The delegation visit officially recognised the co-location of the Bangalore Bioinnovation Centre within the University’s new innovation centre, Eagleworks. It also celebrated the work of leading startups that participated in the Indian-based IND-AUS LaunchPad Pre-Accelerator program held earlier in the year and unveiled the IGNITE Lab – designed to support and empower entrepreneurs.
Bringing together University leadership, Indian industry innovators, and emerging entrepreneurs, it was a day to celebrate achievements and underscore a shared commitment to advancing research, fostering innovation, and strengthening cross-border collaboration.
An event marking an international partnership
The event was a significant step for the Bio Innovation Corridor, a partnership established in September 2024 between La Trobe University, India's Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC), and the Bangalore Bioinnovation Centre (BBC). The initiative opens access and provides opportunities to entrepreneurs, startups, and researchers from India and Australia – particularly those working in the areas of biotechnology, medtech, and agtech.
In his opening address, Prof Theo Farrell, Vice-Chancellor and President, La Trobe University, highlighted the University's commitment to its relationship with India and the co-location of the BBC - which provides a physical base for Indian startups and researchers to connect with the Australian innovation ecosystem.
“This is about supporting the free flow of innovation, entrepreneurship and founder startups between India and Australia,” said Prof Theo Farrell.
Dr Mohamed Adil, Managing Director, BBC, and Professor Durai Sundar, Director of the Institute of Bioinformatics and Applied Biotechnology (IBAB), were among the distinguished guests from India. University representatives included Dr Megan Fisher, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Industry Engagement), and Dr Stacey Farraway, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Future Growth).
Showcasing emerging entrepreneurs
The IND-AUS LaunchPad Pre-Accelerator was an intensive 12-week program, held from May to July 2025, that equipped Indian-based startups with the skills and networks needed to explore both Australian and Indian markets.
The top ventures earned a fully sponsored two-week immersion trip to Australia, hosted by La Trobe.
Part of this immersion component, the delegation event provided a platform for these promising startups to present their groundbreaking solutions to an audience of academics, industry leaders, and potential investors.
“So we're absolutely thrilled to be hosting the founders and startups from Bangalore, and every year hereafter, this will become the base for us to collaborate in innovation, biotech, medtech, and agtech,” said Prof Theo Farrell.
Startups visiting La Trobe included:
- Microbeworks Scientific Pvt Ltd
Led by CEO & Co-Founder Suchitha Raghunathan, Microbeworks Scientific Pvt Ltd is a deep-tech startup tackling environmental challenges in the textile industry. Microbeworks uses microbial fermentation to create sustainable and scalable bio-pigments, offering an eco-friendly alternative to synthetic dyes.
- Hornet Biologicals Pvt Ltd
This biotech venture, with CEO Dr Konoragunta Omkar Babu at the helm, is on a mission to revolutionise livestock farming. Hornet Biologicals employs advanced genetic screening to identify key traits in sheep, empowering farmers with data-driven tools to improve herd quality and economic returns.
An additional startup, Charukesi Health Pvt Ltd, also joined the delegation event, funding their own immersion trip to leverage the opportunities provided by the program. Charukesi Health develops modular medical rehabilitation robots.
Launching the IGNITE Lab for the Indian market
A significant announcement during the event was the launch of the IGNITE Lab, a virtual entrepreneurship platform tailored for the Indian market. This initiative provides Indian startups with one-year access to La Trobe University's innovation ecosystem, regardless of their physical location. Benefits include:
- Co-location opportunities within Eagleworks
- Access to hot desks, meeting rooms, and a media studio with podcasting equipment and green screen
- Monthly coaching sessions with entrepreneurs in residence
- Connections to a wide network of business partners, researchers, and investors
- Support for grants, funding access, and mentorship from venture capitalists.
The program is designed to bridge the geographical divide, offering continuous support and resources to help Indian entrepreneurs scale their ventures and access global markets.
The Indian delegation visit was a testament to the tangible outcomes of a powerful international alliance. By bringing together innovative minds, pioneering technologies, and supportive ecosystems, the Bio Innovation Corridor is paving the way for scientific and economic progress.
The event concluded with a networking lunch, allowing founders, delegates, and University representatives to forge deeper connections. The successful immersion program and the launch of the IGNITE Lab signal a new chapter of sustained collaboration, promising a future of shared innovation and mutual growth for India and Australia.
