Swinburne Ventures - Spin-off Companies
Progress
A set of procedures has been developed to help University staff and others to identify an progress commercialisation opportunities. The process, which is backed by appropriate simple documentation, is depicted here. To date the University is involved in several spin-off companies, at a range of levels: Spin-Off Companies Cortical Dynamics Pty Ltd
David Liley, LSS
| Company developed to commercialise Brain Anaesthesia Response (BAR) Monitor. The first Prototype consisted of a data acquisition module (DAM) and a monitor. The microprocessor of the DAM contains Cortical’s Patented Intellectual Property.
Business operation and developmentFuture Product Developments:
Refinement of the depth of anaesthesia calculation
Anaesthetic Machine Compatibility
Electrode Redesign
Other Potential Applications
Neurodiagnostics/Drug Discovery
Horse Depth of Anaesthesia Monitor
Vigilance Monitor
| Genos Pty Ltd
Con Stough LSS
Ben Palmer
| Company established to commercialise Swinburne University Emotional Intelligence based on a Licence Agreement between Swinburne Ventures Limited, Dr Benjamin Palmer and Professor Con Stough.
Business operation and development
Company currently operating well with normal growth issues.
On target with new investors on board. (Revenue $1.544M for FY2006). | MiniFAB Pty Ltd
Erol Harvey EIS
| A facility for prototyping, and pilot manufacture of Microsystems.
Business operation and development
Business operating on tight budget.
Revenue for FY2006 is approx $1.4M, with $1.2M from projects (not grants).
New shareholders agreement just finalized.
Operations developing well in accordance with MiniFAB and STC strategies.
Business Plan – to be reviewed. | Sportsbet21 Pty Ltd
Myles Harding (ex) ICT
Stephen Clarke, LSS
| Company established to commercialise School of Mathematical Sciences Sports Statistics capability.
Business operation and development
Company has been operational for approximately 5 years.
Over the past 3 years revenues, while small, have doubled each year.
The Company currently has one active Licensee – Ladbrokes of the UK. Products include, betting on Tennis (including the Australian Open), Cricket and Rugby.
(Whilst there is another licensee, Tote Tasmania, they have elected not to utilize the license). | InVision Pty Ltd
Min Gu, EIS
| Company established to commercialise a unique two-photon endo-microscope application developed at Swinburne University’s Centre for Micro-Photonics. The product offers a minimal invasive method for cancer diagnosis and early detection of disease.
Business operation and development
Recent market assessment (under COMET funding) confirms pessimistic market forecast.
MoU with entrepreneur team signed – to be terminated.
Further activity will focus on research (within the University, funded by Optiscan at this stage). | Logometrix
Nicola Brackertz, LSS
| Company grew out of an ARC Grant to develop a tool for rural, regional and metropolitan councils to evaluate performance and manage property/assets in line with “Best Value” principals.
Business operation and development
Joint Venture and license agreements have been executed.
Swinburne Ventures Ltd interest is by way of agreement in JV, not shares.
Company continues to operate at a low-revenue level. | PurplePanda Pty Ltd
Myles Harding, (ex) ICT
| Company established by MEI graduates to develop business based on a Talking Chinese Dictionary and Instant Translator system.
Currently operating under a COMET grant to assess the market for the “idiom-a-day’ concept.
Small sales are being achieved. | Hardwear Pty Ltd
| Company arising from Intellectual Property developed with CRC for Welded Structures. (Swinburne entitled to 35% of project or 26% of company, post-money).
Business operation and development
Intellectual Property assigned to company. Further investment and TRU Energy contract in place. Services Agreement with Swinburne, valued at $150K, under negotiation, near completion. | VROOM
Matthew Bailes, ICT
| New entity to manufacture & market VROOM facilities and license content.
Business operation and development:
Shareholders agreement now in place and shares to be transferred.
Leased unit currently in the Singapore Science Centre (sponsored by UNSW Asia.
Politecnico di Milano has expressed intention to purchase a unit.
Approaches being made to the new personnel at NMNH to attempt to restart the project. |
POTENTIAL COMPANIES Fibre Sensor (SERS)
Potential Joint Venture
Paul Stoddart, EIS | Business potential based on a Research Project with investment from the pre-seed fund matching an external investment. (May not need to be established as a formal entity).
Project operation and development:
Nanovic funding of OptoTech water based project which provides a 12% share for Swinburne has now been signed off by all parties.
Project progressing satisfactorily |
OTHER PROJECTS/RESEARCH ACTIVITIES
Corporate Innovation Diagnostic & Development Test
Con Stough, LSS | Project in early stages requiring funding for Test Research completion and validation.
No results from alternative fund-sourcing strategies as yet. | Nanoarray Technology
Milan Brandt, EIS | Project is a key outcome of the Nanoarrays project which is in collaboration with Monash & Nanovic
Project operation and development
Dairy Australia not interested in funding a further market-focused development step.
Further agreement (for $45,000) - Nanovic to fund development of alternative applications has been signed.
Clarification required with Monash over provisional patent and commercialization pathways.
Nanovic to be approached re PCT application – due in June. | Needle Spotter
David Liley, LSS
Rowan Deam, EIS | Project based on a concept to make catheters, etc., more identifiable with ultrasound techniques.
Project operation and development
Provisional patent filed.
Two Small cluster grants ($40K total) to support prototype manufacture.
”Expert in Residence’ grant received
Possible trial in pigs may occur in 2-3 months
Term sheet drafted and under review | Swinburne Acoustic Barriers
Kerry McManus, EIS | Project based on the development of Acoustic Barriers.
Project operation and development
Decision on patent renewal required soon
Currently no proposals re spin-off or licensing
Difficulties with the take-up of the technology in actual projects is due to design and cost issues. |
New proposals are continually being developed, and assessed. In addition to opportunities based on the traditional teaching areas, particular areas of interest relate to the measurement of brain activity, and the development of sensors for biotechnological applications. Examples include development of further applications of the SSPT technology, development of both hardware and software for cancer detection, and a range of bio-polymer applications for genetic and other analysis. Exited or Inactive Companies | 3DCD Technology Pty Ltd | Total shares 300 SVL Shares 300 | | Brain Resource Co Pty Ltd | Total shares 100 SVL Shares 60 | | Combi Arrays Pty Ltd |
| | Invision Medical Technologies Pty Ltd |
| | Laser Surfacing Solutions | Total shares 100 SVL shares 45 | | Netschool Ltd |
| | OpalTree Systems Pty Ltd |
| | Plantic Pty Ltd | Total shares 1,000,000 SVL shares 28,223 |
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