Two companies established by academics with close links to the University of Western Australia are among the latest recipients of federal government research and development grants.
Ondek Pty Ltd, whose founders and directors include Nobel Prize winner Professor Barry Marshall, has been awarded a $2.4 million Commercial Ready grant.
It will use the funds to develop a novel vaccine for influenza using a unique delivery system based on the use of genetically modified bacteria.
Another recipient was Dr Bruce Gray’s medical device company Pine Ridge Holdings Pty Ltd, which trades as Gray Medical.
Pine Ridge has been awarded a $247,000 grant to further develop two new surgical retractors, which are used by surgeons to hold the wound open and provide maximum visibility during extended surgical procedures.
Dr Gray worked at UWA for about 14 years but is currently involved in a protracted legal dispute with the university, which is claiming ownership of intellectual property allegedly developed by Dr Gray during his time there. The relevant IP is being commercialized by listed Sydney-based company Sirtex Medical Ltd.
Dr Gray’s private company, Gray Medical, manufactures a range of surgical retraction systems from purpose-built premises in Bentley.
It has been operating since 2000 and 95 per cent of its output is exported.
The company recently signed an exclusive distribution agreement with Swedish company Stille AB, which plans to distribute its products in the United States under the name Stille-Gray Instruments.
Ondek and Pine Ridge are among seven Western Australian companies to receive Commercial Ready grants this year. Other WA recipients include Nova Duct Technologies, which is developing an air-delivery ducting system, and iintegrate Systems Pty Ltd.
The federal government has also announced its latest round of $64,000 COMET grants, which enable companies to commercialise emerging technologies.
The nine WA recipients include Redcliffe-based Virtual Observer Pty Ltd, which has developed a security camera software system for use in city centres and at major events.
