CASE STUDY: Endo Axiom's Dr Nicholas Hunt

Commercialisation offers researchers the opportunity to translate discoveries into real-world solutions with societal, environmental and economic benefits. Dr Nicholas Hunt, Senior Lecturer in the Faculty of Medicine and Health, has embraced this journey through Endo Axiom, a University of Sydney spinout company. His experience demonstrates how commercialisation can complement academic success while delivering tangible societal impact.

In 2019, after a decade of research with Professors Victoria Cogger and David Le Couteur, Dr Hunt co- developed a prototype for oral and smart insulin, which could transform diabetes management. Initially, the team believed publishing their findings would be sufficient for industry uptake. However, they realised they needed to lead the process themselves, founding Endo Axiom to bridge the gap between laboratory research and clinical trials.

The success of Endo Axiom has raised the profile of their lab, attracting motivated students without the need for advertising. “Students approach us because they’re inspired by the translational focus of our work,” Dr Hunt explains. “Many have personal connections to diabetes and want to contribute to meaningful research.” This influx of talent has grown their lab from three researchers to 14, supported by significant funding, including a prestigious investigator grant.

Dr Hunt has also gained skills in business planning, stakeholder engagement and program development. Early setbacks, such as grant rejections, became opportunities to refine these skills, leading to substantial funding success. Collaborations with stakeholders, Breakthrough and type 1 diabetes community, have further shaped their research. Industry advice helped validate the team’s technology, while patient and clinician feedback ensured the work addressed real-world challenges.

His commercialisation journey has influenced his teaching, preparing students for careers in Australia’s world-class services sector. By incorporating industry standards such as ICH guidelines, Dr Hunt equips students with practical, industry-relevant skills. On a personal level, he has gained a broader perspective, appreciating the interconnectedness of academia, industry and society.

Dr Hunt encourages academics to explore commercialisation, even at a smaller scale, such as licensing or advisory roles. He highlights the importance of early stakeholder engagement and leveraging institutional support, such as the Proof of Concept Funding and Pre-seed funding. “Setbacks are part of the journey, but they’re opportunities to learn,” he says. “The rewards—for your research, career and impact—are worth the effort.”

This article is part of the University of Sydney’s Commercialisation Café chat with rising stars series.