Brisbane tech high-flyers jetting off to seek US investors

A rapid test for sepsis, a bionic voice box, and an earpiece to detect heat stress are some of the homegrown lifesaving innovations that will soon be showcased in the US.

A rapid test for sepsis, a bionic voice box, and an earpiece to detect heat stress are some of the lifesaving innovations that could be fast-tracked to the market through a new Brisbane initiative.

Eleven local businesses have been selected to take part in Brisbane Economic Development Agency’s inaugural MedTech Accelerator, which aims to boost their potential to secure international investment.

The program will see them fly to San Francisco to meet active investors next year. Those packing their bags include Microbio which has developed a test to identify pathogens that cause sepsis, a life-threatening complication that claims the lives of 8,700 Australians every year. Microbio has just become a unlisted public company in a move to scale-up expansion into international markets.

Canaria Technologies has produced a wearable device to monitor cognitive fatigue and heat stress which accounts for two thirds of all industrial accidents in Australia while Laronix has developed a bionic voice box for people who have lost their voice after having their larynx removed.

Participants in the accelerator will learn to create a strategy to target global partners for funding, collaboration and distribution deals.

The intensive program will culminate with a visit to San Francisco where participants will pitch to active investors at a conference as part of JP Morgan Health Week.

Canaria co-founder and chair Alex Moss

Gong for Steve

Suncorp boss Steve Johnston has received a big gong from his alma mater. Johnston picked up an QUT Outstanding Alumnus award on Thursday night in recognition of his significant contribution to the finance sector over more than 30 years.

Accepting the award, Johnston says it was important to learn and take advice from every leader you work with in your career. “Good leadership means being authentic, communicating well and supporting your customers and your people,” says Johnston, who graduated from QUT in 1994 with a Bachelor of Business (Management).

He says the biggest challenge facing the Australian community was climate change and that “money is best spent preparing for natural disasters than mopping up after them.”

“I’ve been arguing very strongly to improve the resilience of our communities and create a more resilient Australia,” Johnston says. It has been a big year for Johnston, who has overseen the sale of Suncorp’s banking arm to ANZ for $4.9 billion.

Other winners of the alumnus awards included Boeing executive Linda Hapgood and public health expert Bronwyn Nardi. Arkose Labs founder Kevin Gosschalk and Nourish’d Abbey chief executive Abbey Cameron were named outstanding young alumnus.

Steve Johnston

Builders on board

Master Builders Queensland has a new-look board following the association’s hotly contested election this week. Brett Johnston steps up as president, following a term as a general board member, Steve Havas continues as the housing sector chairman and Chris Taylor moves into the role of construction sector chairman. Existing board member Geoff Baguley meanwhile is joined by new faces Don Dixon, Ben Garland, Angela Scott and Justin Stainton.

Master Builders chief executive Paul Bidwell says the new board is a mix of existing and fresh faces who will bring a wealth of experience and skills to the organisation during what will be a challenging period ahead for the industry. Bidwell says the board, which will serve for the next three years, is a combination of commercial and residential builders representing both southeast Queensland and with a strong regional presence. Five of the eight members represent regional Queensland from Townsville to the Gold Coast.

Paul Bidwell