Biointelect Secures $32.9 Million Grant to Boost Infectious Disease Innovation
Australian life sciences consultancy Biointelect has been awarded a $32.9 million grant to launch a national incubator focused on accelerating early-stage innovation in vaccines, immunotherapies, and treatments for infectious diseases.
The new initiative, known as Biointelect Venturer, will serve as a virtual incubator supporting startups and research teams developing novel solutions to urgent health threats. With infectious diseases such as COVID-19 variants, influenza, and antimicrobial resistance continuing to pose global risks, the program aims to strengthen Australia’s health preparedness and innovation pipeline.
The incubator will offer strategic mentorship, regulatory support, commercialization guidance, and connections to investment opportunities. Its goal is to help translate promising research into viable products that can advance to clinical trials and market launch. Biointelect also aims to retain Australian intellectual property and talent, reducing the need for early-stage companies to seek offshore partners too soon.
Biointelect’s leadership emphasized the importance of turning world-class research into real-world impact. The incubator is designed to address the gap between early scientific discovery and commercial development—a challenge faced by many Australian biotech ventures.
A general manager with significant experience in vaccines and biotech development has been appointed to lead the initiative, which is expected to begin operations in early 2026. A national stakeholder engagement process is currently underway to identify priority projects and collaborators.
This grant represents a major step toward strengthening Australia’s position in the global biotech sector. By supporting innovation at the earliest stages, Biointelect Venturer is expected to help deliver the next generation of vaccines and therapies, building a more resilient and self-sufficient health innovation ecosystem.
Gold Coast’s HOTA Set for a Splash of Colour with Iconic Artist Ken Done
The Gold Coast’s Home of the Arts (HOTA) is preparing to burst into colour with a major new exhibition by one of Australia’s most iconic artists, Ken Done. Titled Ken Done: No Rules, the exhibition will run from 13 September 2025 to 15 February 2026, showcasing a joyful and expansive collection of work spanning more than four decades.
Known for his bold use of colour and depictions of Australian life, Done’s work has become synonymous with sun-drenched beaches, tropical gardens, and coastal scenes. The exhibition will feature over 100 paintings from his personal collection, alongside immersive animated installations and wearable art from his fashion collaborations.
Celebrating his signature “no rules” approach to creativity, the exhibition reflects Done’s lifelong belief that art should be accessible, fun, and deeply connected to place. Visitors can expect an uplifting and playful experience, with a strong emphasis on colour, movement, and imagination.
The exhibition is designed to appeal to all ages, inviting families, art lovers, and first-time gallery visitors to engage with Done’s vivid world. Interactive elements, reimagined digital works, and design pieces will bring new layers to his familiar imagery, transforming the gallery into a celebration of Australian culture and creativity.
The launch of No Rules marks another significant milestone in HOTA’s evolution as a major cultural destination. Set within its striking contemporary gallery space, the exhibition reinforces the Gold Coast’s growing reputation as a hub for bold and inclusive arts programming.
With his unmistakable visual language and optimistic view of the world, Ken Done’s return to the spotlight promises to be a highlight of the arts calendar—bright, beachy, and bursting with joy.
Vinyl Group Reins in Cash Burn Amid Pivot to Scalable Profitability
Music technology company Vinyl Group is tightening spending and shifting focus toward scalable profitability after a year of rapid expansion and rising operational costs.
The ASX-listed company has confirmed a strategic pivot away from aggressive acquisition-led growth to a phase of financial discipline and operational refinement. This change comes as Vinyl Group looks to reduce its cash burn, which has climbed due to significant investment in staffing, acquisitions, and platform development.
Over the past year, the company has expanded its portfolio to include a mix of media and music-tech platforms. With these businesses now integrated, management says the emphasis is moving toward optimizing performance, improving margins, and leveraging synergies across the group.
Despite heavy cash outflows, Vinyl Group reported a strong increase in revenue, driven by its diversified model. Leadership believes the company is now positioned to scale sustainably, with a growing portion of income coming from its tech platforms and subscription-based services.
CEO Josh Simons described the next phase as one of “scalable profitability,” emphasizing the need to transition from building infrastructure to driving consistent, high-margin revenue. Recent internal performance indicators show a shift in revenue mix, with technology-led income beginning to overtake media earnings—an encouraging sign for future growth.
To support liquidity and reduce financial risk, the company has introduced new credit facilities and is pursuing options to restructure certain liabilities. It aims to reach operational breakeven within the next 12 months, backed by stronger recurring revenue and tighter cost controls.
Vinyl Group’s reorientation signals a maturing phase for the business, as it seeks to balance innovation with long-term sustainability in the competitive global music-tech sector.
Moose Toys Acquires Iconic Word Game Brand Bananagrams
Australian toy powerhouse Moose Toys has announced the acquisition of Bananagrams, the popular US-based word game brand known for its fast-paced, tile-based gameplay. The move marks a significant step in Moose’s global growth strategy and strengthens its rapidly expanding games portfolio.
Bananagrams, originally developed in the United States, has become a household name over the past two decades. Loved by families and educators alike, the game is available in over 30 countries and has been translated into multiple languages. Its compact, banana-shaped pouch and easy-to-learn rules have made it a go-to choice for word game enthusiasts around the world.
Moose Toys, headquartered in Melbourne, has long been recognized for its award-winning product lines including Magic Mixies, Shopkins, and Little Live Pets. In recent years, the company has made a major push into the games category, and the addition of Bananagrams is seen as a key part of that strategy.
CEO Paul Solomon described the acquisition as a natural fit for Moose’s mission to create “smiles all around.” He praised Bananagrams for its universal appeal and said the company looks forward to expanding its reach while maintaining the spirit of fun and connection that defines the brand.
Rena Nathanson, CEO and co-inventor of Bananagrams, expressed confidence in Moose as the right partner to carry the brand forward. She highlighted shared values of creativity, play, and family, and welcomed the opportunity to see the game evolve under new ownership.
With this acquisition, Moose Toys continues to position itself as a leader in both traditional toys and family games. The company plans to integrate Bananagrams into its global distribution network and explore new product innovations to build on the brand’s legacy.
Carter Capner Law Launches Class Action Over Terminated Off‑the‑Plan Contracts
Legal firm Carter Capner Law has filed a class action on behalf of dozens of off‑the‑plan apartment buyers affected by developers terminating contracts under dispute-prone clauses such as “sunset” or “economic viability” provisions.
Many purchasers entered binding agreements years ago, paid deposits, and expected to complete transactions when projects progressed. However, developers have increasingly invoked termination rights as property markets surged—cancelling contracts to relist units at significantly higher prices.
Director Peter Carter, leading the litigation, alleges widespread misuse of these provisions. According to Carter Capner Law, affected buyers—including those from developments in Brisbane and Gold Coast suburbs—were abruptly notified their contracts would be rescinded, often with the return of only a deposit. Those who challenged the terminations risked losing their funds entirely, with some threatened that their deposits would be sent to the Public Trustee.
The class action is designed to represent multiple affected buyers in Queensland, where current reforms protecting off‑the‑plan buyers do not extend to apartments and schemes under community title structures. Carter has called on state authorities to urgently expand legal protections.
Claimants argue they entered contracts in good faith and should not face punitive outcomes due to developers attempting to capitalize on market gains. The lawsuit aims to recover financial losses tied to termination and enforce consumer rights under unfair contract law.
Carter Capner Law is preparing to manage funding, select lead plaintiffs, and quantify losses. The proposed action seeks both compensatory relief and judicial clarity on how sunset and viability clauses may be lawfully applied.
For more information or to register as a claimant, off‑the‑plan buyers are encouraged to seek specialist legal advice from the firm.
