Breakthrough Victoria Portfolio Companies Celebrate Milestones and Global Growth
For a number of Breakthrough Victoria’s portfolio companies, the last six months have delivered a plethora of positive news, as they continue to push the boundaries of innovation, sustainability, and technology on a global scale.
From prestigious awards to groundbreaking partnerships, their achievements have solidified Victoria’s reputation as a hub for pioneering startups and cutting-edge research.
Moving to Melbourne
Liquid Instruments , a leader in reconfigurable test instrumentation, announced this month the opening of a new office at Melbourne Connect, The University of Melbourne’s innovation precinct. The company’s move to Melbourne follows their $12 million funding round in June 2024, led by Breakthrough Victoria.
The expansion to Melbourne, a hub for technology research and development, underscores Liquid Instruments’ commitment to advance Australia’s manufacturing sector and build relationships with industry leaders in the state of Victoria.
“Melbourne’s emergence as a hub for advanced technology, innovation, and manufacturing makes it the perfect choice for our expansion...”
said Daniel Shaddock, co-founder and CEO of Liquid Instruments. “By establishing our presence at Melbourne Connect, we’re positioning ourselves at the intersection of academia, industry, and innovation — exactly where the next generation of test and measurement solutions will arise. This move strengthens our ability to collaborate with Victoria’s leading researchers and technology companies.”
Liquid Instruments Test instrumentation
Sustainability and Circular Economy Leadership
Samsara Eco has been at the forefront of sustainability, securing the Best Sustainability Startup award at Startup Daily’s Best in Tech Awards. Their partnership with NILIT to develop the world’s first textile-to-textile recycling facility for nylon 6,6 marks a significant milestone in the circular economy. Additionally, their breakthrough in developing new enzymes capable of recycling nylon 6 has positioned them as global leaders in sustainable textiles.
Image via Samsaraeco.com. Sarah Cook, Chief Commercial and Operations Officer of Samsara Eco with the Swiftly Tech long-sleeve top.
Bygen also made remarkable strides, winning the Circular Economy & Waste Management Track at the Net Zero Challenge and successfully launching their first activated carbon production plant, capable of producing 2,000 tonnes of sustainable activated carbon annually.
Quantum and Advanced Computing Breakthroughs
Quantum Brilliance has cemented its status as a quantum computing powerhouse. Named one of LinkedIn’s Top Startups in Australia, the company secured a critical contract with ParityQC to develop the world’s first mobile quantum computer by 2027. Their collaboration with Oak Ridge National Laboratory and funding from the National Reconstruction Fund further underscore their leadership in quantum innovation. They also secured a $10 million follow-on investment from BV, part of a USD $20 million Series A that included the National Reconstruction Fund, aimed at making Victoria home to the world’s leading diamond quantum foundry.
Meanwhile, Infleqtion secured a $3.3 million grant from the Australian government’s Advanced Strategic Capabilities Accelerator for emerging and disruptive technologies.
Energy Revolution and Advanced Manufacturing
Amber Electric has been making waves in the energy sector with its partnership with E.ON NEXT to revolutionise energy use in the UK. The company also expanded its EV charging capabilities with the acquisition of Charge HQ, following the launch of its innovative EV charging feature.
Jupiter Ionics’ co-founder, Professor Douglas MacFarlane, received the prestigious Max Bredig Award and was recognized as a Highly Cited Researcher for the second consecutive year, reinforcing the company’s groundbreaking work in green ammonia production.
Award-Winning Innovations
The past few months have seen Breakthrough Victoria-backed companies earn widespread recognition:
- JigSpace reached the finals of the Apple App Store Awards for its exceptional user experience and design.
- Millibeam won the Pitch Competition at the SemiConductor Australia Conference, showcasing its potential in semiconductor innovation.
- Conflux was honoured with the Governor of Victoria Export Award and nominated for the 3D Printing Industry Awards in the Mobility or Energy category.
- Liquid Instruments was named India’s top Test and Measurement Innovator by Electronics Era.
- The founders of JigSpace, Amber Energy, ElectraLith, and Xefco were all in The Australian’s 2024 Top 100 Innovators celebrating the ambition and commitment of the nation’s newest entrepreneurs
Xefco Co-Founder and CEO Tom Hussey
A New Era for Life Sciences and MedTech
Aravax reached a major clinical milestone by completing patient recruitment for its Phase 2 study, while Atmo Biosciences secured funding from the Medical Research Future Fund through ANDHealth’s Stage Two program.
Navi Medical Technologies celebrated a major milestone, receiving FDA clearance for its Neonav® ECG Tip Location System and launching its first prototype. Additionally, the company announced plans for a new advanced manufacturing facility, further strengthening Victoria’s medical technology sector.
Navi Medical Technologies Co-Founders Alex Newton, Mubin Yousef, Shing Yue Sheung