Kimaritec develops groundbreaking therapies to target and break down specific proteins that exacerbate cancer growth, with the aim of creating more effective cancer treatment.

The company competed against 50 international innovations to secure Gold.

It is the third consecutive year that Brisbane companies have won the competition’s highest honour.

Brisbane Economic Development Agency selected Kimaritec as one of 11 MedTech companies to represent Brisbane through its global accelerator program for medical innovations.

The program aims to help Brisbane’s booming health technology sector establish a foothold in the USD$200 billion life sciences sector in the US.

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner congratulated Kimaritec on its outstanding achievement, highlighting Brisbane’s reputation as a global MedTech leader.

“For the third year in a row, Brisbane’s MedTech sector has helped shine a light on our city’s reputation as a global leader in innovation and healthcare," Cr Schrinner said.

“Kimaritec’s success highlights Brisbane’s exceptional talent and cements our position as a MedTech powerhouse.

“Brisbane’s MedTech innovations are world-renowned, from Gardasil pioneering a world-first cancer vaccine to Vaxxas’ revolutionary needle-free vaccine technology.

"Whether it’s in MedTech, robotics or advanced manufacturing, Brisbane is where world-first ideas come to life.

"Now in its third year, BEDA’s MedTech Initiative has supported 30 companies, generated more than 180 new jobs and helped businesses secure nearly $100 million in funding since 2023.BEDA CEO Anthony Ryan said Brisbane’s thriving MedTech sector is firmly in the global spotlight.

"A Brisbane’s MedTech company has once again claimed a top position in this global challenge, attracting the attention of the world’s leading investors," Mr Ryan said.

“This incredible accolade shows why Brisbane is buzzing with opportunity and cements our position as Australia’s leading MedTech hub.

"It’s great to support Kimaritec on their journey as part of our global investment mission in the US this week.

“This mission is all about helping Brisbane MedTech businesses take their innovations to the world – by fast-tracking connections for collaboration, investment and distribution.”

Sally-Anne Stephenson, Co-Founder of Kimaritec and Associate Professor, expressed excitement about the award, calling it a major milestone in their product innovation journey.

“Winning this award in San Francisco is a pivotal moment for us,” Ms Stephenson said.

“We’ve operated somewhat under the radar until now, and this recognition is exactly what we need to capture the attention of the right partners who can help propel us forward.”

“The support we’ve received from BEDA and Life Science Nation has been exceptional, especially in refining our pitch to investors.”

Brisbane’s health sector is poised for 36 per cent growth by 2031, according to BEDA’s State of the City Report.

Brisbane’s health exports have surged 116 per cent, driven by rapid commercial growth and product exports, which have grown seven times faster than the national average.

For more information about BEDA’s MedTech’s Global Accelerator program, visit the Choose Brisbane website. 

Brisbane’s winners at the RESI Innovator’s Pitch Challenge:

2023

• Gold: Field Orthopaedics
• Bronze: Max Kelsen

2024

• Silver: Convergence Medical
• Bronze: Gelomics

2025

• Gold: Kimaritec