CUREator, delivered with CSIRO, is launching a national Australian program that funds and accelerates early-stage therapeutic development from drug discovery to clinical trials. Eligible SMEs and researchers can access up to $5 million per project, plus expert guidance, networks, and commercialisation support. The program is designed to strengthen Australia’s biotechnology pipeline, reduce translational gaps, and boost commercial readiness for high-impact therapies.

CUREator National Therapeutics Acceleration Program: Full Guide to Funding, Eligibility, and Application

CUREator is a national initiative created to speed the development of early-stage therapeutics that address unmet medical needs across drug discovery, preclinical studies, and clinical trials. Delivered in partnership with Australia’s national science agency CSIRO, the program offers significant non-dilutive funding and specialised support to help SMEs progress innovation toward commercial and patient impact.

Program Overview

CUREator provides up to $5 million in milestone-driven, non-dilutive funding, along with access to scientific, commercial, and regulatory expertise. The program functions as a bridge across the “translation gap” that often slows therapeutic development, helping innovators secure follow-on funding and long-term partnerships.

Why the Program Matters

• Accelerates Australia’s biotechnology and medical research ecosystem

• Supports commercialisation of high-value therapeutic innovations

• Reduces barriers for SMEs working on drug discovery and clinical development

• Provides expert guidance, networks, and mentorship

• Strengthens national and global collaboration pathways

• Enhances the economic and patient impact of Australian medical research

Key Concepts Explained

Early-Stage Therapeutics

Therapeutics in discovery, preclinical studies, or early clinical development that require translational support and validation.

Non-Dilutive Funding

Grant funding that does not require giving up company equity, making it ideal for SMEs seeking growth without ownership loss.

Milestone-Driven Progress

Funding linked to predetermined scientific or commercial milestones, ensuring projects advance efficiently and strategically.

Funding Structure

CUREator offers funding across two competitive stages:

Stage 1 Funding

• $1 million–$1.5 million for preclinical projects

• $1 million–$2.5 million for clinical-stage projects
  Purpose: establish proof-of-concept, generate data, and prepare for translational advancement.

Stage 2 Funding (Top-Up)

• Competitive, available only to Stage 1 awardees

• Supports projects that meet agreed milestones

• Designed to accelerate progress toward commercial readiness

Total funding available: Up to $5 million per project.

Who Is Eligible?

Eligibility includes:

• Australian SMEs

  • For-profit companies

  • Fewer than 200 employees

  • Based in Australia

• Researchers at Australian universities or research institutes

  • Must be willing to incorporate a new company before award

• Projects focused on:

  • Drug discovery

  • Preclinical development

  • Clinical-stage therapeutics

  • Programs with strong commercial and patient impact potential

What the Program Provides

Participants receive:

• Non-dilutive funding (up to $5M)

• Commercialisation advice

• Scientific and technical guidance

• Access to national and international expertise

• Hands-on project support

• Mentorship and training programs

• Networks to secure follow-on investment and partnerships

How the Program Works

1. Application Submission

Applicants submit a proposal demonstrating scientific merit, commercial potential, and alignment with medical needs.

2. Competitive Assessment

Projects are evaluated on:

• Degree of unmet medical need

• Scientific innovation

• Commercial feasibility

• Translational readiness

• Team capability

3. Stage 1 Funding Awarded

Selected teams receive initial funding and specific milestones to achieve.

4. Milestone Monitoring

Projects must demonstrate progress and meet targets to stay eligible for Stage 2.

5. Stage 2 Competition

Top-up funding is awarded to the strongest performers from Stage 1.

6. Commercial and Translational Support

Throughout both stages, CUREator provides training, mentorship, and partnership pathways.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting proposals without clear commercialisation strategy

• Insufficient explanation of unmet medical need

• Weak milestone planning or unrealistic timelines

• Lack of incorporation planning for research teams

• Underestimating regulatory or clinical requirements

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What types of therapeutic areas are eligible?
Any area addressing unmet medical needs, including small molecules, biologics, gene therapies, and novel modalities.

2. Is the funding equity-free?
Yes. All funding is non-dilutive, meaning companies retain full ownership.

3. Can researchers without a company apply?
Yes, but they must be willing to incorporate a company before receiving the award.

4. Are clinical-stage projects eligible?
Yes. Clinical-stage programs may receive up to $2.5 million in Stage 1.

5. How competitive is Stage 2 funding?
Highly competitive and only available to Stage 1 awardees that meet all milestones.

6. Can SMEs with more than 200 employees apply?
No. Only Australian SMEs with fewer than 200 employees qualify.

7. Does the program require co-funding?
Co-funding is not required but may strengthen competitiveness.

Conclusion

CUREator is a major national accelerator for early-stage therapeutics in Australia, offering substantial non-dilutive funding and comprehensive support to help SMEs and researchers bring breakthrough medical innovations to market. By combining financial backing with scientific and commercial expertise, the program strengthens Australia’s biomedical innovation pipeline and expands opportunities for life-changing therapies to reach patients.