Swinburne's latest partnership news

Swinburne University of Technology’s alliance with the Bionic Institute (BI) has strengthened with the appointment of three Swinburne leaders as directors on the BI board.

In January 2026 Swinburne joined forces with the Bionics Institute, a world leader in medical device research, development and commercialisation.

In an important new milestone in the partnership, three leaders from Swinburne’s senior leadership team, Dr Werner van der Merwe, Vice President, Innovation and Enterprise; Professor Karen Hapgood Deputy Vice Chancellor Research, and Professor Alan Duffy, Pro Vice Chancellor, Flagship Initiatives have joined the Bionics Institute Board.

Dr van der Merwe says this next step will accelerate pathways for turning breakthrough research into real-world solutions, enabling commercialisation and impacting health outcomes at a global scale. 

“We’re excited to formalise our partnership with the Bionics Institute and forge a new approach toward value creation – one that allows us to save more lives, alleviate suffering, and together co-create the future of the medical device industry.”

Interim Chair of the Board, Hannah Crawford says the new Swinburne Directors will bring expertise in research strategy, commercialisation and transdisciplinary research to the Board, helping to propel the Bionics Institute into the future. 

“This marks the beginning of our partnership with Swinburne where we will combine cutting edge facilities, scientific expertise and resources to progress medical device innovation with the aim of improving human health,” she said. 

Swinburne University of Technology has partnered with Wholesale Investor to connect startups with real-world investor opportunities. 

Led by Swinburne’s Innovation Studio, the partnership will begin by profiling selected Swinburne-affiliated startups at the Emergence 2026 conference, and providing ongoing investment support through Wholesale Investor’s proprietary platform.  

At Emergence 2026,  Gap Drone, Eudeamon, Entromat, and Pulsetile will showcase their ventures. The conference will provide Swinburne-backed innovation with exposure to investors actively seeking scalable, IP-backed opportunities at different funding stages. 

Through the Wholesale Investor partnership, promising startups will have connections to external investors and industry, providing a competitive edge for up-and-coming ventures. Startups on the Wholesale Investor platform will also collaborate with Swinburne researchers to develop their understanding of intellectual property, commercialisation, growth and real-world impact.

Abs Seth, Director of Commercial Innovation at Swinburne , said the partnership is an important milestone as the University strengthens its entrepreneurial spirit, and would connect research innovation, investors, and strategic partners.

"The partnership reflects a shared commitment to supporting Australia’s innovation ecosystem and advances Swinburne’s Ad Astra_2030 vision by helping Swinburne-affiliated startups and founders access capital, expertise and networks needed to succeed globally."