Funding up to $5 million per project to support the translation and commercial development of medical innovations for Australians living with dementia and cognitive decline.
On this page you will find
What is the CUREator+ Dementia & Cognitive Decline?
The second funding round of the CUREator+ Dementia and Cognitive Decline incubator program is now officially open, presenting a significant opportunity for Australian innovators, researchers, and start-ups to secure non-dilutive grant funding of up to $5 million per project.
This national initiative is dedicated to accelerating the commercialisation of promising medical technologies, therapeutics, diagnostics, devices and digital health solutions that can transform the lives of Australians affected by dementia and related cognitive conditions.
The application process involves three stages:
- Expression of Interest (EOI) – Online form outlining the opportunity, development stage, competitive advantage and commercial pathway
- Full Application – By invitation only; applicants submit a full proposal and deliver a virtual pitch
- Due Diligence – Final review of technical, IP, corporate, budget, and milestone planning
CUREator+ Dementia & Cognitive Decline level of support
- Minimum amount of funding: $1 million
- Maximum amount of funding: $5 million
- Funding type: Non-dilutive commercial grant (no equity taken)
Funding is offered in two stages:
- Stage 1: $1–$2.5 million over 2 years
- Stage 2: Competitive top-up funding to a maximum combined total of $5 million, over an additional 2 years (total program duration of 4 years)
Co-contribution: While there is no formal co-contribution requirement, projects that demonstrate matching capital (financial or in-kind support) will be highly regarded during assessment.
CUREator+ Dementia & Cognitive Decline important dates
- EOI closes: Thursday, 10 July 2025 at 1:00pm (AEST)
- Notification to shortlisted EOI applicants: Mid-September 2025
- Full applications due: Mid-November 2025
- Successful applicants announced: From Q2 2026
- Register your interest with GrantHelper
CUREator+ Dementia & Cognitive Decline objectives and outcomes
The CUREator+ program seeks to support the translation and commercial development of medical innovations that prolong or improve the lives of the 433,300 Australians living with dementia and the 1.7 million carers who support them. It aims to drive:
- Early diagnosis
- Reduced severity of disease progression
- Improved management of dementia symptoms
- Safer, more enabling environments for patients and carers
Projects and expenditure eligible for CUREator+ Dementia & Cognitive Decline support
Projects must be focused on:
- Early diagnosis and detection
- Management or mitigation of cognitive, neuropsychiatric, or motor symptoms
- Innovations that improve safety and quality of life for individuals with dementia
Eligible projects include:
- Therapeutics: Novel and repurposed drugs, gene and cell therapies, RNA drugs, biologics, etc.
- Diagnostics: Assays, imaging, detection tools
- Biomarkers: Prognostic, predictive or diagnostic markers
- Medical & Assistive Devices: Tools or instruments to aid treatment or management
- Digital Health Technologies: Digital therapeutics, diagnostic platforms, monitoring and assistive tech
Ineligible expenditure includes:
- Patent filing fees
- General administrative/overhead costs
- Retrospective costs
- Costs already funded by other government sources
- In-kind contributions
- Entertainment, hospitality, insurance, conferences, recruitment
- Communication costs (e.g., mobile phones)
Any overseas expenses must be justified and approved (e.g., if equipment or expertise is not available in Australia).
Other CUREator+ Dementia & Cognitive Decline important details that you will need to know
Organisations eligible for CUREator+ Dementia & Cognitive Decline support
Eligible applicants include:
- Australian SMEs (less than 200 employees)
- Researchers, NFPs or universities – must incorporate a new for-profit entity in Australia before funding is awarded
Ineligible applicants:
- Companies registered outside Australia
- Australian businesses with 200+ employees
- University TTOs or IP holding companies that are not prepared to spin out a for-profit entity
CUREator+ Dementia & Cognitive Decline assessment criteria
Applications will be assessed by:
- Investment Review Committee (IRC): Experts from Brandon BioCatalyst, ANDHealth, and Dementia Australia
- Community Steering Committee (CSC): Led by Dementia Australia, including representatives from ARIIA, Indigenous groups, carers and providers
- International Advisory Committee (IAC): Global senior-level experts (for full application review)
Applicants must demonstrate:
- Innovation: Strong evidence-based differentiation from current standard of care
- Commercial potential: Market opportunity, credible IP and investment readiness
- Project plan: Clear milestones, budget alignment, and resource commitments
- Strategic fit: Contribution to patient impact, growth capital potential, or partnership execution
There are no numerical weightings provided, but projects with demonstrated follow-on capital interest, investor engagement, or market feedback will be prioritised.
How do I get the CUREator+ Dementia & Cognitive Decline?
- Projects must show clear commercial potential, preferably at proof-of-concept stage or later.
- Applicants must own or have exclusive IP rights relevant to the project.
- CUREator+ funds cannot be used for “business-as-usual” or already funded activities.
- Funding is milestone-based, tied to clearly defined development outcomes.
- Successful applicants must enter into a Commitment Deed Poll and agree to Commonwealth Commercialisation terms.
Information to prepare for the CUREator+ Dementia & Cognitive Decline application
Applicants should be prepared to provide:
- Project summary and objectives
- Evidence of innovation and commercial potential
- Intellectual property details
- Budget with milestone justification
- Operational capacity and key personnel bios
- Letters of support (e.g. from board or university)
- Confirmation of ability to cover ineligible or non-funded costs
- Evidence of investor or industry interest (if applicable)
Applying for the CUREator+ Dementia & Cognitive Decline
Applications are submitted online through the cureatorplus.grantplatform.com.
Register your interest with GrantHelper to explore your alignment with this grant and how we can assist you to increase your chances of success.
CUREator+ Dementia & Cognitive Decline resources
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