Inspiring Innovations Unveiled at BIOTech Futures Finals 2024
University of Sydney | October 14, 2024
Sydney University was abuzz with excitement as the BIOTech Futures Finals kicked off with an inspiring and thought-provoking morning. The event began with an Acknowledgement of Country from Dr. Jiao-Jiao Li, followed by a warm welcome from Prof. Hala Zreiqat AM, setting the tone for an engaging day. Provost and Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Annamarie Jagose, continued the positive momentum with her opening address, welcoming all participants to the prestigious event.
Keynote Highlights: Revolutionising Medicine Through Innovation
The highlight of the morning was a powerful keynote from Prof. Matthew L. Becker of Duke University. His presentation, “How New Materials and Additive Manufacturing are Changing Medicine,” explored the challenges and incredible potential of 3D-printed medical implants. A striking statistic—fewer than 133 FDA-approved 3D-printed parts are currently available for human use, most of them made from metal—set the stage for his deeper dive into why scaling additive manufacturing in medicine remains a challenge.
According to Prof. Becker, the key barriers include the lack of patient-specific solutions, the absence of optimal materials, the need for validated design rules, and the industry’s low tolerance for risk. However, despite these obstacles, the future remains bright. Prof. Becker encouraged the audience to embrace rapid iteration, urging them to “fail fast” and learn quickly. He cited biotech heart stents as an example of innovations perfected through multiple iterations, motivating the next generation to push boundaries. His memorable quote resonated throughout the day:
“If you aren’t uncomfortable, you will never grow, because that’s where the best innovations come from.”
Student Showcase: Tomorrow’s Innovators
The BIOTech Futures Finals provided an exciting platform for some of Australia’s most talented young minds. Teams from Earnshaw State College and Queensland Academy for Science, Mathematics, and Technology (SMT) presented groundbreaking projects that addressed pressing global challenges.
Earnshaw State College introduced ‘Statavac’, an innovative device designed to remove volatile marine debris such as Styrofoam and microplastics from beaches. By using static electricity and a low-powered vacuum pump, this eco-friendly solution bridges the gap between DIY cleanup methods and large-scale industrial products. The project’s affordability and sustainability were highlights, and the team has future plans to scale up and possibly make the design open source.
Meanwhile, Queensland Academy for Science, Mathematics and Technology (QASMT) presented Serum Switch, a user-friendly database designed to ease the transition from using Foetal Bovine Serum (FBS) to more ethical alternatives in research labs. The platform provides comprehensive information on cost, availability, and success rates, giving researchers the tools to make serum-free research more accessible and financially viable. Their innovative approach drew attention for its potential to revolutionize ethical research practices.
Celebrating Success: Runner-Up Honours for QASMT
After a day filled with inspiring presentations and hands-on workshops, QASMT was named Overall Runner-Up at the BIOTech Futures Finals. Their Serum Switch project impressed judges with its practicality and potential for widespread application, securing them a well-deserved accolade. Both teams performed exceptionally, showcasing not only technical skills but also creativity and a passion for solving real-world problems.
In addition to the student presentations, attendees had the chance to participate in the Handheld Centrifuge workshop and hear from renowned experts. Standout presentations included “Towards a Sustainable Ocean Future” by Dr. Lucy Buxton and “The Journey of Building Two Global AI Tech Companies” by Dr. Don Perugini, which added further depth to the event.
Shaping the Future of Science and Technology
The BIOTech Futures Finals was more than just a competition—it was a celebration of the next generation of innovators. The passion, creativity, and determination of these students demonstrate that the future of science and technology is in capable hands. Huge congratulations to all participants, especially Queensland Academy for SMT for being named Overall Runner-Up! With exciting times ahead, these students are paving the way for tomorrow’s breakthroughs in biotech and sustainability.
