Breakthrough Victoria has selected the first three recipients of its new Fellowship program, which hopes to turn academic research into startup reality.
The $7.5 million, multi-year program offers each recipient $150,000 to kick off their entrepreneurial efforts, and Breakthrough Victoria is hoping it will result in around 50 startups commercialising research and IP.
The trio chosen initially span mental health, fertility, and cancer diagnostics.
Michelle Chen’s startup, Mental Jam. is already up and running. The seasoned game developer and RMIT University PhD graduate, is using video games to transform mental health literacy.
Mental Jam co-creates games with people who have lived experience of depression and anxiety. The team is currently developing Bobarista, a mobile game featuring a wombat barista who helps players explore emotional wellbeing through storytelling and interactive mini-games.
“Traditional mental health support doesn’t work for everyone. We’re building accessible tools that help people understand and cope—starting with a game they can download instead of waiting for an appointment,” she said.
“I’ve been trying to take my research out of the university and into that startup space, and BV really is like the perfect fit because they understand what it’s like to take research and try to commercialise it. They also understand all the intricacies that go with that, which a lot of traditional startup programs might not.”
Meanwhile, at Monash University, researcher Mohammad Haft Tananian is revolutionising IVF treatments with a non-invasive imaging technology that improves embryo selection.
His startup, InnovaIVF, aims to increase success rates and reduce the emotional and financial burden of undergoing fertility treatment.
“This Fellowship gives us the buffer to de-risk our technology and build investor confidence. Our goal is simple: to create a world-class medical device that gives hope to millions of families,” he said.
The third founder, University of Melbourne research fellow Dr Noor E Karishma Shaik, is developing AI-enabled cameras to detect skin cancers without the need for biopsies. DeepDerm uses astronomy-grade imaging enhanced by AI, to make early detection affordable and accessible, especially in rural and underserved communities.
“We’re bringing space technology into clinics next door. With just a click, we can detect skin cancer and reduce the need for invasive procedures,” she said.
“The BV Fellowship came at exactly the right time—just as we were finishing our AEA grant and preparing to launch into the startup space. It’s not only speeding up our journey, but also giving us the structure, support, and confidence to turn our research into a real-world product that can transform skin cancer detection across Australia.”
Breakthrough Victoria CEO Rod Bristow said the fellowship is a launchpad helping the recipients navigate the complex journey from research to startup with tailored guidance on investment and product development.
“They’re solving real problems with bold ideas, and we’re proud to support them as they begin their entrepreneurial journey, building ventures that deliver for people, the planet, and the economy,” he said.
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