When Ariella Heffernan-Marks traded her stethoscope for a Software Startup, she didn't just shift careers—she went on a mission to redefine women's healthcare through the power of AI. Our latest episode welcomes this tenacious CEO to share her story of resilience, defying sceptics to lead a platform that's transforming the way female health literacy and collaborative decision-making coalesce. Her insights weave through the potent mix of medicine, law, science, and technology, underscoring the potential of AI to augment the capabilities of healthcare professionals and personalise patient care.Venture into the world of transdisciplinary innovation, where Ariella illuminates the power of creativity in science and the influence of diverse perspectives on patient care. Our discussion traverses her challenges as a med student turned Femtech innovator, the systemic issues undermining women's healthcare, and the strategic journey from concept to pilot of Ovum AI's platform. We examine the roles of AI in healthcare, and explore its potential to optimise for holistic healthcare while reducing the administrative load on medical professionals.Listen as we unveil the future of women's healthcare shaped by technology, highlighting how Ovum AI pioneers accessible, intuitive care. Ariella's invitation to join their pilot program is not just a call to action—it's a beacon for a future where technology elevates women's health and well-being. She also shares her experiences around fostering partnerships and collaborations and lets us in on how honing her intuition has been essential to her success. Join us in a dialogue that's not only about innovation but an inspiring narrative around addressing AI biases, through uniting women to fill the gap and enhance diagnostics and treatment for women worldwide. Keen to know more? Check out the links below for more info on Ovum. WebsitePilot ProgramInstagramLinkedInStill Curious? Check out what we're up to: InstagramLinkedInFacebookBlog Or sign up for our newsletter to keep in the loop. This experimental and emergent podcast will continue adapting and evolving in response to our ever-changing environment and the community we support. If there are any topics you'd like us to cover, folks you'd like us to bring onto the show, or live events you feel would benefit the ecosystem, drop us a line at hello@colabs.com.au. We're working on and supporting a range of community-led, impact-oriented initiatives spanning conservation, bioremediation, synthetic biology, biomaterials, and systems innovation. If you have an idea that has the potential to support the thriving of people and the planet, get in contact! We'd love to help you bring your bio-led idea to life. Otherwise, join our online community of innovators and change-makers via this link.

Prepare to be schooled by the lab virtuoso himself, Aaron Budai from Amicus Labline, as he takes us under his wing, imparting wisdom on the subtleties of lab creation. This episode promises to equip you with the knowledge needed to navigate the nuanced landscape of lab design, avoiding the dreaded pitfalls that often besiege the unwary as they venture out on their lab-building journey. Imagine a laboratory space so flexible it evolves with your company's growth, a place where innovation isn't just nurtured but explodes into being. That's the future Aaron envisions, and throughout our discussion, we unravel the strategies that go into creating such dynamic environments. From the critical role of mechanical engineering to the transformative power of biophilic design, we stitch together a vision of lab spaces that are not only functional but inspiringly beautiful. It's a masterstroke in design thinking, challenging the sterile norms and championing labs that set the stage for groundbreaking work.As we close this enlightening chapter, we peek into the property crystal ball, observing the post-pandemic trends that have driven investor interest in the PC2 lab market. It's a brave new world where investment and innovation entwine; who knows, maybe this is signalling a golden era for Australian science and biotech.For those eager to join the ranks of the lab construction savvy, Amicus has an upcoming 'Building Better Labs' webinar series that is well worth checking out, the Laboratory Design and Construction Australia – Ideas Exchange Group, designed as a community hub for those looking to learn and share information about the art and science of building lab spaces. For more information on Amicus, check out the links below:Website LinkedInStill Curious? Check out what we're up to: InstagramLinkedInFacebookBlog Or sign up for our newsletter to keep in the loop. This experimental and emergent podcast will continue adapting and evolving in response to our ever-changing environment and the community we support. If there are any topics you'd like us to cover, folks you'd like us to bring onto the show, or live events you feel would benefit the ecosystem, drop us a line at hello@colabs.com.au. We're working on and supporting a range of community-led, impact-oriented initiatives spanning conservation, bioremediation, synthetic biology, biomaterials, and systems innovation. If you have an idea that has the potential to support the thriving of people and the planet, get in contact! We'd love to help you bring your bio-led idea to life. Otherwise, join our online community of innovators and change-makers via this link.

Join us as we dive into a discussion with one of our long-time members, Vignesh from Purifloh. We explore the multitude of applications for purifying water, sterilising surfaces, destroying PFAS, and even improving how we preserve food. Tune in and discover the interplay of natural principles and human ingenuity that's shaping a cleaner, healthier world.Water is life, and this episode delves into the complexities of safeguarding this precious resource. Vignesh provides an insider's view on the formidable task of eradicating PFAS, the notorious pollutants lurking in our waters. We dissect the commercial viability of current decontamination processes, highlighting the unsung heroes—microorganisms—that may hold the key to a cleaner tomorrow.Our exploration doesn't stop at water; we also cast a lens on the implications of PuriflOH's technology for air quality and the medical field. From the sterility of surgical instruments to the freshness of the air we breathe, Vignesh and I discuss the potentially game-changing advancements on the horizon. The episode concludes with Vignesh sharing why he feels motivated to work on impact-oriented innovation, echoing a similar sentiment that many of our members share about leaving the world a little bit better than how we found it. For more info on PuriflOH:- WebsiteStill Curious? Check out what we're up to: InstagramLinkedInFacebookBlog Or sign up for our newsletter to keep in the loop. This experimental and emergent podcast will continue adapting and evolving in response to our ever-changing environment and the community we support. If there are any topics you'd like us to cover, folks you'd like us to bring onto the show, or live events you feel would benefit the ecosystem, drop us a line at hello@colabs.com.au. We're working on and supporting a range of community-led, impact-oriented initiatives spanning conservation, bioremediation, synthetic biology, biomaterials, and systems innovation. If you have an idea that has the potential to support the thriving of people and the planet, get in contact! We'd love to help you bring your bio-led idea to life. Otherwise, join our online community of innovators and change-makers via this link.

We recently reconnected with Aqeel Akber, a nuclear physicist turned entrepreneur and co-founder of AI and Data consultancy Thaum. 15 minutes into our catch-up at Market Lane over a batch brew, we decided to jump behind the mic for an impromptu exploration into the heart of technology's impact on society. It's not every day that you meet a kindred spirit at Burning Seed, but when you do, you're in for a dialogue that dances from the poetic ebb and flow of whale migrations to the gritty pragmatics of AI's rapid evolution. Our discussion traverses the realms of quantum and nuclear physics, machine learning, and the ethics of innovation, offering a fresh lens through which to view the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. You might wonder how whale tracking and scientific innovation find common ground with machine learning intricacies, but it's all part of the curious mind of Aqeel Akber. The WhalePod project exemplifies the ingenuity that springs from the fusion of disciplines. We share the backstory of this intriguing endeavour, its impact on our understanding of the ocean's largest inhabitants, and the broader environmental consequences. Meanwhile, we tackle the uncertainties of data and the implications of imperfect models, diving into the ever-evolving world of artificial intelligence with a critical yet hopeful eye toward its potential to reshape our collective futures.To wrap up our epic exchange, we contemplate the human elements at the heart of technological progress—diversity, creativity, love, and connection. As we discuss the role of diverse backgrounds in innovation and how AI could bridge cultural divides, it becomes clear that our digital age holds the promise of uniting us in ways we've yet to grasp fully. Join us for an episode that challenges conventions, inspires a reimagining of value and perception, and, ultimately, redefines the essence of human purpose in a world increasingly shaped by the tools we create.We look forward to seeing what Aqeel manages to manifest in his next venture as they continue on their mission of 'making the ethical decision, the economic one' using cleverness and invention.Want to know more? Keep up with Aqeel's latest movements on LinkedIn.Still Curious? Check out what we're up to: InstagramLinkedInFacebookBlog Or sign up for our newsletter to keep in the loop. This experimental and emergent podcast will continue adapting and evolving in response to our ever-changing environment and the community we support. If there are any topics you'd like us to cover, folks you'd like us to bring onto the show, or live events you feel would benefit the ecosystem, drop us a line at hello@colabs.com.au. We're working on and supporting a range of community-led, impact-oriented initiatives spanning conservation, bioremediation, synthetic biology, biomaterials, and systems innovation. If you have an idea that has the potential to support the thriving of people and the planet, get in contact! We'd love to help you bring your bio-led idea to life. Otherwise, join our online community of innovators and change-makers via this link.

We're experimenting with a first for us on the podcast: a shorter, condensed version where we (Andrew and Sam) cover off what has been happening recently in and around the lab.This conversation includes updates on: Our new site that is being built in the Monash PrecinctOur civic science hub, BioQuisitive and it's relaunchTwo of our members that are graduating! A few new members that are coming on boardStill Curious? Check out what we're up to: InstagramLinkedInFacebookBlog Or sign up for our newsletter to keep in the loop. This experimental and emergent podcast will continue adapting and evolving in response to our ever-changing environment and the community we support. If there are any topics you'd like us to cover, folks you'd like us to bring onto the show, or live events you feel would benefit the ecosystem, drop us a line at hello@colabs.com.au. We're working on and supporting a range of community-led, impact-oriented initiatives spanning conservation, bioremediation, synthetic biology, biomaterials, and systems innovation. If you have an idea that has the potential to support the thriving of people and the planet, get in contact! We'd love to help you bring your bio-led idea to life. Otherwise, join our online community of innovators and change-makers via this link.

For this episode, we sat down with Edgar Charry, the co-founder of Symex Labs, to explore the nuanced and deeply personal world of reproductive health.This episode brings forth a candid account of Edgar's startup journey, driven by his own fertility challenges. Together, we chart the human experiences that fuel scientific breakthroughs, and how Edgar's venture is carving out a new path for pre-IVF treatment, offering hope and empowerment to females who want to better understand personal insights about their fertility. Throughout our discussion, we delve into Symex Labs' wearable ‘lab-on-a-chip’ sensor, which is  designed to streamline hormone monitoring for women looking to track their ovulatory cycle. As we wade through the complexities of entrepreneurship, we pause to acknowledge the softer side of the startup hustle – the necessity of hobbies, the art of striking a work-life balance, and fostering human connections. Our conversation explores the importance of tending to the inner garden, through music, embracing the simple joys of life, and how the practice of reflection is pivotal to the well-being of any change-maker. Curious to hear more about Symex Labs?WebsiteLinkedIn TwitterStill Curious? Check out what we're up to: InstagramLinkedInFacebookBlog Or sign up for our newsletter to keep in the loop. This experimental and emergent podcast will continue adapting and evolving in response to our ever-changing environment and the community we support. If there are any topics you'd like us to cover, folks you'd like us to bring onto the show, or live events you feel would benefit the ecosystem, drop us a line at hello@colabs.com.au. We're working on and supporting a range of community-led, impact-oriented initiatives spanning conservation, bioremediation, synthetic biology, biomaterials, and systems innovation. If you have an idea that has the potential to support the thriving of people and the planet, get in contact! We'd love to help you bring your bio-led idea to life. Otherwise, join our online community of innovators and change-makers via this link.

Have you ever wondered what happens when the frontiers of biology and technology collide? Hon Weng Chong, the  CEO of Cortical Labs, sits down with us and takes us on a recap of his journey thus far. Starting with his transition from being a medical doctor, through to being a tech innovator, Hon takes us through the crests and troughs of startup life, explores some of the philosophic implications of his organisation and outlines the fascinating ways in which biological systems predict, interact and make sense of the world.Join us as we uncover a symphony of stories that weave together medicine, technology, and the human spirit, like the tale of a medical student's crusade against childhood pneumonia using a digital stethoscope and smartphone wizardry.  We navigate the complex terrain of bio-ethics, the nuances of transdisciplinary collaboration, and the thrill of pushing the boundaries of innovation. Before we sign off, we turn our gaze towards the horizon, where the synthesis of deep tech and automation heralds a new era. Listen in to the unfolding tale where biology and technology converge, and be part of the conversation that's charting the course of tomorrow! Keen to know more about Cortical Labs? Website LinkedInInstagramBlogStill Curious? Check out what we're up to: InstagramLinkedInFacebookBlog Or sign up for our newsletter to keep in the loop. This experimental and emergent podcast will continue adapting and evolving in response to our ever-changing environment and the community we support. If there are any topics you'd like us to cover, folks you'd like us to bring onto the show, or live events you feel would benefit the ecosystem, drop us a line at hello@colabs.com.au. We're working on and supporting a range of community-led, impact-oriented initiatives spanning conservation, bioremediation, synthetic biology, biomaterials, and systems innovation. If you have an idea that has the potential to support the thriving of people and the planet, get in contact! We'd love to help you bring your bio-led idea to life. Otherwise, join our online community of innovators and change-makers via this link.

Ready to delve into the world of AI startups, media bias, and the future of research and education? This episode promises an enlightening conversation with Ben and Justin, a.k.a 'the AI boys' the brains (and potential boy band) behind Rava, an emerging AI startup and impact member at CoLabs Australia. We explore their journey into this fascinating field and the decision that led them to leave their academic pursuits to focus on this promising new frontier at the absolute cutting edge of applied AI. We also explore AI's potential use as a tool for good, the ethical implications, and the unique opportunities available for pioneers in the AI space.Ever considered how media bias and algorithms can limit our exposure to diverse perspectives? The conversation takes an interesting turn when we discuss this overlooked aspect of our digital lives. We dissect how custom news feeds can lead to polarisation, and the challenges inherent in a system driven by advertising revenue. From Twitter's community notes to other tools designed to combat bias, we dig deep into the initial conditions of these systems and the urgency of working towards unity rather than division and explore how Raava are working on a media bias plugin to help folks make sense of the information they consume. Lastly, we dive into the potential impact of technology on the world, the importance of wide boundary thinking in its creation, and touch briefly on the concept of complex adaptive systems. We traverse a range of topics, from using technology to solve challenges in different bioregions, to the potential of an 'AI tech stack platform' that could assess the reliability of scientific data. The discussion is jam-packed with insights that will leave you with plenty to ponder. So, join us as we explore the future together, guided by the insights of our inquisitive guests, Ben and Justin. Let's expand our horizons, shall we?Keep up to date with Raava: - Website - LinkedInStill Curious? Check out what we're up to: InstagramLinkedInFacebookBlog Or sign up for our newsletter to keep in the loop. This experimental and emergent podcast will continue adapting and evolving in response to our ever-changing environment and the community we support. If there are any topics you'd like us to cover, folks you'd like us to bring onto the show, or live events you feel would benefit the ecosystem, drop us a line at hello@colabs.com.au. We're working on and supporting a range of community-led, impact-oriented initiatives spanning conservation, bioremediation, synthetic biology, biomaterials, and systems innovation. If you have an idea that has the potential to support the thriving of people and the planet, get in contact! We'd love to help you bring your bio-led idea to life. Otherwise, join our online community of innovators and change-makers via this link.

Imagine a future where materials like leather are sustainable, ethical, and biobased, harming no animals in its production. Imagine a world where your leather handbag could be thrown in your garden at the end of its life, where it could decompose and actively regenerate the soil. Luckily for us, this vision of an entangled future where nature-grown and human-made collide is closer than you think. (Hat tip to pioneers like Neri Oxman, Materiom and Blue City Lab, biodesign Join us in discussion with one of our members, Tina Funder, as we explore her journey from the founder of the successful sustainable fashion label Life on Mars through to the founding of Alt. Leather, a next-gen materials startup pushing the boundaries of what is possible with regard to circular, bio-based leather alternatives.  As successful entrepreneurs know, the path to innovation is filled with countless challenges. Tina shares her experience of fundraising for her startup and outlines the importance of building a strong network along the way. She also shares how narrative can build rapport with investors and why due diligence is crucial before entering partnerships. Want to know more about Alt? Here are some links: WebsiteInstagramLinkedInStill Curious? Check out what we're up to: InstagramLinkedInFacebookBlog Or sign up for our newsletter to keep in the loop. This experimental and emergent podcast will continue adapting and evolving in response to our ever-changing environment and the community we support. If there are any topics you'd like us to cover, folks you'd like us to bring onto the show, or live events you feel would benefit the ecosystem, drop us a line at hello@colabs.com.au. We're working on and supporting a range of community-led, impact-oriented initiatives spanning conservation, bioremediation, synthetic biology, biomaterials, and systems innovation. If you have an idea that has the potential to support the thriving of people and the planet, get in contact! We'd love to help you bring your bio-led idea to life. Otherwise, join our online community of innovators and change-makers via this link.

In this whirlwind of an episode, we sat down with Mathew Mykta and Nathan (Nate) Kinch from Tethix.In this episode, We took a deep dive into Tethix's SMILES framework (the Symbio-Memetic Interwoven Language Embodiment System), which works at the intersection of transdisciplinary theory, reflective practice, and a deep ecological orientation. We ventured into the realm of Elemental Ethics, a nature-inspired language and framework that helps make ethics engaging, exciting and practical.  We learned how to be a responsible firekeeper by embedding and enacting your ETHOS. We explored the terrain of the Tethix Archipelago, a place in time and space where folks can engage in serious play through pixels and code that weave together a more beautiful way of connecting and relating within Gather.Town.In this playful conversation, we also touched on new forms of governance, how our stories shape our reality and inadvertently alter our ways of being, seeing, doing and relating to technology (and the world at large) and much, much more. Keen to explore more? Check out Tethix here.Still Curious? Check out what we're up to: InstagramLinkedInFacebookBlog Or sign up for our newsletter to keep in the loop. This experimental and emergent podcast will continue adapting and evolving in response to our ever-changing environment and the community we support. If there are any topics you'd like us to cover, folks you'd like us to bring onto the show, or live events you feel would benefit the ecosystem, drop us a line at hello@colabs.com.au. We're working on and supporting a range of community-led, impact-oriented initiatives spanning conservation, bioremediation, synthetic biology, biomaterials, and systems innovation. If you have an idea that has the potential to support the thriving of people and the planet, get in contact! We'd love to help you bring your bio-led idea to life. Otherwise, join our online community of innovators and change-makers via this link.

For our next edition of The Strange Attractor, we were joined by Paul Bevan and Andrew Laslett, hosts of The Magic Hour Podcast. Paul, Andrew, and Sam chat about the story behind Magic Valley and its people - one of several startups working at Co-Labs' shared lab space in Brunswick. We discuss a wide range of topics, from activism, innovation in Australian labs, current hurdles to the cultivated meat industry, the role of collaboration in the industry, and much more. Still Curious? Check out what we're up to: InstagramLinkedInFacebookBlog Or sign up for our newsletter to keep in the loop. This experimental and emergent podcast will continue adapting and evolving in response to our ever-changing environment and the community we support. If there are any topics you'd like us to cover, folks you'd like us to bring onto the show, or live events you feel would benefit the ecosystem, drop us a line at hello@colabs.com.au. We're working on and supporting a range of community-led, impact-oriented initiatives spanning conservation, bioremediation, synthetic biology, biomaterials, and systems innovation. If you have an idea that has the potential to support the thriving of people and the planet, get in contact! We'd love to help you bring your bio-led idea to life. Otherwise, join our online community of innovators and change-makers via this link.

Welcome to the Inaugural Edition of The Strange Attractor! In this podcast, we delve into the Co-Labs' origin story, exploring where we came from and how we managed to build Victroia's first co-working lab and transdisciplinary innovation hub. We also discuss some of the fun projects that are happening in the lab.  Links to the members we discussed can be found below: Radetec: Point of Care STI DiagnosticsPuriflOH: air purification using plasmaVow: Alternative protein company working on meat productsMagic Valley: Food company developing cultivated meat productsSteribright: Autonomous smart sterilisation tech, using UVC and MERV/HEPA filtrationAuskelp: Creating an environmentally friendly form of aquaculture, using ocean kelpSymex Labs: Developing a biosensor patch to track ovulation using hormone sensingOmega Quant: Offers fatty acid analytical services to help consumers and researchers monitor their nutritional statusCortical Labs: creating silicon-neuron interfaces to create organic-digital intelligenceIf you're interested in some of the topics we covered, links can be found below to reference material: Designing Regenerative Cultures - Daniel Wahl The Systems View of Life - Fritjof Capra & Pier Luigi LuisiIP-NFTs and FRENS, IP-NFTs article 2 DAOsA link to the transcript can be found Still Curious? Check out what we're up to: InstagramLinkedInFacebookBlog Or sign up for our newsletter to keep in the loop. This experimental and emergent podcast will continue adapting and evolving in response to our ever-changing environment and the community we support. If there are any topics you'd like us to cover, folks you'd like us to bring onto the show, or live events you feel would benefit the ecosystem, drop us a line at hello@colabs.com.au. We're working on and supporting a range of community-led, impact-oriented initiatives spanning conservation, bioremediation, synthetic biology, biomaterials, and systems innovation. If you have an idea that has the potential to support the thriving of people and the planet, get in contact! We'd love to help you bring your bio-led idea to life. Otherwise, join our online community of innovators and change-makers via this link.