The University of Newcastle’s (UoN) Dr Aleona Swegen is in celebration mode as the inaugural winner of the Innovation Accelerator Program.
As a result, she’ll pocket $200,000 to fast-track the commercialisation of her groundbreaking fertility technology, SpermSafe.
The announcement follows the conclusion of a 12-week Newcastle Permanent-Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI) initiative that supported four exceptional early-career researchers tackling critical health challenges in IVF, stroke, sepsis and hearing loss.
Dr Swegen, a member of the HMRI’s Infertility and Reproduction Research Program, was selected for her work developing SpermSafe, a storage medium designed to enhance sperm survival and motility while minimising DNA damage during IVF procedures.
She now looks forward to progressing its clinical application.
“Being named the winner of the Newcastle Permanent Innovation Accelerator Program gives me the time, resources and support needed to move SpermSafe beyond the lab and into the real world,” she explained.
“Too often science never makes it past the research stage.
“Human IVF is rightfully a highly-regulated space as we’re trying to help create healthy babies.
“This prize will allow me to navigate the regulatory pathway and deliver a product that could help countless families realise their dream of having a baby.”
The Innovation Accelerator Program, launched earlier this year as part of the $2 million Newcastle Permanent and HMRI partnership, was designed to help early-career scientists and clinicians translate their ideas into healthcare realities.
All four finalists received $20,000 in seed funding, mentoring and industry connections, culminating in Demo Day presentations to investors, health leaders and industry stakeholders.
“Aleona’s work stood out not just for its scientific rigour, but for its potential to make a truly global impact,” HMRI CEO Professor Frances Kay said.
“Her innovation aligns perfectly with our mission to turn research into better health.
“We’re incredibly proud to support her on this next stage of her journey.
“This opportunity has been made possible, thanks to the backing of Newcastle Permanent, and we’re deeply grateful for its investment in future of our people and region.”
Paul Juergens said the award reflected the organisation’s commitment to backing local innovation that improved community wellbeing.
“We know how important our members’ health and wellbeing are to them and their families,” the Newcastle Permanent spokesperson explained.
“By supporting Aleona and her breakthrough, we’re helping to turn promising ideas into solutions that can make a lasting difference to people across Australia and beyond.
“It’s inspiring to see what’s possible when local talent is empowered to make a difference.”
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