Congratulations to the 2023 GCI Proof-of-Concept Funding Scheme Winners!

This new scheme aims to support researchers within the biomedical engineering field (including MedTech) who are employed by the University of Melbourne across different faculties to translate their research into viable commercialisation projects or start-ups. It is intended to help cover the gap between intellectual property disclosures and spin-out or licensing, where there is a compelling case for enhancing the commercial potential of a foreseeable product or service.

The GCI is pleased to announce the below winning projects and research group members are our 2023 Proof-of-concept funding scheme!

EyeCP: a novel non-invasive way to measure intracranial pressure using the eye 

EyeCP team
A novel handheld device to non-invasively measure intracranial pressure (ICP), through a series of technological advancements to a method called ‘ophthalmodynamometry’. Ophthalmodynamometry is the evaluation of blood flow at the back of the eye (the retina) after applying a small force to the eyeball. This application of force changes the intraocular pressure (IOP, the pressure inside the eye), which is linearly related to ICP. By non-invasively imaging the retina through the pupil, it is possible to view the retinal blood vessels pulsate (or not) in response to the change in IOP/ICP and thereby indirectly measure ICP.
Project team members: Dr Bao Nguyen (FEIT, MDHS), Dr Sam John (FEIT) Prof David Grayden (FEIT), A/Prof Lauren Ayton (MDHS) and Prof Bang Bui (MDHS)

Multiplexed Micro-physiological Perfusion System for Drug Testing
Multiplex team
Micro-physiological systems (MPS) are essential human-relevant, non-animal models extensively used in drug development. However, due to workflow incompatibilities and high operational barriers, applications have been unduly limited at smaller scales. There is an immediate need for a scalable and practical fluidic system for meaningful MPS adoptions across the industry. This project aims to directly address this demand by developing and commercialising a novel highly-multiplexed fluidic management platform for authentic biological sample culturing. 
Project team members: Dr Bryan Gao (MDHS) and Prof Alastair Stewart (MDHS)

For further details of the GCI Proof-of-concept funding scheme please click here.