Xoma Labs has been named the Grand Innovation Challenge winner, following a nationwide search for innovative technologies to transform the lives of people living with diabetes.  

Ten of the nation’s leading diabetes med-tech innovators were selected as finalists in the 2026 Diabetes Australia Grand Innovation Challenge, pitching their ideas to a live audience during the Community Day event at the International Diabetes Federation Western Pacific Region Congress.  

First prize valued at $200,000 went to Xoma Labs, for their wearable glucose monitor entry, which aims to provide non-invasive real-time monitoring through a ring-based device. 

Diabetes Australia’s Group CEO Justine Cain congratulated the winners, saying that judges had a tough time picking a leading entry from a strong field of applicants.  

“Australian researchers and innovators have fantastic ideas, and the judges were incredibly impressed with the depth and breadth of innovation,” Ms Cain said.  

“We’ve deliberately sought bold ideas that are grounded in the lived experience of people living with diabetes, and can demonstrate tangible solutions to improve the lives of the people that need them the most.  

“Diabetes Australia is proud to invest $500,000 in the Grand Innovation Challenge as we seek to fast track the most promising diabetes innovations in the country. 

“Congratulations to Xoma Labs, and to all the successful applicants. We’ve very excited to see your work come to life and have a real impacts on people living with diabetes. 

Xoma Labs Chief Medical Officer Dr Erin Saricilar said the funding would help fund an apex trial that would bring the device closer to realisation.   

“The trial is currently earmarked to commence in January 2027, and if it goes to plan should be completed within a few months of starting,” Mr Saricilar said.  

“My wife and I started with a small idea, realising that we could make it much better, and through countless difficult nights, we’ve created something that we’re remarkably proud of. 

“It’s just amazing to be recognised by Diabetes Australia for the hard work that we’ve already done, we’re looking forward to being able to make a real impact for people that really need it.” 

Six winners have shared $500,000 in funding from the Grand Innovation Challenge.   

The full list of successful pitches includes – 

• Grand Innovation Challenge Winner ($200,000): Xoma Labs 

• Excellence in Innovation ($100,000): ImmunoBiota Therapeutics Pty Ltd 

• Technology Impact Prize ($50,000): CAD Spectral Technologies 

• Innovation Merit Prize ($50,000): Endo Axiom Pty Ltd 

• Emerging Technology Prize ($50,000): Lumina Medtech 

• Advancement Prize ($50,000): CuraTech Pty Ltd 

The Diabetes Australia Grand Innovation Challenge is proudly supported by the Coghlan Family through a generous bequest of Charles Campbell Coghlan OAM.