Ruwini Cooray, the founder and CEO of Neurogen, is on a mission to transform the treatment of neurological diseases. Recently completing Cohort 9 of the MedTech Actuator Accelerator, Ruwini showcased her startup at the program’s Demo Day, highlighting the groundbreaking potential of her company’s technology to revolutionise brain health.
A Scientist with a Purpose
Leveraging over a decade of expertise in neuroscience and genetics research, Ruwini assembled a team of experts from the University of Melbourne, the Florey Institute, and St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne to transform her findings into real-world, life-changing healthcare solutions.
Enter Neurogen, a startup developing a minimally invasive, micro-tissue brain implant for treating neurological diseases like Alzheimer’s. The implant aims to restore brain function by 80% or higher, offering a one-time, long-term solution that could replace the lifelong pharmaceutical regimens used today. By focusing on microtissue technology, Neurogen seeks to reverse neurodegeneration and significantly improve the quality of life for patients suffering from progressive neurological conditions.
The Neurogen Approach
While most existing therapies only manage symptoms of neurological diseases, Neurogen’s technology aims to restore damaged neuronal networks, offering hope for those with conditions like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s. With 55 million people currently living with Alzheimer’s worldwide, the need for innovative, long-term solutions has never been more urgent. Neurogen is poised to not only change the lives of patients but also provide investors with a promising opportunity in the field of neurotherapeutics.
Turning Challenges into Opportunities
As with any groundbreaking technology, developing a new solution for neurological diseases presents significant challenges. Neurogen Global faced the complexities of securing funding, navigating regulatory pathways, and proving the efficacy of its technology. However, Ruwini has persevered, successfully securing angel investment in 2024, allowing her to continue advancing her research. Additionally, Neurogen commenced pre-clinical large animal trials at the Florey Institute, moving them one step closer to human trials.
One of the critical turning points for the company came through Ruwini’s participation in the MedTech Actuator Accelerator, where she gained access to tailored content, mentorship, and a vibrant network that significantly accelerated the company’s growth. Reflecting on the Accelerator experience, Ruwini shared:
“The Accelerator’s tailored medtech/biotech content, insightful group discussions, and vibrant network dramatically transformed our approach. The invaluable mentorship and one-on-one guidance significantly catapulted our startup’s growth and fostered impactful industry connections.”
Ruwini Cooray (centre), Founder – Neurogen Global, and the MedTech Actuator Accelerator Cohort 9 participants.
Looking to the Future
With pre-clinical trials underway and plans to expand their research, Neurogen Global is well on its way to making a lasting impact in the world of neurological disease treatment. Ruwini’s leadership at Neurogen exemplifies the power of combining cutting-edge science with entrepreneurial vision, demonstrating how determined individuals can change the healthcare landscape and improve lives through innovation.
Apply for MedTech Actuator Accelerator 2025
Are you ready to bring your healthcare startup to the next level? Applications are open for the MedTech Actuator Accelerator, Asia Pacific’s leading 6-month venture development program for early-stage MedTech, BioTech and HealthTech startups. The program will simultaneously accelerate your pathway to market, build your team capability, and get your startup ready for investment.
Since its launch in 2018, the Accelerator has supported over 100 startups, providing access to expert guidance, one-on-one mentoring, and a global network to help businesses scale.
Applications close on 21 March—don’t miss your opportunity to accelerate your startup’s growth.
Or, get in touch with Program Coordinator, Lizzie Laurence, to chat about this year’s program.
