Meet a Co-Founder - Dr Shawn Goussous

Ever wonder what it takes to start a game changing startup? Check out this Q&A with NanoCube Health's co-founder, Dr Shawn Goussous, to learn more about the driving force behind the company and where we're headed.

Why did you start NanoCube Health?

A close family member died from a difficult-to-diagnose and treat cancer only a few months after diagnosis. It was difficult to come to terms with the fact that he seemed so healthy and was then suddenly  diagnosed with stage four cancer that was incurable and terminal. One day, I realised that I could be the catalyst for changing this difficult reality for other families using my skills as a materials engineer, and I decided to do just that.

Could you tell us more about your background?

I am a materials engineer with a PhD from the University of Melbourne. I have research interests in nano-biosensors, precision medicine and biomimetic innovation. I have extensive experience developing advanced nano-scale technologies suitable for medical and non-medical applications. I have also worked as a consultant to manufacturing companies, which will be useful down the track.

What have you achieved so far?

We’ve developed a prototype of the design in collaboration with our research partners at Deakin University as part of a CSIRO's Data61 initiative, which has yielded promising preliminary results. We’ve also incorporated design enhancements to further miniaturise the technology, and improve its bonding and specificity.

What's on for the next 12 months?

The next 12 months will be focused on enhancing the functionality and performance of the technology. It will also accelerate our work towards in vivo studies – where its efficacy and safety will be tested on animals, before being tested on humans.

What's your vision for the future?

My vision for the future is that pancreatic cancer is routinely detected at an early stage - so at a cellular level - so that patients can receive early intervention and get better health outcomes. I want to contribute to a world where longevity is the norm for people with pancreatic cancer.

Beyond that, our vision is to plan for a pipeline of other disease indicators that our technology can early detect and treat, maximising our local and global impact.

Why would a partner want to work with a company like NanoCube Health?

We are driven by a mission to make a real-life impact in the world. We're supported by a team of brilliant clinical and commercial advisors, and an exceptional research team. Transforming cancer diagnostics and treatment takes a village, so we're looking to continue to build our network of like-minded partners and investors so we can make our vision a reality.

About NanoCube Health

NanoCube Health is pioneering the development of nanorobots with the potential to revolutionalise the diagnosis and treatment of pancreatic cancer. Powered by Artificial Intelligence, it is being designed to detect the disease early, monitor treatment progress in real-time, and deliver targeted treatment. This early-stage startup harbours a bold vision: to spearhead a new era where survival and thriving become the norm, shifting the paradigm from the exception to the expectation.

Learn more at: www.nanocube.health