Seven Australian startups share $15.6 million to take on dementia

Seven Australian startups will share $15.6 million to speed up the development of new treatments, diagnostic tools and technologies for dementia and cognitive decline. Their work ranges from gene editing for childhood dementia to a digital test that could flag risk decades before symptoms appear.

The funding is the second round of CUREator+ Dementia and Cognitive Decline. The Australian Government funds this national program through the Medical Research Future Fund. Brandon BioCatalyst delivers it in partnership with ANDHealth and Dementia Australia. The aim is to help early-stage Australian medical research reach patients and the market by pairing grants with commercial expertise and access to industry networks. Recipients do not have to give up equity in return.

Minister for Aged Care and Seniors Sam Rae said dementia is the leading cause of death in Australia, which makes action more important than ever.