OXYGENIE
THE CHALLENGE Pre-term babies often need assistance with breathing but giving a standard flow of oxygen can be dangerous. Too much oxygen can cause blindness, whilst too little oxygen can cause brain damage.
THE SOLUTION A patented algorithm, developed by University of Tasmania researchers, Professor Peter Dargaville and Dr Tim Gale, built into the software of neonatal incubators which gives each pre-term baby a customised flow of oxygen. In 2018, a commercial licence was granted to UK medical equipment manufacturer, SLE Ltd, now part of the Inspiration Healthcare Group.
THE IMPACT Now in over 45 countries, Oxygenie is UTAS’ most successful patent and subsequent licence.
NEXT STEPS Whilst the licencee explores options for entering North American markets, the UTAS research team is working on a low-cost version for developing countries.
GreyScan
THE CHALLENGE Airports, train stations, stadiums, event venues and government buildings are all at risk from acts of terrorism. Metal detectors and screeners are common but are ineffective in detecting the inorganic materials used in over 80% of homemade explosives.
THE SOLUTION Patented trace explosives detection technology developed by a team led by University of Tasmania researcher, Professor Michael Breadmore. A commercial licence was granted to Australian technology company Grey Innovation in 2014, which in turn led to the formation of GreyScan Pty Ltd.
THE IMPACT GreyScan uses the technology in its ETD-100 Detector, the only device developed specifically to detect the commonly available materials used in homemade explosive devices today.
NEXT STEPS With GreyScan seeking to expand into the US, we look forward to continuing our relationship with this licencee.
Eco Detection
THE CHALLENGE Access to safe water is the most basic human need for health and well-being, yet water quality continues to be a global challenge.
THE SOLUTION A fully-autonomous, multi-parameter, laboratory-grade water analysis system designed for remote operations, critical infrastructure, wastewater processing, aquaculture, research and general water chemical analysis. The patented technology behind this award-winning system was developed by a team led by University of Tasmania researcher, Professor Michael Breadmore, and licensed to Eco Detection Pty Ltd in 2018.
THE IMPACT Eco Detection is a critical innovation for global water security.
NEXT STEPS Eco Detection raised $10M in 2024 to progress its strategy, and renewed its commercial licence agreement with InVent. We look forward to progressing the technology with this licencee.
HealthLit4Everyone
THE CHALLENGE Keeping healthy in today’s world is increasingly difficult, with unprecedented amounts of information and challenges navigating access to appropriate health services.
THE SOLUTION HealthLit4Everyone Ltd is a social enterprise established to support the development of health literacy in communities. Led by CEO and UTAS Senior Lecturer in Public Health, Dr Rosie Nash, together with co-founders Associate Professor Shandell Elmer and Diane Webb, the team supports both skill and knowledge development for individuals and the establishment and maintenance of health literacy responsive environments. The flagship program, HealthLit4Kids, assists primary schools to be responsive to the health literacy needs of their school communities and supports teachers to incorporate health literacy into the classroom.
THE IMPACT By improving the health literacy of Tasmanian communities, HealthLit4Everyone is improving Tasmanian health outcomes, educational attainment and redressing inequity.
NEXT STEPS Co-design and delivery commencement of HealthLit4Corporates program with Tasmanian not-for-profit health insurer, St Lukes, in 2025, and the delivery of HealthLit4Kids program into 100+ primary schools in Tasmania over 2025-27.
AirHealth
THE CHALLENGE One in five Australians experience symptoms of respiratory illness. Common conditions include asthma and hay fever. Many are at higher risk of complications because of chronic illness, older age or pregnancy.
THE SOLUTION A suite of apps, developed by researchers at the University of Tasmania (Professor Fay Johnston, Dr Penelope Jones and Dr Grant Williamson) and the University of Melbourne, incorporated as AirHealth Pty Ltd.
THE IMPACT The apps provide real-time, localised air quality information. With over 500,000 downloads already, and more than 7,000 5-star reviews, AirHealth is assisting Australians everyday to make informed decisions by tracking their symptoms, identifying potential triggers and managing exposure.
NEXT STEPS The team is now seeking investment for further development and expansion into new markets.
Pharmacy Simulator
THE CHALLENGE Healthcare graduates worldwide are entering the workforce with limited training in communication skills, leading to misunderstandings and medical errors with potentially fatal outcomes.
THE SOLUTION A subscription-based online platform for higher education institutions to embed within healthcare curriculums, giving educators the flexibility to create customised scenarios, and enabling students to develop communication skills in an immersive, interactive, 3D, simulated learning environment. Spinout company, Imitated Environments Pty Ltd, is led by founder, Dr Ivan Bindoff, a University of Tasmania computer scientist specialising in e-health.
THE IMPACT Imitated Environments' lead product, Pharmacy Simulator, is now in use in over 30 countries, with positive feedback from student users and repeat institutional customers.
NEXT STEPS Product extension for the fields of nursing and paramedicine.
Cavicam
THE CHALLENGE At a time when food and water security are global challenges, ensuring crops are optimally hydrated for yield and quality is critical.
THE SOLUTION Cavicam captures and processes magnified, high-resolution, time-lapse plant organ images to accurately monitor plant hydration.
THE IMPACT Considerable sales of Cavicam units have been achieved already with strong interest now being shown by the potato, cherry and mango industries. In late 2024, Cavicam was announced as one of four national winners of global agtech incubator, Beanstalk Ventures' 2024 Drought Resilience Venture Studio, funded by the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund.
NEXT STEPS The team will invest their win of $250,000 from the Drought Resilience Venture Studio into product and market expansion.
Many more inventions created by University of Tasmania researchers are available to license to commercial partners.