Bangalore Bioinnovation Centre launches IGNITE Lab in Melbourne to strengthen Indo–Australian collaboration

The IGNITE Lab is part of the Bangalore–Melbourne Bioinnovation Exchange Corridor, established in 2024 between BBC and La Trobe University. Designed as a virtual residency and co-innovation platform, the lab will enable startups, innovators, and researchers from both countries to collaborate on emerging technologies in healthcare, agriculture, sustainability, and clean technology, according to a senior official from Karnataka’s Department of Science and Technology (S&T).

Cross-border innovation and startup support

The IGNITE Lab offers Australian startups access to BBC’s life sciences infrastructure and India’s dynamic startup ecosystem, while Indian startups benefit from La Trobe’s research facilities, innovation precincts, mentorship, funding networks, and global market linkages. The initiative is supported by Karnataka’s IT-BT and S&T departments, reflecting the state’s emphasis on global innovation partnerships.

Mohamed Adil AA, managing director of BBC, described the lab as “a bridge connecting the entrepreneurial spirit of India and the research excellence of Australia.” He noted that the collaboration would help Karnataka startups scale internationally while encouraging Australian innovators to engage with India’s biotech ecosystem.

Prof. Theo Farrell, vice-chancellor of La Trobe University, emphasized that the IGNITE Lab will foster knowledge exchange and startup scaling, addressing industry challenges and developing tech solutions with long-term impact for both countries.

Ind–Aus Launchpad Immersion Programme

The launch coincides with the Ind–Aus Launchpad Immersion Programme, which has brought five Indian startups — Microbeworks Scientific, Hornet Biologicals, IMRobonix Pvt Ltd, Charukesi Health Pvt Ltd, and LivVolta Healthcare Innovation Pvt Ltd — to La Trobe University for a two-week residency.

During the programme, the startups are working with Australian mentors, investors, and research teams to refine their products for international markets. Each company represents a different innovation segment:

• Microbeworks Scientific – microbial dyes for textiles

• Hornet Biologicals – genetic screening for livestock

• IMRobonix Pvt Ltd – robotic surgical devices

• Charukesi Health Pvt Ltd – women’s health diagnostics

• LivVolta Healthcare Innovation Pvt Ltd – AI-driven medical monitoring

A senior official stated that the BBC–La Trobe IGNITE Lab will serve as a bi-directional innovation bridge, facilitating joint R&D, technology validation, and commercialisation readiness in priority areas including medtech, agri-biotech, digital health, and clean technologies.