Company: Bionic Vision Technologies Pty Ltd
Project title: Vision Processing Algorithms For Bionic Eye Gen3
Category: MedTech
The company
Bionic Vision Technologies (BVT) is an Australian startup on a mission to restore functional vision for the blind.
BVT engaged GrantHelper to assist in seeking $1 million in funding for its innovative Bionic Eye System, via the Medical Research Futures Fund (MRFF).
The project
BVT’s innovative Bionic Eye System can be thought of as similar to a cochlear hearing implant, for the eyes. It combines a visual implant that is surgically placed into the suprachoroidal space behind the retina, and a pair of glasses with a camera and image processing unit.
The processing unit sends signals to the implant to stimulate the brain. As a result, patients can see white dots which collectively represent the original image.
The challenge
As this was BVT’s first ever attempt at winning a grant, we needed to rapidly develop the application strategy. We then needed to break down the company’s futuristic MedTech innovation into layman’s terms. There were many intricacies that needed to be fully understood so we could craft a compelling application.
The challenge was to write about a complex system for an audience with no knowledge of the subject matter and ensuring our write up provided the necessary understanding. We would need to use a blend of technical and creative writing skills to ensure our responses covered the key messages both clearly and succinctly — within the stated word count limit.
Our solutions
Working on a compressed timeline, GrantHelper developed a timetable of activities which were assigned to BVT’s team to help describe the all-important details.
After working with each member of the startup team to gather information, we then formulated responses that spoke to healthcare impact, the uniqueness of BVT’s solution, commercial opportunity and technical feasibility.
Once the initial write-up was complete, input from the startup team was again sought to review and build upon the responses. Meanwhile, a supporting project Gantt chart was compiled by the Chief Technology Officer. After several iterations, final responses were agreed upon and the submission was completed several days ahead of the cut-off time.
Outcomes
With GrantHelper’s assistance, BVT secured a $1 million medical research grant via MPTConnect’s BioMedTech Horizons Program. This grant supports the development of an advanced vision processing software system costing approximately $2.5 million in R&D expenses.
Funds will also be used to develop and test vision processing algorithms and facilitate progression of the Bionic Eye System to pre-clinical trial technology readiness level.
“Stephen brought the Medical Research Future Fund’s BioMedTech Horizons 3.0 program to our attention and helped us prepare our successful application resulting in A$1m of funding into BVT to further our Bionic Eye program. Stephen’s approach was highly collaborative and I found him very easy to work with. I would certainly recommend him to others for this type of work”
Brian Gordon – Chief Technology Officer at Bionic Vision Technologies Pty Ltd
What made this grant project unique?
BVT operates in the Medical Technology (MedTech) sector which makes a significant social and economic contribution to Australia.
The write-up task required us to gain a rapid understanding of a unique retinal prosthesis system. Simultaneously, we had to dedicate time to researching the disease which the Bionic Eye System is designed to treat — retinitis pigmentosa, an inherited retinal disease.
There was an abundance of highly technical and specialised information to be broken down into plain language, requiring careful attention to detail and the ability to digest, comprehend and then communicate the information in a non-technical manner.
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