DeepTech Incubator

Grow and commercialise your discoveries

The Macquarie University DeepTech Incubator is a cutting-edge space comprised of laboratories, equipment, secure offices and co-working areas.

Our aim is to support DeepTech innovators with access to laboratory space, specialised equipment, and Macquarie University technical expertise.

We also support security-first companies requiring secure workspaces, such as those working with the Department of Defence and/or looking to protect their developing IP.

The DeepTech Incubator provides:

Community

• network of like-minded founders and innovators
• knowledge exchange and networking opportunities
• professional development for researchers, entrepreneurs, industry, and investors
• introductions to researchers and University departments
• opportunity to engage with our 40,000 strong student population – including PHD candidates.

Education

• join the six-month bi-annual education program delivered by industry experts, mentor and advisor networks twice a year
• access an intranet library of education and training resources.

Spaces and infrastructure

• affordable co-share laboratory space ranging from an individual bench space to multiple benches
• individual secure offices, co-working spaces, boardroom, meeting rooms
• IT infrastructure
• Macquarie University laboratory assets and equipment in synthetic biology and medicine
• secure parking is also available.

PC2 laboratories

Physical Containment Level 2 (PC2) laboratories at Macquarie University and the newly relocated Woolcock Institute of Medical Research are designed to support advanced scientific research while ensuring safety and compliance with regulatory standards. Access to these facilities by MQ Incubator Deep Tech startups may be possible on a fee-for-use basis.

Note: Access agreements must be negotiated with the facility management with whom we can connect you to, however access is not guaranteed by Macquarie University Incubator.

Notable PC2 facilities include:

• Applied BioSciences laboratories: Equipped for molecular biology, genomics, microbiology, and synthetic biology research, these labs feature controlled environment rooms, insect anesthesia systems, long-read genomic sequencing platforms and a state-of-the-art PC2 invertebrate facility with transgenesis capabilities
• The Australian Genome Foundry supports projects ranging from fundamental molecular and synthetic biology research to engineering industrial microorganisms. AGF has a broad suite of automated liquid handling and colony picking instruments, high-throughput fermentation equipment, flow cytometers and cell sorters, and high-throughput analytical chemistry, all located in PC2 lab space.
• Zebrafish facility: Situated within an aquatic PC2 laboratory, this facility supports various aspects of zebrafish research, including microinjection, breeding, and behavioural tracking.
• An OGTR-certified PC2 laboratory, developed in partnership with Woolcock Institute of Medical Research with specialized research spaces and advanced equipment for cell culture, bacterial and viral culture, DNA/RNA work, drug testing, aerosol characterisation, and 3D respiratory modelling.

Support

• expertise of a laboratory operations lead to supply lab inductions, technical training, daily operational assistance, inhouse testing and tagging of electrical equipment
• triaging into Macquarie University research expertise at the Australian Genome Foundry, ARC Centre of Excellence in Synthetic Biology, Macquarie University Hospital, and the Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences
• access to additional University infrastructure such as library resources, purchasing infrastructure and WHS support.