monash Ventures, supporting healthcare developments.
Monash University has launched its $15m Monash Ventures pre-seed fund in partnership with a government-funded investment company Breakthrough Victoria to support the commercialisation of healthcare research.
The fund is part of the university’s newly set up venture and investment arm, Monash Ventures, which reflects its growing role as an investor in early-stage spinouts.
Offering up to $1m per company, the fund invests in spinouts emerging from Monash University. In addition to capital, spinouts will get access to expert networks, mentoring and support to advance proof-of-concept.
“This fund ensures innovators are supported at one of the most challenging points in their journey — turning ideas into investment-ready ventures,” Robyn Ward, deputy vice chancellor of research and enterprise and senior vice-president at Monash University, said.
“By supporting our spinouts with early-stage investment, we are creating pathways for researchers to take their transformative ideas to the market in pursuit of significant impact.”
The investment committee, which includes representatives from Monash University, Breakthrough Victoria and independent experts, has announced joint investments in three startups — Myostellar, FytonBio and Remagine Labs.
Myostellar develops a biologic therapy for muscular dystrophy which promotes muscle regeneration with minimal fibrosis. Fyton Bio is working on antibody therapies to target disease-causing immune cells in autoimmune conditions, while Remagine Labs is creating wearable drug delivery devices to improve outcomes for chronic disease patients.
Monash University recently appointed Ingmar Wahlqvist as senior director of new ventures and investments to lead the pre-seed investment fund.
