Connect. Learn. Grow.
The Early-Stage Innovation Forum (ESIF) is the premier platform for emerging innovators in life sciences to take the next step in their journey. Open to research institutes, universities, hospitals, and pre-series A companies, the forum provides a unique opportunity to showcase breakthrough innovations, gain expert feedback, and connect with investors and industry leaders shaping the future of healthcare.
ESIF will take place on Wednesday, 22 October at Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre.
Applications for the Early-Stage Innovation Forum (ESIF) are now closed.
Thank you for submitting your application. Submissions are currently under review and successful applicants will be notified shortly.
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Why participate?
- Pitch opportunities: Present your innovation to an expert panel.
- Expert feedback: Receive actionable insights to refine your strategy and accelerate growth.
- Visibility & recognition: Increase exposure and credibility across the sector, with opportunities for awards and features in AusBiotech’s publications and media channels.
- Networking opportunities: Engage directly with influential investors, industry leaders, and peers in the life sciences community.
All applicants must have the ability to present, in-person at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre on Wednesday 22 October 2025.
Each presenter will have 7 minutes to pitch, followed by a 3-minute Q&A and feedback session with the panel of experts. Successful applicants will receive one complimentary Wednesday Day Pass, with the opportunity to upgrade to a full conference pass at a discounted rate; additional passes can be purchased via the main conference site.
Applicants are invited to submit their project before Wednesday, 17 September 2025 to be considered for a presentation slot on the program. All projects submitted will be reviewed and shortlisted by our appointed Advisory Group. Successful applicants will be notified in September.
Considerations: Submissions from each state will be considered to ensure representation across Australia. AusBiotech is committed to diversity and inclusion, and actively incorporates gender balance, diversity and inclusion in all aspects of its event program.
Things to remember.
To be considered to present your early-stage technology in the forum, you are required to answer a few questions via the online portal:
- Name and title of applicant (and linked URL if available)
- Are you a first-time founder/co-founder? (yes/no) If no, please indicate number of prior companies founded
- Please indicate the gender representation within your organisation’s founders, co-founders, and leadership team (please provide percentages): % male; % female (non-binary?)
- Institution name and address – Institution or Company Name and address:
- Website (if available)
- Please indicate your Project / Innovations primary focus area
- Project description (maximum 300 words) – please include high level details on the technology, stage of development and what is the problem the innovation will solve
- Have you raised any funds for this specific project/innovation? If yes, please indicate (i) amount and (ii) source
- What is the investment you are looking for? Please indicate (i) amount (ii) when will these funds be required (iii) proposed use of funds and expected outcome from this spend (max 150 words)
- The closing date for applications is Wednesday, 17 September 2025.
The winner of the AusBiotech International Conference 2025 Early-Stage Innovation Forum will receive:
- Two complimentary tickets to the AusBiotech International Conference 2026
- An exclusive feature in BiotechDispatch, a leading industry publication
- A special announcement across AusBiotech’s social media community (35,000+ followers)
- A feature in the 2025 Australasian Biotechnology Journal
Don’t fit the criteria? Ready to pitch? For further information or to learn more about AusBiotech’s Investment Program opportunities, please email invest@ausbiotech.org or call +61 439 234 023.