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Investment and Engagement, says: “These mod- els are so realistic they even simulate the puls- ing blood flow.” Biomedical engineer Dr Daniel Timms has also developed the world’s first rotary artificial heart, the BiVACOR Total Artificial Heart (TAH). It uses a levitating spinning disc controlled by an electromagnetic field; this suspended mechanism prevents mechanical wear. Wide gaps within the heart prevent damage to blood cells, thereby reducing the risk of clot forma- tion. “It’s only 18 months at most until we start clinical trials in Australia,” Ms Kruger says. Another project offers hope for those with spinal injuries. Using a brain-computer

interface, a patient ‘rides’ a robotic bicycle while a computer records their brain’s inten- tion to create the movement. This creates a “digital twin” that then powers the bicycle, creating a feedback loop between brain and muscles. One of the researchers, Dr. Dinesh Palipana, Australia’s first quadriplegic (as a result of spinal injury), is hopeful this will form a working therapy in five years. “At the same time, another team is using olfactory cells to create a nerve bridge that will bypass the damaged spinal nerves,” Ms Kruger adds. “A lot of people don’t realise how much is happening on the Gold Coast.”

BREAKING BARRIERS: QUEENSLAND’S MISSION TO EMPOWER FEMALE ENTREPRENEURS Queensland is bridging the gap for female entrepreneurs, helping them unlock their business potential and fostering an environment of innovation. W omen possess a wealth of innovative

Gillian Gardiner, Executive Director Operations in the Queensland Department of Tourism, Innovation and Sport, says systemic issues are at play. “Our research and stakeholder consultation clearly showed the problem doesn’t sit with women. They are skilled, capable and creative. Government needs to assist them to overcome the barriers in their way,” Gillian says. The program is designed to help women secure funding, build their business capability, and grow connections that will generate opportunities well into the future. It looks a little different this year, after a shake-up prompted by extensive community consultation. “We did a deep dive into past programs and the

ideas and business nous, but in the world of entrepreneurship they face significantly stronger headwinds than men. Companies founded by women secure just 4 per cent of Australian start-up funding, despite research showing female-led enterprises have a better return on investment. Alongside this capital chasm, women can struggle to earn recognition in male-dominated industries, grapple with the glass ceiling and the ‘maternal wall’ bias, and lack meaningful mentorship. The Queensland Government is working to level the playing field, by supporting female- owned start-ups and scale-ups through its Accelerating Female Founders Program.

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