APAC Network

Innovation often moves faster than funding can keep up, leaving groundbreaking ideas stuck in limbo during critical development phases. This is especially true for businesses relying on programs like the R&D Tax Incentive, where the gap between investment and reimbursement can create significant cash flow challenges. A new approach is addressing this issue: non-dilutive strategic funding, designed to bridge these timing gaps without requiring founders to sacrifice equity. Alex Knight, Managing Director of Advanced, describes this as “capital as a service,” providing tailored funding solutions when entrepreneurs need them most—right at the intersection of innovation and opportunity. By covering timing gaps like those in the R&D Tax Incentive, this model empowers businesses to move forward confidently, accelerating progress while maintaining ownership. Hear our conversation with Alex on "APAC Weekly" on Special Broadcasting Service (SBS) Australia on Sunday, or click the link in comments to watch the full interview. #ConversationsShapingOurFuture #FundingGap #Entrepreneurs #StartUps #R&D #TacIncentives #Technology #Innovation

Diagnosing multiple diseases with the precision of lab testing and the simplicity of a rapid test is no longer a distant vision—it’s happening now. At UNSW Sydney, a team led by Professor Ewa Goldys has developed an innovative diagnostic tool using CRISPR technology and Nanocircles. This groundbreaking test amplifies genetic signals, producing a visible color change when a disease is detected. It offers lab-level accuracy while remaining accessible for at-home use, bridging the gap between cutting-edge science and everyday healthcare. This advancement represents more than just a scientific breakthrough—it’s a step toward transforming global health. Click the link in comments to watch our conversation with Professor Ewa Goldys. #ConversationsShapingOurFuture #FutureofHealth #MedTech #Technology UNSW Innovation Community

The future of farming is here, and it’s being shaped by robotics. With global food demand projected to increase by 70% by 2050, technology is stepping in to ensure agriculture can meet the challenge. Robots are no longer just a vision of the future—they’re working alongside farmers today, transforming how we grow and harvest food. As Andrew Bate, Founder and CEO of SwarmFarm Robotics, explains, advanced machines equipped with AI and sensors are doing more than reducing labor costs—they’re enabling precision farming at an unprecedented scale. From automating planting and harvesting to monitoring crops with pinpoint accuracy, robotics is helping farmers minimize pesticide use, improve yields, and tackle pressing challenges like labor shortages and sustainability. You can catch our interview with Andrew this Sunday on "APAC Weekly" on Special Broadcasting Service (SBS) Australia. Or click on the link in comments to watch the full interview. Jocie Bate #ConversationsShapingOurFuture #FutureofFood #FutureofFarming #Robotics #AI #AdvancedMachines #Technology #Innovation

The shift towards a cashless society, once seen as a distant possibility, gained extraordinary momentum during the global pandemic. In just a few years, habits that had persisted for centuries were upended, as contactless payments and digital transactions became not just convenient, but essential. But what does a world without cash really mean for society? While it promises efficiency and innovation, it also raises complex questions about accessibility, privacy, and control. Are we prepared for the implications of leaving cash behind entirely, or are there risks we're yet to fully understand? Graeme Hughes from Griffith Advantage explores this critical topic, urging us to consider not just the benefits of a cashless future, but also the broader societal impacts. Listen to Graeme's thoughts by clicking the link in comments. #ConversationsShapingOurFuture #FutureofMoney #Technology #FinTech #CyberSecurity #Cashless

Technology is reshaping the insurance landscape in profound ways. Traditionally complex and rigid, insurance is transforming into a more flexible and customer-focused industry. Modular platforms and digital solutions are enabling insurers to adapt quickly, creating tailored coverage that moves away from the one-size-fits-all model. This evolution is about more than efficiency—it’s about fostering resilience and security in a rapidly changing world. The real challenge lies in how fast the industry can embrace these changes to meet growing demands for personalization and accessibility. Nigel Fellowes-Freeman, Founder and CEO of Kanopi explains that innovation in legacy industries like insurance and banking, is finally catching up. Catch our chat with Nigel this Sunday on "APAC Weekly" on Special Broadcasting Service (SBS) Australia. Or click the link in comments to watch the full converation. #ConversationsShapingOurFuture #Insurtech #FutureOfInsurance #DigitalTransformation #Innovation

With technology transforming nearly every sector, the food industry is seeing its own digital revolution. Globally, the food sector is projected to grow at a significant rate, reaching over $11 trillion by 2030—and yet, compliance processes in food management have largely remained outdated and paper-based. Squizify - Digital Food Safety Solutions CEO and founder Daniel McDouall explains how as more consumers demand transparency, safety, and sustainability, modern solutions are needed to meet the high standards of food safety and quality. Hear what Daniel has to say about his solution to the problem, and more broadly, the Future of Food, on "APAC Weekly," airing on Special Broadcasting Service (SBS) Australia on Sunday. You can also watch the full interview by clicking the link in comments. #ConversationsShapingOurFuture #FoodTech #Innovation #DigitalTransformation #FoodSafety #Sustainability

The urgency to protect our lakes and rivers has never been greater. Recent studies reveal that microplastic levels in our waterways are much higher than we once thought, turning our lakes and rivers into hidden reservoirs of pollution. These microscopic particles don’t just harm aquatic life—they're making their way into our food and water, with impacts we’re only beginning to understand. This isn’t just an environmental issue; it’s a public health crisis that calls for immediate, science-backed solutions. Professor David Hamilton highlights this critical need for action, underscoring the importance of tackling the problem at its source. Watch the conversation with David by clicking the link in comments. #ConversationsShapingOurFuture #Sustainability #Microplastics #EnvironmentalHealth #WaterConservation Griffith University

As the world’s biggest challenges intensify, the call for genuine social and environmental impact from business has never been louder. Investors are recognizing that companies driven by purpose aren’t just good for the planet—they’re smart business. Backing startups with a mission to make a difference taps into something powerful: customer loyalty that goes beyond transactions. Purpose-driven companies hold the potential to build deeply engaged communities, strengthening their prospects for lasting growth and resilience in an ever-evolving market. Wayne Gerard, founder of Prtnr, shares his approach to identifying which companies to support, looking for those rare ventures capable of scaling positive impact. He’s proving that investing with purpose isn’t just an ethical choice; it’s a strategic one with the power to shape industries and improve lives. Our conversation with Wayne will air on "APAC Weekly" this Sunday on Special Broadcasting Service (SBS) Australia. Make sure to tune in! You can also watch the conversation with Wayne by clicking the link in comments. #ConversationsShapingOurFuture #Investing #ImpactInvesting #VentureCapital #ClimateChange #PositiveImpact

South Australia’s first state-funded satellite Kanyini, was launched in August 2024 aboard SpaceX’s Transporter-11 mission from California. Built in Adelaide by Inovor Technologies and equipped with IoT services from Myriota, Kanyini will provide critical Earth observation and IoT data to support research in sustainability and climate impacts. As Dr Catherine Grace, (MBBS) explains, the mission led by SmartSat CRC, represents a significant milestone for South Australia’s space sector, creating high-tech jobs and enhancing local space capabilities. Watch the conversation by clicking the link in comments. #ConversationsShapingOurFuture #Space #Defence #Communication #SpaceX #Technology #SpaceTech South Australian Space Industry Centre

Quantum computing, once a concept bound to high-tech labs and complex theories, is now within reach—literally. Researchers at the University of Technology Sydney have developed an affordable, handheld quantum computer emulator called the “Quokka.” Designed to support quantum programming languages, this device offers hands-on experience that was once unimaginable. Eigensystems’ Co-Founder, Chris Ferrie, shares that the goal is clear: to democratize quantum computing by making it accessible to everyone through education. It’s not just a tool; it’s an opportunity to bring quantum computing into classrooms, innovation hubs, and even home studies. This could be a pivotal step toward building a future where quantum literacy is mainstream. Watch the conversation with Chris by clicking the link in comments. #ConversationsShapingOurFuture #QuantumComputing #Innovation #EducationForAll #Research #UTS