The Curtin Angel Syndicate has completed an investment In Omni Biotech.
We were first introduced to the founders of Omni Biotech, Will Poot and Zac Farrow, following their completion of the Curtin Accelerate program in 2021. They were tackling the problem of dehydration, an issue they considered to be one of the biggest occupational health and safety risks in many workplaces.
Since completing the Curtin Accelerate program we have followed their progress. We have seen them work to scientifically validate their hydration algorithm in partnership with Monash University through confidential research, raise seed capital from Skalata Ventures and successfully complete 3 pilots.
Problem
According to the US Central for Disease Control National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey over 70% of the US population are dehydrated. Furthermore dehydration may be linked to impaired cognition, increased occurrence of accidents, and measurable productivity losses. In industrial settings, like Western Australia’s mining sector, it contributes to heat stress events that cost billions annually in lost productivity and injury.
Solution
Omni Biotech aims to reframe hydration as a vital sign. Omni Biotech’s PPG-based algorithm is designed to measure hydration continuously and non-invasively through off-the-shelf smartwatches and wearables.
The solution includes a companion dashboard, reporting interface, and alert functionality aimed at improving hydration visibility for both individual users and workplace supervisors.
Market Opportunity & Trends
Hydration monitoring sits at the intersection of workplace safety, digital health, and consumer wearables. These are all billion-dollar markets with increasing demand.
Increasing heat stress risks and OH&S obligations combined with rising adoption of wearables in both enterprise and consumer wellness provides a great market opportunity.
The Team
Both originally from WA and students at Curtin University, Will and Zac didn’t actually meet each other until they completed the International Honours Program at Stanford University. They completed the Curtin Accelerate program together in 2021.
Omni Biotech is led by a well-rounded and experienced founding team with relevant technical and commercial capability.
Zac Farrow – Co-founder & CEO. Previously founded and led multiple startups, and has a background in competitive athletics (track and field).
Will Poot – Co-founder, Product & Research has led growth at an ed-tech startup through to exit in 2023 and brings commercialisation and product development experience.