Ignite Innovation

Congratulations to our 2023 Ignite Innovation winner!

Congratulations to Dr Harrison Madge, 2023 Ignite Innovation Award winner for his research in treating gut disorders.

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are gastrointestinal disorders affecting 10-15% of the population. In a recent clinical study, we linked bacterial biofilm presence with IBS and IBD symptoms, a discovery that could revolutionise how we treat and diagnose these diseases. With no antibiofilm therapies available, this project focuses on (i) establishing a patient-derived gut-biofilm mouse model, (ii) optimising our antibiofilm drug leads, and (iii) evaluating them in vivo. Anticipated outcomes include the first gut-biofilm mouse model worldwide, patentable first-in-class drug leads, and engagement with industry/investors to drive translation in an area with unmet medical need.

Dr Madge will use the proceeds from the Ignite Innovation award to support his research in developing a new drug to treat gut disorders.

Congratulations to our 2023 Ignite Innovation Finalists

Dr Harrison Madge
A paradigm shift in treating gut disorders
Prof Kate Schroder
Climbing new frontiers to treat airway diseases
Dr Hana Starobova
CAN04: We CAN treat neuropathic pain
Dr Conan Wang
The right treatment depends on the right diagnosis

It starts with a spark

IMB is dedicated to delivering research outcomes that make a big impact, but we know that all great inventions and breakthroughs start with a single idea.

Imagine…. A curious medical researcher testing deadly spider venom discovers a way to fast-track recovery in stroke patients. Then a second scientist takes that idea and tests it further, discovering a promising treatment for heart attack victims.

Imagine… Funding ground-breaking treatment for blood diseases, a new way to manage Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease or a pill that negates the need for costly surgeries.

IMB’s talented scientists dared to imagine and are igniting ideas that spark change across the globe and you can all play a pivotal role in turning big ideas into big breakthroughs.

Join us for the Ignite Innovation Showcase to hear from three inspiring finalists, as they passionately pitch their cutting-edge ideas to an audience of philanthropists, investors, fellow researchers and more. Experience the thrill of the annual “Shark Tank-style” live event where researchers pitch their impact projects for seed funding.

Help turn their research into world-leading breakthroughs that will benefit generations to come. Your support could be the catalyst to help our scientists gain wider investment in lifesaving ideas and new treatments.


2021 Ignite Innovation winner goes from strength to strength

 

 

Imagine a $10 bandage replacing a $100,000 oxygen therapy

A spark of inspiration can come at any time and anywhere - even underwater. Dr Melanie Oey, a researcher and keen SCUBA diver, was on a dive one day when she saw a sea slug, which breathes underwater using oxygen produced by microalgae on its skin. It sparked an idea in Dr Oey, a microalgae researcher herself: a translucent bandage containing microalgae that generate oxygen, which is essential for all stages of wound healing and can be available immediately. Dr Oey's spark of inspiration won her the 2021 Ignite Innovation Showcase, and she is now partnering with doctors and industry to progress her idea into reality.

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Ignite Innovation seed funding frees the next generation of scientists to look at problems with fresh eyes, explore out-of-the-box solutions and create genuine, lasting impact.

Help spark the next innovative idea by donating to the Ignite Innovation Fund.

 

Donate

Ignite Innovation Highlights

Our 2022 Ignite Innovation finalists share their research and personal connections to ICU, heart disease and cancer.

 

Watch the highlights from the 2021 Ignite Innovation Awards as three inspiring researchers compete for funding for their innovative solutions to blood clotting diseases, wounds, and cardiovascular disease.

Contact

For more information about Ignite Innovation Showcase or IMB, contact

IMB Advancement team

imbadvancement@uq.edu.au