Australian quantum sensing startup FeBI Technologies, which is developing a quantum-based blood test able to measure iron levels, has received A$2.2 million (US$1.53 million) through the Australian Government’s Critical Technologies Challenge Program to improve iron diagnosis in First Nations communities.
University of Melbourne Associate Professor David Simpson, who is one of the company’s co-founders, said the funding will support FeBI Technologies’ mission to revolutionise the diagnosis of iron disorders and improve access to advanced diagnostic tools in First Nations communities.
“Through decades of research, we have developed quantum sensing technology that harnesses the fundamental properties of atoms and light to make physical measurements with unparalleled reliability and precision,” he said. “We are using the power of quantum sensing to measure the magnetic properties of iron directly from a simple blood test, helping to improve health outcomes and wellbeing for First Nations communities.”
Dr Nicole Jenkins, another co-founder, said existing blood tests measure ferritin – a protein that stores iron – rather than iron itself, and FeBI Technologies aims to change that.
“Iron is vital for health, and iron disorders affect up to one in three people globally. Current iron tests are confounded by chronic health conditions, which disproportionately impact First Nations peoples, resulting in misdiagnosis and delayed treatment,” Dr Jenkins said.
The funding builds on an initial Stage 1 Critical Technologies Challenge Program grant of A$494,000 (US$344,457), which supported prototype development and community engagement activities in Australia’s Northern Territory. In Stage 1, the company forged partnerships with the University of Melbourne, Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, and Sunrise Health Service Aboriginal Corporation, which will henceforth be strengthened and expanded to include new partner organisations, including the Dijan Training Program (Katherine, NT) and Planet Innovation.
Key outcomes of this project are expected to include increased engagement of First Nations peoples in the national quantum ecosystem, development of an integrated FeBI prototype for testing clinical blood samples, and a strengthened commercialisation roadmap and regulatory data room.
University of Melbourne Professor Sean Taylor, Director of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health group Onemda, led the work in Katherine and notes the funding will support further trips to the area, to strengthen engagement with communities and better understand the healthcare and research landscape.
“Strong partnerships with First Nations communities and local health services are central to this work,” Professor Taylor said.
“This funding will help us build on our engagement in the Katherine region, ensuring community priorities guide the development of technology that could improve access to accurate iron testing and support culturally safe care, and better health outcomes, particularly for people facing geographical barriers to accessing health services.”
