The Strange Attractor

Co-Labs Australia
  • 0.0 (0)
  • SCIENCE

Welcome to The Strange Attractor, an experimental podcast hosted by CoLabs Australia. We invite you to join us as we delve deep into the world of bio-based and bio-inspired design, exploring how transformative innovation and living systems thinking could help us catalyse the transition towards a more resilient and regenerative future for people and the planet. 

  1. From Lab Bench To Dinner Plate: Funding, Regulation, And The Future Of Cultivated Meat In Australia with Paul Bevan | #17

    11/28/2025

    From Lab Bench To Dinner Plate: Funding, Regulation, And The Future Of Cultivated Meat In Australia with Paul Bevan | #17

    Send us a text What does a $10k cultivated meat dumpling taste like? Pretty great. But honestly, that’s not the point. The real story is how fast that price is free-falling, and what that unlocks for real food on real plates. In this episode, we sit down with Magic Valley CEO Paul Bevan to get past the headlines and into the gritty, resilient work of building a cultivated meat company in Australia. We kick off with culture, because tech is easy compared to humans. Paul shares why hiring for outcomes over optics is essential, and how the best interns don’t wait for job descriptions; they earn them by solving obvious problems early. From there, we dig into the power of storytelling and marketing, especially when you don’t have a product yet. In emerging categories, education is the product. Media isn’t vanity, it’s scaffolding. It is how you build trust with investors, regulators and supply chain partners. Then we talk money. Mission-aligned angels, smaller VCs who understand timelines, matched grants like the Industry Growth Program, and making the most of Australia’s R&D Tax Incentive. We touch on why crowdfunding works best when you already have a crowd, and why disciplined runway beats hype every time. And the plot twist? The economics are finally shifting. Food-grade suppliers are undercutting pharma, bioreactors once costing millions are dropping into six-figure territory, and culture media is falling fast with a credible path to one dollar a litre. Add FSANZ’s dedicated cellular agriculture pathway, and the route to viable products looks far more concrete than the doom-scrolling suggests. If you’re into cultivated meat, future-fit food systems or the art of founder survival in tough markets (with integrity, clarity and a dash of cheek), this episode is for you. Hit subscribe, share with a friend who geeks out on food tech, and drop us your biggest question. Keen to hear more about Magic Valley?  Website LinkedInInstagramYoutubeStill Curious? Check out what we're up to: Instagram LinkedIn Facebook Blog 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.

    1h 17m
  2. Crafting with Life: Mycelium, Biodesign, and a Regenerative Materials Economy with Amanda Morgan from Fungi Solutions | #16

    10/02/2025

    Crafting with Life: Mycelium, Biodesign, and a Regenerative Materials Economy with Amanda Morgan from Fungi Solutions | #16

    Send us a text If you could ask a living material to help fix our mess, what would you grow first – packaging, panels, or leather? We sit down with Amanda from Fungi Solutions to share how mycelium turns waste streams into durable, lightweight, and compostable products that actually work at scale. From early experiments binding fashion off-cuts to refined packaging that replaces polystyrene, we map the practical steps, the surprises, and the mindset shift from manufacturing to collaboration with living systems. We get specific on biofabrication: substrates, environmental tuning, and the difference between compressive strength and torsion when you’re eyeing the built environment. Amanda walks us through treatments and finishes – waterproofing, laser texturing, surface skins – and why designing for decomposition is a feature, not a flaw. We talk testing before certification, how to manage MOQs as a small team, and the honest limits today: organics are ready now, plastics need pretreatment and more R&D. Along the way, there’s additive manufacturing with mycelium pastes, sculptural interiors people refuse to throw away, and the sensory surprise of a material that feels like cork meets velvet. Zooming out, we explore the circular economy infrastructure at a systems-level scale. From waste mapping, regional feedstock modelling, and how AI might supercharge biomaterials (automating humidity, predicting contamination, and powering local facilities). We celebrate community labs, open-source cultivation, and non-traditional pathways into STEM, because access fuels innovation. And there’s fresh news: mycelium leather is now available for distribution, with R&D underway to push performance and craft.  Suppose you are one of those wonderful humans who care about sustainable packaging, biomaterials for construction, regenerative manufacturing, or want to see fungi outcompete foam. In that case, this conversation offers an insightful take from someone who is actively pushing forward in this space. Enjoyed the chat? Follow, share with a friend who geeks out on biodesign, and leave a review to help more people discover these regenerative solutions. Keen to learn more? Check out the links below:  AmandaWebsiteStill Curious? Check out what we're up to: Instagram LinkedIn Facebook Blog 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.

    1h 10m
  3. Stem Cell Banking for Pets: Paloma Newton's Journey to Building Elita | #15

    06/29/2025

    Stem Cell Banking for Pets: Paloma Newton's Journey to Building Elita | #15

    Send us a text What happens when a hospitality veteran with a passion for problem-solving discovers her new puppy is predisposed to joint issues? For Paloma Newton, it sparked, naturally, led to an Australian-first in pet healthcare. Paloma's path to founding Elita is anything but conventional. Infact, her entire journey is about as unconventional as can be, but like most great innovators, the meandering path is the one most often taken. From call centres to cocktail bars, advertising agencies to venture capital, her career spanned across many industries before she found herself asking a deceptively simple question: why can't I bank my dog's stem cells for future use? When veterinarians responded with 'great idea, but we can't do it,' she recognised not just a gap in the market but a genuine opportunity to improve pet healthcare. The science behind Elita's approach is both elegant and powerful. By extracting and preserving a pet's own stem cells while they're young (currently during routine desexing), owners gain access to a biological insurance policy. These cells can later be used to treat conditions like arthritis, hip dysplasia, and potentially even kidney disease – all without risk of rejection since they're the animal's own cells. 'The worst thing that can happen is they don't work,' Paloma explains, contrasting this with pharmaceutical options that often carry significant side effects. Currently, they bank enough stem cells for ten potential treatments, making it  remarkably cost-effective compared to donor stem cell therapies. What makes Paloma's story particularly compelling is how her varied background became her superpower. With no formal science training, she approached the problem with fresh eyes and a beginners mind, both of which pair perfectly with her determination to execute quickly. 'My style of being a founder is execution over everything,' she says, describing how she built the company from CoLabs before even hiring scientists (bold move, we know). This fearlessness, coupled with a vision for more ethical healthcare that extends beyond profit margins, positions Elita Genetics at the forefront of a transformation in how we care for our animal companions. Curious about banking your pet's stem cells or learning more about this revolutionary approach to pet h Still Curious? Check out what we're up to: Instagram LinkedIn Facebook Blog 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.

    1h 23m
  4. Make It Stick: Plasma as a Platform Technology for Better Biomolecule Binding with Culturon | #14

    03/24/2025

    Make It Stick: Plasma as a Platform Technology for Better Biomolecule Binding with Culturon | #14

    Send us a text When Stuart Fraser looked at the tech his physicist colleague Marcella showed him – a two-nanometer carbon layer that could bind biomolecules with unprecedented strength – he immediately recognised its world-changing potential. 'If I didn't commercialise this, it would be a tremendous waste for society,' he recalls thinking. That moment transformed Fraser from a redundant academic to the founder of Culturon, an Australian biotech company revolutionising how we attach biomolecules to surfaces. Alongside Research and Business Development Manager Bailey Logan, Stuart is tackling problems ranging from diagnostic testing to agricultural innovation with their elegantly simple, cool plasma treatment technology. At its core, Culturon solves a mundane but crucial problem: laboratory plastic plates hate the expensive proteins scientists try to put on them. They've unlocked extraordinary capabilities by using cold plasma to create an ultra-thin carbon coating that forms incredibly strong bonds with any – proteins, DNA, complex sugars, or fats – without chemical linkers. Moreover, these plates and products can be stored at room temperature for months, eliminating costly cold shipping and expanding access to remote areas – reducing both the economic and environmental footprint associated with doing science.  What began as a solution for lab diagnostics has blossomed into applications spanning multiple industries. From enhancing seed germination and creating simple soil carbon measurement tools for farmers to developing potential alternatives to harmful PFAS chemicals in cookware, Culturon demonstrates the power of platform technologies. Like the beginning of infinity, every new collaboration reveals unexpected possibilities. Fraser and Logan's journey highlights how curiosity-led transdisciplinary innovation can create exponential value. 'Scientists, artists and people of faith are all trying to explain the world, but we just do it with different tools,' Fraser observes. In Culturon's case, these tools strive to create a future where diagnostics are more accessible, agricultural practices are more sustainable, and waste is significantly reduced. Ready to explore how surface technology could transform your field? Discover what happens when brilliant minds cross disciplines and challenge conventional thinking. Keen to see more? Check out their:  Still Curious? Check out what we're up to: Instagram LinkedIn Facebook Blog 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.

    1h 31m
  5. Redefining Cancer Diagnostics: The Promise of Precision Oncology with Martin from Oncoparse | #13

    02/10/2025

    Redefining Cancer Diagnostics: The Promise of Precision Oncology with Martin from Oncoparse | #13

    Send us a text Join us as we welcome Martin Thompson, the visionary CEO and founder of Oncoparse, who has transformed personal adversity into groundbreaking innovation in the fight against pancreatic cancer. From his journey as an electrical engineer to co-founding Lenexa Medical, Martin's story is a testament to the power of design-led thinking and interdisciplinary collaboration. Discover how the University of Melbourne's biodesign course is fostering a new wave of startups by pairing engineering and business students, all focused on addressing critical clinical needs. Explore cutting-edge pancreatic cancer treatment through the lens of precision oncology, where we discuss the revolutionary promise of KRAS-targeted therapies and ctDNA-based approaches. Our conversation delves into how a collaborative ecosystem, bolstered by AI and data analysis, is driving forward the identification of oncogenic genes and shaping the future of cancer diagnostics. With the potential for exponential growth as more data becomes available, we're on the brink of transformative advancements that could redefine patient outcomes. Navigating the challenging landscape of early-stage MedTech and BioTech funding in Australia, we discuss our vision for creating a supportive platform to empower innovation. In this chat, you'll learn about the hurdles and opportunities faced by one of our startups and also hear how initiatives like venture studios and alternative venture support pathways could serve to support more groundbreaking ideas. Through personal stories and Martin's unique perspective, this conversation allows us to understand his relentless drive to tackle significant health issues, motivated by a deep-seated desire to make a tangible difference in the world of cancer innovation. Still Curious? Check out what we're up to: Instagram LinkedIn Facebook Blog 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.

    48 min
  6. Building Trustworthy Organisations with Nate Kinch #12

    07/15/2024

    Building Trustworthy Organisations with Nate Kinch #12

    Send us a text How can organisations build trust in a world filled with scepticism and uncertainty? Discover the answer with socio-technology ethicist Nate Kinch, who shares his expertise in integrating philosophy, cognitive science, and systems theory to operationalise trustworthiness through design thinking. Nate offers a compelling definition of trust as the willingness to be relationally vulnerable based on positive expectations. He reveals the foundational elements of trust—benevolence, integrity, and competence—and how these can enhance an organisation's social license to operate amidst varying perceptions and definitions of trust. Journey with us through Nate's inspiring shift from a promising golf career halted by nerve damage to an entrepreneurial path that led him to create the Sports Performance Accelerator startup. Using machine learning to predict and prevent athlete injuries, Nate's venture uncovered unhealthy dynamics in sports, sparking his interest in social theories and responsible innovation. His experiences paved the way for his role as an entrepreneur in residence, where he applies ethical principles to support startups and larger corporations in fostering trustworthy practices. Explore the profound challenges and potential solutions for transforming organisations towards sustainability and ethical frameworks. Nate and I delve into the necessity of re-evaluating deeply ingrained metaphysical assumptions and shifting from profit-maximisation to participatory value systems. With practical examples and philosophical insights, we highlight the incremental process of building trustworthy organisations, the unique hurdles large versus small entities face, and the critical role of participatory leadership and experimental approaches. Tune in to understand how ethics and a holistic value system can drive impactful organisational change. Want to know more about Nate's work? Check out any of the links below. Ethics in Action Workshop with RSA x CoLabsTrustworthy by Design WebsiteNate's SubstackStill Curious? Check out what we're up to: Instagram LinkedIn Facebook Blog 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.

    1h 7m
  7. The Future of Female Healthcare with Ariella Heffernan-Marks from Ovum AI | #11

    05/26/2024

    The Future of Female Healthcare with Ariella Heffernan-Marks from Ovum AI | #11

    Send us a text 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: Instagram LinkedIn Facebook Blog 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.

    1h 21m
  8. The Lab Manual: Navigating the Challenges of Building Lab Space with Aaron Budai from Amicus | #10

    05/08/2024

    The Lab Manual: Navigating the Challenges of Building Lab Space with Aaron Budai from Amicus | #10

    Send us a text 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: Instagram LinkedIn Facebook Blog 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.

    1h 16m
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About

Welcome to The Strange Attractor, an experimental podcast hosted by CoLabs Australia. We invite you to join us as we delve deep into the world of bio-based and bio-inspired design, exploring how transformative innovation and living systems thinking could help us catalyse the transition towards a more resilient and regenerative future for people and the planet. 

Information

  • Creator
    Co-Labs Australia
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2025
  • Episodes
    18
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 CoLabs Australia
  • Show Website
    The Strange Attractor