ANFF-C helps turn breakthrough ideas into commercial success, backing early-stage ventures with funding and hands-on support.
ANFF’s technology platforms have enabled many Australian research breakthroughs, but too often these discoveries remain in the lab. Moving ideas beyond proof-of-concept requires more than technical expertise. It demands funding, market insight and regulatory planning that most research teams cannot access alone.
ANFF-C was created to close this gap. The fund provides pre-seed capital and practical guidance that reduces risk and helps innovators take the early steps toward commercialisation. This funding helps teams answer fundamental business questions around their innovation, improving the likelihood of follow-on investment. The program offers researchers a pathway to show the value of their breakthrough as a potential business and build confidence among potential partners.
ANFF-supported research teams use Gate 1 funding, up to $35,000, to test early feasibility. They often use this stage to confirm a market, talk with potential users and explore options for scaling up. Gate 2 provides up to $125,000 for projects moving closer to market. Teams at this stage use the funds for regulatory planning, manufacturing strategies or performance studies that compare their technology to existing solutions. The two stages can also be combined. In addition, the fund can co-invest with universities or industry partners to extend impact and accelerate progress.
These projects supported by ANFF-C illustrate the diversity of innovations moving toward commercialisation:
Steady as She Goes: Deneb Space is making satellites smarter from the moment they reach orbit. Its autonomous system combines flight-proven magnetic torquers (Deneb eMag), sensors and control algorithms to detect unstable motion and stabilise spacecraft instantly. Rapid response means antennas and solar panels deploy faster and allow missions to start without delay. ANFF-NSW’s advanced PCB printing played a key role in early hardware prototyping, and its magnetic materials expertise helped refine the eMag hardware supply chain. The tech has already proven itself in space on two Australian CubeSat missions: CUAVA-2 and Waratah Seed-1.
Mimicry for Fertility: DNA-damaged sperm can cause poor or abnormal fertilisation, failed implantation and miscarriage. In IVF, sperm are typically selected based on motility. However, some damaged sperm have normal appearance and motility, escaping detection. University of Adelaide spinout Affinyx has developed a microfluidic device that combines motility and immunological sorting, using specialised surface chemistry to mimic the female immune system. With support from the Medical Device Partnering Program and ANFF-SA facilities for soft polymer component development, Affinyx’s unique sperm capture method offers a new way to improve IVF outcomes.
From Waste to Super Powder: Swinburne University spinout EntroMat is transforming the metal powder industry through its High Entropy Material (HEM) powders. These advanced powders are made by combining multiple principal elements in equal atomic ratios using recycled industrial feedstocks – creating super-strong, heat- and wear-resistant materials that outperform current products in extreme conditions. HEM powders can be turned into metal parts using modern manufacturing methods like 3D printing, surface coating and powder-based processes. Targeting industries such as mining, aerospace, energy and healthcare, EntroMat is helping Australia produce advanced materials sustainably while boosting sovereign capability.
Smarter Care for Support Animals: iQ Sense is transforming care for companion animals with a biosensor chip that monitors health continuously. The implant uses a photonic sensing circuit to detect biomarker changes in real time, while a wearable tracks movement and behaviour. The system helps vets and owners spot health changes early, safeguarding animals whose well-being is vital to human health. ANFF-NSW facilitated chip encapsulation, identifying a bioresin compatible with the Nanoscribe 3D-printing system and advising on micropore fabrication. Validated prototypes demonstrate the promise of this monitoring device to improve health outcomes for support animals.
Glass for Quantum Futures: Modular Photonics’ Aldente Glass is a cutting-edge material purpose-engineered for ultra-low loss photonics and ultra-fast laser inscription. ANFF-OptoFab Macquarie facilities have been used to fabricate and characterise waveguides written inside the glass. This new glass has already gained attention from European groups developing quantum photonic devices, with the signing of a license agreement with SCHOTT (Germany), a company known for its innovation in specialty glasses for packaging, electronics, optics and communications technology. The exceptionally low optical loss of Aldente Glass unlocks new potential across quantum communications and next-gen telecommunications.
Chemical Clarity Fast: NanoFynd is transforming chemical detection with its lab-on-a-chip technology. Patented nanostructured silicon chips form the platform’s core. These chips were developed with support from ANFF-VIC’s Melbourne Centre for Nanofabrication, and early prototypes were created at ANFF-SA. The system detects trace levels of small molecules in biological and environmental samples within minutes, including sample preparation. Paired with MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry, the platform delivers rapid point-of-collection confirmatory testing. This non-invasive, high-throughput approach helps professionals quickly and reliably analyse samples across a range of real-world settings.
ANFF-C’s role goes beyond money. The fund draws on networks and sector knowledge to connect research teams with expertise, infrastructure and opportunities. These connections help new companies prepare credible strategies, demonstrate progress and attract professional investors or secure support from other programs.
The fund builds its pipeline by engaging with projects well before capital is needed. Early discussions prepare teams for investment and create opportunities that are ready to advance. By uniting funding, expertise and networks, ANFF-C ensures more Australian discoveries become products, companies and solutions with lasting impact.
This article is republished with adaptation from the 2025 ANFF Casebook.
Posted 8 December 2025