Calling all innovators, make 2026 your year!

The Diabetes Australia Grand Innovation Challenge is now calling for innovations including medical devices, digital health tools, new therapies and pharmacological solutions to prevent, treat and cure diabetes.

Startups, entrepreneurs, private sector businesses, research teams, and healthcare providers are encouraged to apply for six research grants from a total pool of $500,000.

Diabetes Australia’s Group CEO Justine Cain said the aim of the Challenge is to fast track the development of real-world, person-centred innovations that make a meaningful impact in the lives of people living with diabetes.

“We know that Australian researchers and innovators have fantastic ideas that could change lives. This is the chance to bring them to life,” Ms Cain said.

“We’re looking for bold possibilities that will make a real difference.

“Importantly, successful applicants will need to show how they are going to include people with lived experience of diabetes in the development their solutions. This is vital to ensuring research and prototypes become tangible solutions that reach the people who need them most.

“The Challenge will strengthen Australia’s position as a leader in diabetes research, technology and advocacy, which is a key part of Diabetes Australia’s mission to improve the lives of people living with diabetes,” Ms Cain said.

In addition to the funding grants, the opportunity to partner with national MedTech industry leaders is also on offer. The Challenge will be delivered in partnership with industry partner MedTech Compass by the Medical Technology Association of Australia (MTAA). MedTech Compass will be offering finalists complementary membership that includes access to pitch training, as well as networking and mentoring with industry experts.

Central to the challenge is a focus on person-centred design and equitable access to healthcare. Innovations will be evaluated for their ability to improve lived experience, reduce access disparities, and deliver sustained benefits, especially among vulnerable and priority populations across Australia.

Diabetes Australia’s Blue Circle Collective Community Advocate Warren Bingham said the challenge is an exciting opportunity to foster multidisciplinary collaboration between researchers, industry and people with lived experience.

“Innovations will be judged not only on their technical merit but also on their real-world impact,” Mr Bingham said.

“With targeted funding and national recognition, the challenge is committed to closing critical gaps in the Australian diabetes innovation pipeline by helping translate promising evidence-based innovations and prototypes into scalable, accessible solutions that reach the people who need them most.”

The Diabetes Australia Grand Innovation Challenge is proudly supported by the Coghlan Family through a generous bequest of Charles Campbell Coghlan OAM.

For more information visit https://www.diabetesaustralia.com.au/diabetes-australia-research-program/grand-innovation-challenge/.