First ‘CERI Start’ recipients announced

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Liam Wignell
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// // The successful recipients have been handed their share from an initial pool of $50,000

The first successful funding recipients for a new startup fund have been announced.

CERI Start – launched by The Centre for Entrepreneurial Research and Innovation (CERI) – is a $100,000 fund for alumni of CERI’s program.

Since being announced in August 2021, the fund has seen growth of 25% which has allowed for increased funding of CERI startups in 2022.

Additionally, the fund received permanent Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR1) status meaning the fund can grow through philanthropic donations.

CERI Start provides micro-seed funding to assist startups with product development, R&D and early-stage commercialisation support. This provides an opportunity to receive “small pots of funding” that can be used to de-risk and accelerate innovations by reaching customers or by acquiring further funding. No equity is given up.

The inaugural funding round saw applications close in November 2021, with the successful recipients receiving a total of $50,000 between them.

CERI Founder and Executive Chairman, Charlie Bass, said the announcement represents an exciting development of the fund’s mission to facilitate Western Australia’s transition from a resource-dominated economy to one fuelled by entrepreneurship and diverse technology.

I am continually proud of the founders that come through our programs and their passion and drive to make their startup a reality. It is my express wish that our CERI Start fund will continue to grow in 2022 and help accelerate our founders to market, bringing us closer to achieving our vision for Western Australia.

Charlie Bass, CERI Founder and Executive Chairman
First 'CERI Start' recipients announced
Charlie Bass. Image – CERI.

The applications are assessed by an independent panel of experienced founders, executive directors and investors, chaired by Adam Levin.

The startups

Gene S

Founded by Svetlana Baltic and Suzanna Lindsey-Temple, Gene S is currently developing a genetic test that enables doctors to prescribe the right medication at the correct dose. Their kit includes a genetic test that uses a patient’s blood or salvia to analyse data that subsequently generates a report that suggests the best drug/dose for the patient. The kits will provide information for medication used to not just manage pan but also for mental health, cardiac conditions and anaesthesia.

Helme

Founded by Pierre Puchol and Jessica Shakes, Helme develops smart, sustainable and industrial fastening solutions for service. By doing this, inefficiencies in processes are reduced, along with the optimisation of product performance. Helme’s uniClamp is designed and manufactured to absorb and cushion vibration and shocks endemic to mobile assets while protecting the service line.

Hyperion Systems

Founded by Joshua Wigley, Hyperion Systems creates valuable resources such as automotive and marine vessels by recycling hard plastic through the combination of plastic extrusion and innovative manufacturing processes.

Neolixir

Founded by Angela Fonceca and Maud Eilkenbroom, Nelixir is presently working on neoX which is an early stage anti-infection technology that enhance antibiotic efficacy and potency. Bacterial resistance is mitigated by dissolving bacterial biofilm, which is the most basic self-defence mechanism of bacteria.

Sherpah

Thomas Addis founded Sherpah on the principle that mental health care can be improved through a combination of existing and emerging technologies. The startup is pioneering clinically validated objective measures of mental illness to improve mental health care. They are embracing recent advancements in wearable biometric sensory technology along with clinically validated software.

Terra Circa

Terra Circa was founded by Naim and Amanda Abou Rielly to reduce waste and contribute to global food security. The startup is developing a waste management system whereby food waste will be processed using a biotechnological process that produces livestock feed and a soil ameliorant. This will protect future generations by managing food waste within a circular economy as emissions are close to zero.  

U-CAN

UNCAN, founded by Stephen Stirling, the startup is creating a novel method that will allow Ostomates to dispose of their waste in the toilet, instead of a landfill. In a world-first, a unique flushable pouch has been developed – completely changing the life of Ostomates.

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Picture of Liam Wignell

Liam Wignell

Liam has extensive experience across marketing, procurement and project management roles in both the public and private sector. He contributed to Startup News from 2020 to 2023 and was contracted as Managing Editor in 2022.
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