NSi and its forerunner, Unisearch have sponsored the incorporation of many new start-up businesses during their 45 year history. University spin-off companies are established to facilitate the commercialisation of technologies that can stand alone with a business offering or be used as a vehicle for capital raising.

All of NSi's spin-off companies have ongoing operations, with some seeking further investment. Examples of the companies NSi has established are below:

This technology developed at UNSW@ADFA could revolutionise the way tests for exposure to radiation are conducted. This is the first UNSW spin off to be based in the ACT and following its formation, it has received significant funds from two ACT based venture capitals, ANU Connect, ANU’s pre seed fund, and the Canberra Business Development Fund, a joint venture between the ACT Government and Hindmarsh Group.

Developed by Associate Professor Hans Riesen, with Dr Alex Kazcmarek both from UNSW@ADFA, the technology monitors exposure to radiation in real time, rather than the most common form today where a reading is made over a period of time and then a report completed on the level of exposure. It means that patients and personnel will be exposed to considerably lower levels of radiation.

Dosimetry & Imaging Pty Ltd has a newly appointed executive team and board. Further prototype development is currently being undertaken and will continue as additional capital is raised, along with research into additional applications of the technology.

Biosignal Pty Limited was established in 1999 by NSi and UNSW researchers to further research and exploit unique anti-bacterial compounds. Biosignal’s technology has multiple applications for its technology. Since the late nineties, the company has tested its antibiofilm compounds and generated proof of concept data in a broad range of product categories in the medical, industrial and consumer fields. Specific products where proof of concept data has been generated include contact lenses and contact lens solutions, catheters, marine anti-fouling paints, water treatment applications, oral care products, cleaners, deodorants, anti-dandruff shampoo, anti-termite treatment and as a drug candidate for the treatment of lung infections.

Biosignal Limited was successfully listed on the Australian Stock Exchange in April 2004 with a market capitalisation of around $25 million. Biosignal has received numerous grants, including an AusIndustry Biotechnology Innovation Fund (BIF) grant.

For more information visit: www.biosignal.com.au

Cystemix Pty Ltd is a company formed to make the most of technology from an exciting suite of mitochondrial poisons which have applications as anti-cancer drugs. Phase 1 clinical trials are currently being conducted on the lead compound, GSAO. Developed by Professor Phil Hogg and his team at the UNSW Cancer Research Centre, the venture is now entering a new phase, with a number of collaborations being formed to advance this promising business opportunity.

BT Imaging supplies luminescence imaging systems for use in research, product and process development, inline manufacturing inspection, and quality control of silicon wafers, photovoltaic cells and photovoltaic modules. BT Imaging designs and develops its luminescence imaging systems for the photovoltaic manufacturing industry.

The technology was developed UNSW’s world-leading Centre of Excellence for Advanced Silicon Photovoltaics and Photonics.

BT Imaging’s patented technology uniquely allows real time electronic inspection of every wafer or solar cell processed through a manufacturing line. The company recently released its first product, the LIS-R1, which is entering into beta trials with a select group of global manufacturing leaders of silicon wafer and solar cell. They plan to release a number of inline inspection tools over the next 24 months.

For more information visit: www.btimaging.com