The future of HealthTech

Accelerator program, LuminaX, aiding new health innovations

Ten of Queensland’s brightest health, medical and wellness-based start-ups have gathered at Lumina, the premium commercial cluster within the Gold Coast Health and Knowledge Precinct, as part of the 14-week LuminaX HealthTech accelerator program.

From gamification to virtual reality, augmented reality and digital communication, start-ups in the LuminaX program are investigating how a range of next-generation technological tools can transform the health space, an area which has expectantly been under immense pressure.

With Queensland’s COVID-19 recovery underway, the need for rapid technological advancements across health, medicine and wellness is more evident than ever.

This need, coupled with the Queensland Government’s investment in the Gold Coast as a hub for life sciences, health, and tech advancement – has created the ideal breeding ground for innovation to thrive in LuminaX’s accelerator program.

Held onsite at Lumina, the HealthTech program, is hosted and delivered by COHORT Innovation Space, a vibrant start-up and co-working hub that is committed to helping existing and aspiring founders launch new products and grow their companies globally

While each is unique in their focus, collectively, these innovative ideas and approaches could revolutionise health care across two key areas, managing and improving patient experiences and supporting the advancement of health professionals and practitioners.

With a focus on managing and improving health experiences for patients, six of LuminaX’s participants including, Comfort Quest, Edify Medical, Hearoes, Oncana, VirtualPsychologist, and Able Digital Wellness, are harnessing technology to break down barriers and help empower patients.

Meanwhile, participants such as Bundle of Rays, Fwards, Safe and Healthy and Beyond the Clinic are designing and delivering products and services to help health and allied health cohorts including doctors, clinical nurses, and medical researchers.

Building on the work of other business clusters and accelerator programs around the world, LuminaX draws inspiration from Houston’s Texas Medical Center, University of Toronto’s Health Innovation Hub and DigitalHealth.London’s Generator Programme , all of which have helped hundreds of start-ups incubate ideas, scale up and take to market their specially designed health and social care innovations.

One LuminaX participant, Hearoes, an auditory training app designed to empower people with hearing loss, has already received pre-seed investment from a private venture capital fund. The company is now in its next phase of growth, a clear indication of how programs like LuminaX can help Queensland start-ups thrive and grow.

Co-Founder and CEO of Hearoes Elliot Miller said the LuminaX program provided him with invaluable access to industry-leading experts, exposure to investors, and collaborative workshopping opportunities with other start-up founders.

“Being part of this accelerator program has been incredible in understanding the different stages and elements of growing a start-up business, from government regulations to customer insights and artificial intelligence, there is a strong focus on helping us thrive,” Mr Miller said.

Similarly, to its international counterparts, LuminaX participants have also benefitted from being co-located at the nearby Gold Coast University Hospital, Gold Coast Private Hospital and Griffith University – providing invaluable access and support from more than 50 industry partners, mentors and coaches.

Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development Steven Miles said providing support and opportunities for Queensland businesses to grow organically was an essential part of strengthening the Queensland economy.

Applications for the next cohort of LuminaX are set to open in January 2022.

To stay up to date on future LuminaX accelerator programs, subscribe here

Check 2021 LuminaX Participants: