In summary

  • Swinburne Ventures has backed the launch of CogTx, helping to commercialise personalised brain stimulation software invented in Melbourne by the Bionics Institute
  • CogTx is the first venture to emerge from Swinburne’s strategic partnership with the Bionics Institute, demonstrating how local collaboration can translate medical research into globally relevant healthcare innovation
  • The new spin-off has the potential to advance a lower-cost, more scalable approach to personalised transcranial magnetic stimulation for clinics and patients worldwide

A new Melbourne-based medtech spin-off has been launched to commercialise software that could make personalised brain stimulation treatment cheaper, faster, and more scalable for clinics worldwide. 

Cognitive Therapeutics Pty Ltd, known as CogTx, has secured seed funding from Swinburne Ventures Ltd, Australian family offices and leading medtech entrepreneurs to develop and deploy software invented by the Bionics Institute. 

The technology uses MRI scans and advanced algorithms to help clinicians identify precise brain stimulation targets, reducing reliance on expensive mapping equipment currently used to personalise treatment. 

With software development expertise to be provided by Planet Innovation, CogTx is the first collaboration to launch from the strategic partnership between Swinburne University of Technology and the Bionics Institute.

TMS uses magnetic fields generated from an electrical coil, placed over the scalp to activate specific areas of the brain. Over repeated sessions the changes in brain activity correct abnormal brain functioning associated with conditions including depression, OCD and migraines.  

The effectiveness of personalised TMS is well-recognised, but the equipment currently used to map precise treatment locations in the brain is expensive and inefficient. 

 Bionics Institute CEO, Robert Klupacs says: “Personalised TMS has enormous clinical potential, but the cost and complexity of current mapping equipment limits access.” 

“CogTx gives us a pathway to commercialise a software-based solution that could make personalised treatment more practical for clinics and patients.” 

Chaired by Professor Graeme Samuel AC, CogTx will develop the software-based technology through to expected FDA approval and clinical deployment worldwide, as well as undertaking ongoing clinical trials to test personalised TMS as a treatment for Alzheimer’s.  

Professor Kate Hoy leads the Bionics Institute research team investigating personalised TMS as a potential treatment for Alzheimer’s. 

Prof Hoy says: “Studies are increasingly showing that personalised TMS can improve treatment effectiveness. However, the equipment currently used to map the exact treatment location for each individual is complex and can be prohibitively expensive for clincis”. 

Abs Seth, Swinburne Director of Commercial Innovation, said the collaboration marks an exciting step in medical research translation and is proof of what can be achieved locally through strong collaboration.  

“CogTx is exactly the kind of research translation Swinburne Ventures was created to support with strong IP, a clear clinical need and the potential to build a globally relevant medtech company from Melbourne,” Mr Seth said. 

The personalisation software was co-invented by Bionics Institute researchers Professor Kate Hoy, Dr Oscar Murphy and Dr David Hill.  

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