A translational research program for therapeutics and vaccines in human disease
SPARK at UQ
Submit your application for the 2026 SPARK Program
SPARK Global
The SPARK program was established at Stanford University in 2006 to bridge the gap between academic discovery and drug development and has demonstrated unprecedented success in translating early biomedical research discoveries into promising new treatments for patients.
Through the SPARK Global Alliance, SPARK now spans over 60 institutions across 23 countries.
SPARK at UQ
SPARK at UQ is a two-year project development program supporting UQ researchers to translate promising therapeutic and vaccine discoveries into real-world impact.
Selected teams enter the program with a defined project and work to progress it toward clinical and commercial outcomes.
Throughout the program, teams receive:
• Access to a network of industry and clinical expert mentors
• Structured, milestone-driven support to guide project development
• Translational education to help de-risk and advance their technology to market with the aim of attracting research funding along the way
This hands-on, learning-by-doing program combines targeted education, tailored mentoring and project support, to help teams progress their technologies toward clinical development, licensing, or attraction of investment to establish a startup.
While SPARK project teams receive intensive support, SPARK education is open to all UQ researchers.
Program Structure
Sessions will be scheduled outside of QLD school holiday periods.
1. Bootcamp (20th August 2026)
An in-person launch workshop where teams meet Industry Mentors and UniQuest Partners, refine development plans, and begin building translational awareness and capability.
2. Monthly Mentoring Sessions
Structured mentoring with industry and clinical expert Mentors and Advisors to guide strategy, challenge assumptions, and support key decisions.
• Team updates and group feedback from Mentors and Advisors.
• Breakout mentoring with Industry Mentors and UniQuest Partners.
3. Monthly Education Sessions
National and international expert-led translationally focused sessions. Sessions are followed by Q&A, exercises and team focused discussions. Education sessions are open to all UQ researchers.
4. Program End Showcase
Teams present outcomes and next steps to investors and pharmaceutical company representatives.
Participants who complete the program graduate as SPARK Alumni.
Key dates
Applications
Open now.
Applications close 5pm Wednesday June 24, 2026.
Shortlisting
Early July, 2026.
Pitch presentations
2pm Wednesday July 29, 2026.
Bootcamp
August 20, 2026.
SPARK at UQ
Program overview
SPARK is a two-year development program supporting UQ project teams with strong translational potential. Up to six teams will be selected across human therapeutics, vaccines, and drug repurposing.
Up to six teams will be selected across human therapeutics, vaccines, and drug repurposing.
Teams receive clinical and industry mentoring, commercialisation support, and access to global SPARK experts.
Designed to strengthen projects for grant and industry funding supporting progression toward clinical and commercial outcomes.
Eligibility
- Projects should demonstrate clear potential for translation.
- Projects will be accepted across human therapeutic development, vaccine development and drug repurposing.
- Each team must be from UQ led by a lab head or postdoctoral researcher endorsed by the lab head.
- Teams must include at least two additional team members (e.g. students, research assistants, postdocs, or professional staff).
- The project lead must be an employee of UQ and have salary funding for the next two years.
- Each team member must be able to commit time to at least 80% of program activities over the two-year period, including the bootcamp, mentoring and education sessions.
Application process
- Submit a written application outlining your project (see application details above).
- Applications are reviewed competitively, with shortlisted teams invited to present.
- Shortlisted teams will deliver an 8-minute pitch followed by a 5-minute Q&A (pitch slide template provided).
- The selection panel consists of representatives of UQ, UniQuest and industry mentors.
SPARK at UQ
Program purpose and outcomes
Build translational capability
Strengthen scientific foundations in therapeutics industry while equipping researchers with the skills to translate and engage beyond academia.
Progress projects toward impact
Support teams to reach key product development milestones, including industry-expected POC, manufacturability, clinical development, licensing, or investment into a startup.
Develop clear translational pathways
Define unmet need, product strategy, target product profile and development plans, supported by insights into IP, regulatory and commercial considerations.
Enable funding and partnerships
Connect teams with industry mentors, clinicians, and partners to strengthen competitiveness for funding and advance toward real-world outcomes.
