Session 2B: Early-Stage Innovation Forum (ESIF)
Tracks
Track 2
| Wednesday, October 21, 2026 |
| 2:15 PM - 3:00 PM |
| Investment & Global Growth Breakout Room |
Overview
Sponsored by: WEST PHARMACEUTICAL SERVICES
Details
The Early-Stage Innovation Forum (ESIF) remains a cornerstone of the AusBiotech Conferences, showcasing Australia’s most promising early-stage life sciences innovators from universities, hospitals and research institutes.
Designed for ideas in their earliest stages, ESIF provides innovators the opportunity to present to an expert advisory panel and receive valuable feedback to help validate their concept, identify gaps, and understand what is needed to progress. Applications are reviewed through AusBiotech’s Investment Readiness Panel (IRP).
The IRP helps life sciences innovators strengthen their translation pathway and funding readiness, from early non-dilutive support through to future capital conversations. To be considered for this year’s conferences, apply before 21 August 2026.
Sponsored by:
Speaker
Mr Mark Appleford
Founder
PurerPoly
Presenting Company
Dr. Fernando Guimaraes
Associate Professor
Frazer Institute, The University Of Queensland
Presenting Company
Patricia O’Callaghan
Director-General, Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation
Queensland Government
Opening address
Mr Mihin Perera
Research Engineer
The Walter And Eliza Hall Institute Of Medical Research
Presenting Company
