SYDNEY BIOMEDICAL ACCELERATOR PROGRAMS
The Academy
The Academy is a life sciences accelerator program that develops research-led founders while advancing their ventures toward investment readiness. Delivered by the Sydney Biomedical Accelerator in partnership with Proto Axiom, it is designed for researchers with promising, potentially investable assets who are motivated to lead their own commercial pathway.
Selected researchers, known as Academy Fellows, are embedded within Proto Axiom’s venture environment for hands-on founder development, while advancing their own venture through an investor-guided de-risking program.
Over 12 months, selected projects and nominated Academy Fellows take part in two concurrent tracks:
- Venture track: advancing the project toward investment readiness with $100,000 in funding together with ongoing investor guidance.
- Immersion track: spend around one day a week immersed inside Proto Axiom’s life sciences startup ecosystem learning how ventures are built and backed.
Because an active investor is involved throughout, not just at the end, Fellows build founder capability and venture investability in parallel.
THE ACADEMY
Overview
Projects of interest: Deep-tech life sciences projects, such as therapeutics, devices, diagnostics, and adjacent biotechnologies (including AI/ML, quantum, biomanufacturing) or similar, from the University of Sydney and/or Sydney Local Health District’s research teams, with a nominated Academy Fellow typically at postdoctoral level or equivalent.
Roles: Each project typically has two roles. The project lead, typically the principal investor, is responsible for the research asset, submits the application and supports the Fellow throughout. The Academy Fellow is nominated by the project lead to drive the venture across both tracks. In some cases, such as student-led projects, one person may hold both roles.
Duration: 12 months.
Cohort size: Up to three projects will be selected in the inaugural round
Funding: $100,000 per project, non-dilutive.
Time commitment: One day per week immersion, plus de-risking activities undertaken as part of the Fellow's substantive role.
Selection: Selection will be based on investment-grade criteria, jointly assessed by the University's Research Venture Investment team and Proto Axiom.
Key dates: Applications open Nov 12, 2026. Applications close Jan 22, 2027.
Program Lead contact: Richard Wang Biomedical Enterprise Manager.
THE ACADEMY
Next steps
If you are interested in applying:
Step 1: Download and read the Program Guidelines and Frequently Asked Questions. Note: the full Program Guidelines can be downloaded from within the application form; please read them in full once you start your application.
Step 2: Attend one of our information sessions
- Session 1: Thursday 26 Nov, 2026
- Session 2: Thursday 10 Dec, 2026
Step 3: Inform your Head of School or department know and contact your commercialisation office to discuss before applying.
- University of Sydney staff: your Commercialisation Office contact or email commercialisation@sydney.edu.au
- Sydney Local Health District staff: Dr Joy Francisco, Chief Commercial Officer, slhd-commercial@health.nsw.gov.au
If you’re a student applying as both project lead and Fellow, you’ll also need your supervisor’s endorsement when you apply.
Step 3: Download the sample application form to familiarise yourself with what's required.
Step 4: Submit your application. Please see the FAQs or contact the Program Lead if you are having trouble with access.
THE ACADEMY
About Proto Axiom
Proto Axiom is a Sydney-based deep tech life sciences venture builder and investor that works with researchers and institutions to translate early-stage science into investable companies. As both investor and builder, it combines investment discipline with hands-on company creation and has a sustained track record of working alongside the Sydney Biomedical Accelerator, University of Sydney and Sydney Local Health District.
