Cohort Tenant Spotlight: BiVACOR Announces First Human Implant of Total Artificial Heart

5 minute read

A Milestone in Medical Innovation
The Australian-designed BiVACOR Total Artificial Heart (TAH) has recently celebrated the milestone achievement of its first human implant. This life-saving innovation represents a leap forward for patients with end-stage heart failure and steps closer to becoming a world-first permanent TAH. News of the successful implant comes hot on the heels of the recent announcement of an $20 million funding boost from the Australian Government’s Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF).

The BiVACOR heart was originally designed in Queensland, but has grown to include international partners including the Texas Heart Institute. Locally, BiVACOR has its Research and Development office based in the Cohort Innovation Space within Lumina – and this has been critical to their close partnership with Griffith University’s specialised Mechanobiology Research Laboratory which has been performing advanced laboratory testing. The location at Cohort is a key advantage for collaboration and providing a flexible space to cater for BiVACOR’s Queensland-based team.

Promising Hope for Heart Failure and Patients Awaiting Transplants
BiVACOR’s Total Artificial Heart is a marvel of modern engineering, using advanced magnetic levitation (MAGLEV) technology which is a critical step to creating a permanent heart implant. Compared to all previous artificial heart designs, the BiVACOR is small and its moving parts don’t contact each other which means that it won’t wear out – this is the achievement that sets this innovation apart.

Heart failure is a significant global health issue, affecting over 26 million people worldwide. With a severe shortage of donor hearts—only around 6,000 transplants occur globally each year for thousands on waiting lists—the BiVACOR TAH presents a promising solution. In the US, it has been estimated that up to 100,000 patients could immediately benefit from this type of technology. Its innovative design could save countless lives by providing a reliable, long-term bridge to heart transplant or even a permanent alternative for some patients.

The Vision Behind BiVACOR: Dr. Daniel Timms’ Inspiring Story
At the heart of BiVACOR’s success is Dr. Daniel Timms, a Queenslander whose personal experiences inspired this journey. After his father suffered from heart disease, Dr. Timms dedicated his career to developing an artificial heart that could provide a lifeline to patients worldwide. His journey took him from the Prince Charles Hospital in Brisbane, to international partnerships across Japan, Germany, and the United States and back to local partnerships on the Gold Coast. Dr. Timms’ commitment to innovation and his determination to save lives have been the driving forces behind BiVACOR’s success.

Daniel Timms, PhD, Founder and Chief Technology Officer of BiVACOR said,

“I’m incredibly proud to witness the successful first-in-human implant of our TAH. Utilising advanced MAGLEV technology, our TAH brings us one step closer to providing a desperately needed option for people with end-stage heart failure who require support while waiting for a heart transplant.”

Cohort Innovation Space is a dynamic environment for growing medical technology companies
For organisations like BiVACOR, Cohort Innovation Space’s co-location with key research partners and healthcare facilities including Griffith University and 2 x Gold Coast Hospitals, a flexible environment built for growth and a community that supports collaboration and growth are a clear advantage.

Cohort Innovation Space offers a unique environment where start-ups and established businesses alike can thrive. With state-of-the-art labs, a vibrant ecosystem of innovators, and connection with healthcare and academic and research organisations, Cohort Innovation Space provides the resources and support necessary for companies to bring their visions to life.

A Bright Future for Innovation at Lumina
As BiVACOR continues to advance heart health technology and looks towards further clinical trials and global expansion, Lumina remains committed to being a hub for groundbreaking research and innovation. The success of companies like BiVACOR highlight the importance of communities that support innovation, and Lumina is proud to be at the forefront of this movement – from startup and flexible spaces provided at Cohort Innovation Space, through to spaces for organisations of all sizes in the range of exciting new developments across the 9.5 hectare Lumina footprint including Proxima which recently opened, and Gold Coast Life Sciences Centre and RDX Lumina opening in 2026. By providing an environment that fosters collaboration, creativity and advancement, Lumina is setting the standard for innovation precincts and paving the way for a healthier future.

Ready to be part of a community that drives innovation and success?

Cohort Innovation Space is offering a special one month free with a minimum three-month lease—an opportunity for businesses to join this dynamic community and take advantage of the resources available. Explore the opportunities at Cohort Innovation Space.

To find out more about other options to find your ideal space in the thriving Lumina innovation ecosystem, contact us today.