The Strange Attractor

Send us Fan MailOyster shells don’t look like the start of a serious construction material, but they might be. We sat down with Chloe Harper, a biomaterials-obsessed industrial designer, to talk through her journey from tinkering with early biocomposites to building Shellstone: a cold-processed bioseramic tile made from reclaimed oyster shells. Along the way, we get honest about what it takes to turn a beautiful idea into something architects can actually specify, from strength and water absorbency through to the brutal economics of certification and testing.We dig into biodesign and biomimicry in plain language, using the oyster as the blueprint. Shells are already nature’s high-performance composite, grown slowly, layer by layer, and Chloe’s process borrows that logic while swapping kilns for chemistry. We also explore the messy middle of innovation: learning materials science as a “non-scientist doing science”, building prototypes fast, and leaning on collaborators to turn curiosity into repeatable results. If you care about sustainable building materials, circular construction, green chemistry, and the future material palette for Australia, there’s a lot here for you.Then we zoom out to the bigger system. Why do biomaterials still face stigma? How do words like “waste” vs “reclaimed” change trust and buying decisions? What would it take to grow a real blue economy where oyster shells, kelp, and other marine resources support local coastal economies rather than feeding business as usual? We finish by looking at the need for bioregional biohubs, and Chloe shares an open challenge: creating a plastic-free, bio-based waterproof coating that performs like a glaze without the usual downsides.If this sparked something, subscribe for more conversations on biomaterials and regenerative design, share the episode with a designer or architect who needs new options, and leave a review so more people can find the work.Keep Following the PatternSam's InstagramSubstackCoLabs CoLabs NewsletterThis is an evolving experiment.The Strange Attractor is produced by Ecotone Studio — a creative practice exploring the fertile edge where art, science, technology and philosophy meet.Like the ecosystems we are a part of, this project is designed to evolve. Every conversation changes the next one.If there’s a question you’d like us to explore, a guest we should invite, or a theme you think deserves more attention, drop us a line. We’re especially interested in the spaces between disciplines—the ecotones where unexpected ideas emerge. If you’re building something thoughtful, beautiful or regenerative, or simply wrestling with questions that matter, we’d love to hear from you. Thanks for listening. Until next time — stay curious.

Send us Fan MailWhat connects a Shoreditch nightclub at 2am, a palm agroforestry project in the Amazon, and the question of whether anything can ever truly be 'regenerative'?In this long-form conversation on Strange Attractor, Sam sits down with Murray Gray – CEO of Sustainable Table, former systemic venture builder at Metabolic, and Fresh Ventures – to trace a throughline from DJing and the early dubstep scene in Shoreditch all the way to financing the transition to circular, bio-based economies.We get into the tension between systems thinking and mechanistic thinking, and why you need both – the yin-yang dynamic between the rigour of structure that enables the flow of emergence. We talk about 'lowercase entrepreneurialism', the unglamorous work of actually making things happen, and why the boring stuff (regulation, legal structures, governance) is where the real leverage usually hides.Murray shares hard-won lessons from building systemic venture studios, the trap of analysing everything before you act, and the shift from asking 'are you regenerative?' to 'are you regenerating?' – a move from noun to verb that changes who's in the room and who gets left out.And we go deep on finance: why so much of what gets called 'high risk' is really a perception problem, how patient capital works on 25–30 year timescales, and what it actually takes to fund the people doing the most important, most intangible early work.A wide-ranging, warm and occasionally provocative conversation about doing the thing rather than just talking about it, exploring systems thinking, patient capital, venture studios, and why the hardest work is usually invisible.00:00 - Launching The Strange Attractor and Vision02:13 - Introducing Murray and Starting Conversation03:27 - Opening Remarks and Welcome03:36 - Discussing the Building Systemic Ventures Paper05:05 - Murray's Diverse Path and Operational Focus07:55 - Personality Insights and Connecting Diverse Themes09:19 - Conversation Flow and Mutual Understanding11:12 - Balancing Planning and Action in Systems12:14 - Electronic Music Scene as Systemic Innovation Example15:19 - Discovering Systems Thinking and Circular Economy17:38 - Evolving Awareness of Systemic Properties19:04 - Tools, Language, and Prompt for Discussion19:55 - Seeing Connections Yet Struggling to Act20:15 - Challenges Translating Insight into Action23:21 - Addressing Key Issue and Initiating Discussion24:22 - Systemic Venture Building Framework Overview26:14 - Venture Studio Support and Ongoing Presence28:50 - Venture Survival Metrics and Founder Support30:37 - Complex Challenges and Excitement in Venture Work32:07 - Building Impact Ecosystem and Community Support34:50 - Navigating Regulatory Barriers and Value Decisions37:58 - Radical Shifts and Process Philosophy Insights40:13 - Personal Struggle and Turning Point44:28 - Shift After Group Meeting and Brazil Case46:15 - Regenerative Agroforestry in Brazil and Long-Term Impact51:27 - Patient Capital and Long-Term Return Considerations53:46 - Rational and Perceptual Barriers to Funding55:46 - Building Infrastructure and Trust for Innovation59:08 - Applying Solutions Across Sectors and Challenges01:03:17 - Conclusion and Looking Forward to Next EpisodeKeep Following the PatternSam's InstagramSubstackCoLabs CoLabs NewsletterThis is an evolving experiment.The Strange Attractor is produced by Ecotone Studio — a creative practice exploring the fertile edge where art, science, technology and philosophy meet.Like the ecosystems we are a part of, this project is designed to evolve. Every conversation changes the next one.If there’s a question you’d like us to explore, a guest we should invite, or a theme you think deserves more attention, drop us a line. We’re especially interested in the spaces between disciplines—the ecotones where unexpected ideas emerge. If you’re building something thoughtful, beautiful or regenerative, or simply wrestling with questions that matter, we’d love to hear from you. Thanks for listening. Until next time — stay curious.

Send us Fan MailPlastic is everywhere, and not just in landfill. It’s in our clothes, our water, and the invisible systems that make 'single use' feel normal. We sit down with Simon and Vasundhara from Compound, a CoLabs venture exploring algae biomaterials, to ask a simple question with massive consequences: what if we could replace soft plastics with materials grown from seaweed?Vasundhara brings an industrial design lens and a fast prototyping mindset, while Simon comes from tech and systems thinking. Together, they unpack why materials are the best place to start when you’re building towards a circular bioeconomy: fewer regulatory roadblocks than food, less capital intensity than carbon projects, and a direct path to everyday products people can actually touch. We also get into the uncomfortable history of petrochemical plastics, how wartime speed and cheap oil locked in “heat, beat, treat” manufacturing, and why the real challenge now is changing incentives, language, and consumer stress around recycling.From invasive kelp like Wakame to local blue economy collaborations, we explore what resilient, bioregional supply chains could look like in Australia. Then we go deeper: biological time versus industrial time, designing for change and imperfection, and flipping the culture from unboxing to 'boxing it up' at the end of a product’s life.If you care about regenerative materials, seaweed packaging, microplastics, PFAS, or life-centred design, hit play. Subscribe, share the episode with a mate, and leave a review so more people can find this work.Keen to hear more about Compound? WebsiteInstagramLinkedinVasundharaSimonKeep Following the PatternSam's InstagramSubstackCoLabs CoLabs NewsletterThis is an evolving experiment.The Strange Attractor is produced by Ecotone Studio — a creative practice exploring the fertile edge where art, science, technology and philosophy meet.Like the ecosystems we are a part of, this project is designed to evolve. Every conversation changes the next one.If there’s a question you’d like us to explore, a guest we should invite, or a theme you think deserves more attention, drop us a line. We’re especially interested in the spaces between disciplines—the ecotones where unexpected ideas emerge. If you’re building something thoughtful, beautiful or regenerative, or simply wrestling with questions that matter, we’d love to hear from you. Thanks for listening. Until next time — stay curious.

Send us Fan MailDavid is a researcher-turned-innovator with three decades in biomedical science, a PhD-era discovery that reshaped our understanding of energy metabolism, and a new company, Utilium, born from a hospital bed and a handful of rocks from Bunnings.In this episode, we sit down with one of CoLabs' Impact Members to explore his bio-inspired approach to biofilms: the invisible microbial communities that cost global industry $2–3 trillion a year, fuel antibiotic resistance, and lurk in the rubber seal of your washing machine.David shares how crustaceans (who somehow keep their shells immaculate in an ocean seemingly devoted to the degradation of most things) became the blueprint for a technology that could transform healthcare, marine infrastructure, food production, and more.In this conversation, we explore how daydreaming is a useful method for ideation, the freedom that comes with constraint, trusting your instincts, and why the gold is always hiding in the detail.What we coverHow David isolated AMPK (AMP-activated protein kinase) – a breakthrough enzyme central to energy metabolism – using a Velcro analogy and an analog lab setup, pre-internetThe brutal economics of academic research: falling grant success rates, frozen samples, and an unceremonious exitA winding path through cannabis terpenes, horse probiotics, and ship biofouling that eventually pointed to biofilmsWhat biofilms actually are – and why treating them as a bacterial problem misses the point entirelyThe first experiment: two rocks, some oregano oil, and 93 days in Port Phillip BayHow working with almost no equipment led David to discover something he would have missed in a fully-equipped labThe role of AI (including a helpfully sarcastic session with Gemini) in checking assumptions and staying honestBiofilm's reach: washing machines, chronic wounds, hospital sinks, dairy farms, pipes, marine hulls... a near-infinite problem space!Why antibiotic resistance is the wrong frame, and what crustacean shell chemistry suggests as an alternativeWhere Utilium is headed, and which applications David is backing firstKeen to learn more about Utilium? LinkedinWebsite Patched UpKeep Following the PatternSam's InstagramSubstackCoLabs CoLabs NewsletterThis is an evolving experiment.The Strange Attractor is produced by Ecotone Studio — a creative practice exploring the fertile edge where art, science, technology and philosophy meet.Like the ecosystems we are a part of, this project is designed to evolve. Every conversation changes the next one.If there’s a question you’d like us to explore, a guest we should invite, or a theme you think deserves more attention, drop us a line. We’re especially interested in the spaces between disciplines—the ecotones where unexpected ideas emerge. If you’re building something thoughtful, beautiful or regenerative, or simply wrestling with questions that matter, we’d love to hear from you. Thanks for listening. Until next time — stay curious.

Send us Fan MailKelp forests are disappearing into white rock deserts, and Henry Cole is wading straight into the problem—then bottling the solution. We bring you a frontline look at how invasive seaweed and exploding urchin populations can be harvested to restore reefs and transformed into premium skincare actives and agricultural inputs that people already want.Henry’s journey runs from deep-sea fishing and oil-and-gas diving to helping build Victoria’s first commercial seaweed farm. The science landed; the scaling dragged. Meanwhile, wakame kept spreading, and long-spine urchins carved out barren 'Moonscapes' across Victoria and Tasmania. That mismatch unlocked a practical pivot: remove what harms ecosystems now and convert it into high-value products that fund more removal. Think wakame-derived fucoidan and fucoxanthin for barrier support and collagen-friendly skincare; think water-soluble chitosan from urchin shells replacing harsh antifungals in farms, improving seed protection, and adding film-forming performance to hair care and sunscreens. After extraction, the remaining biomass flows into fertilisers and foliar sprays to rebuild soil health—no waste, just new value.We dive into shark gates and tuna ranching, government policy gaps, and why 'commercial capacity' is the missing link between plans and thriving reefs. Henry breaks down how authorisations, pro dive teams, vessels, and onshore processing create a true ocean-to-shelf pipeline, while partnerships with abalone divers, Surfers for Climate, and research groups steer work to where it counts. The vision is clear: within a decade, juvenile kelp returns, apex predators follow, and coastal towns gain new jobs in bioproduct manufacturing alongside healthier fisheries and tourism.This is a story of logistics and hope, engineering and ethics, and a business model built on collaborative advantage. If you’re curious about the bioeconomy, seaweed science, chitosan, and how consumer products can drive real restoration, you’ll find a roadmap you can act on. Subscribe, share with a friend who loves the ocean, and leave a review to help more people find conversations that turn problems into products.Keen to know more? Check out what Henry's up to here:WebsiteInstagramHenry's LinkedInKeep Following the PatternSam's InstagramSubstackCoLabs CoLabs NewsletterThis is an evolving experiment.The Strange Attractor is produced by Ecotone Studio — a creative practice exploring the fertile edge where art, science, technology and philosophy meet.Like the ecosystems we are a part of, this project is designed to evolve. Every conversation changes the next one.If there’s a question you’d like us to explore, a guest we should invite, or a theme you think deserves more attention, drop us a line. We’re especially interested in the spaces between disciplines—the ecotones where unexpected ideas emerge. If you’re building something thoughtful, beautiful or regenerative, or simply wrestling with questions that matter, we’d love to hear from you. Thanks for listening. Until next time — stay curious.

Send us Fan MailWhat if the issue isn’t the material itself, but the system wrapped around it?In this conversation, we jump straight into the uncomfortable truth that there are no sustainable materials – only better choices made in context. Joining us is designer and Halo co-founder Sarah de Silva, as we unpack how coatings, building codes, logistics, incentives and infrastructure can quickly turn a ‘green’ option into a risky one. We explore how designers and decision-makers can find their way back to integrity, through clear end-of-life thinking, transparency and honest trade-offs.We move beyond slogans and into what actually works. Think material passports that track what things are made of and where they’ve been. Think facade-as-a-service and take-back models that plan for recovery from day one. Think internal marketplaces that keep fit-out and retail materials circulating rather than sending them to landfill. We dig into why paper-versus-plastic isn’t a morality tale, when mono-material PET can outperform fibre, and why local infrastructure often decides the real-world outcome.Place matters, and Australia has a rare opportunity right now. We talk bioregional manufacturing, smarter import standards, and pairing Indigenous knowledge with processing close to feedstocks. From fast-growing kelp to hemp, we highlight materials with outsized potential when paired with circular systems, and get real about what actually drives change within organisations: risk, talent and resilience.If you’re working in circular design, packaging, architecture or supply chains, this conversation offers a grounded path from theory to practice. Give it a listen, share it with someone who writes specs, and tell us the one barrier you’d love to see removed next.Keen to see more about Hyloh? WebsiteMaterials Encyclopaedia BookSarah's LinkedInKeep Following the PatternSam's InstagramSubstackCoLabs CoLabs NewsletterThis is an evolving experiment.The Strange Attractor is produced by Ecotone Studio — a creative practice exploring the fertile edge where art, science, technology and philosophy meet.Like the ecosystems we are a part of, this project is designed to evolve. Every conversation changes the next one.If there’s a question you’d like us to explore, a guest we should invite, or a theme you think deserves more attention, drop us a line. We’re especially interested in the spaces between disciplines—the ecotones where unexpected ideas emerge. If you’re building something thoughtful, beautiful or regenerative, or simply wrestling with questions that matter, we’d love to hear from you. Thanks for listening. Until next time — stay curious.

Send us Fan MailWhat does a $10k cultivated meat dumpling taste like?Pretty great.But honestly, that’s not the point.The real story is how fast that price is free-falling, and what that unlocks for real food on real plates. In this episode, we sit down with Magic Valley CEO Paul Bevan to get past the headlines and into the gritty, resilient work of building a cultivated meat company in Australia.We kick off with culture, because tech is easy compared to humans. Paul shares why hiring for outcomes over optics is essential, and how the best interns don’t wait for job descriptions; they earn them by solving obvious problems early.From there, we dig into the power of storytelling and marketing, especially when you don’t have a product yet. In emerging categories, education is the product. Media isn’t vanity, it’s scaffolding. It is how you build trust with investors, regulators and supply chain partners.Then we talk money. Mission-aligned angels, smaller VCs who understand timelines, matched grants like the Industry Growth Program, and making the most of Australia’s R&D Tax Incentive. We touch on why crowdfunding works best when you already have a crowd, and why disciplined runway beats hype every time.And the plot twist? The economics are finally shifting. Food-grade suppliers are undercutting pharma, bioreactors once costing millions are dropping into six-figure territory, and culture media is falling fast with a credible path to one dollar a litre. Add FSANZ’s dedicated cellular agriculture pathway, and the route to viable products looks far more concrete than the doom-scrolling suggests.If you’re into cultivated meat, future-fit food systems or the art of founder survival in tough markets (with integrity, clarity and a dash of cheek), this episode is for you.Hit subscribe, share with a friend who geeks out on food tech, and drop us your biggest question.Keen to hear more about Magic Valley? Website LinkedInInstagramYoutubeKeep Following the PatternSam's InstagramSubstackCoLabs CoLabs NewsletterThis is an evolving experiment.The Strange Attractor is produced by Ecotone Studio — a creative practice exploring the fertile edge where art, science, technology and philosophy meet.Like the ecosystems we are a part of, this project is designed to evolve. Every conversation changes the next one.If there’s a question you’d like us to explore, a guest we should invite, or a theme you think deserves more attention, drop us a line. We’re especially interested in the spaces between disciplines—the ecotones where unexpected ideas emerge. If you’re building something thoughtful, beautiful or regenerative, or simply wrestling with questions that matter, we’d love to hear from you. Thanks for listening. Until next time — stay curious.

Send us Fan MailIf you could ask a living material to help fix our mess, what would you grow first – packaging, panels, or leather? We sit down with Amanda from Fungi Solutions to share how mycelium turns waste streams into durable, lightweight, and compostable products that actually work at scale. From early experiments binding fashion off-cuts to refined packaging that replaces polystyrene, we map the practical steps, the surprises, and the mindset shift from manufacturing to collaboration with living systems.We get specific on biofabrication: substrates, environmental tuning, and the difference between compressive strength and torsion when you’re eyeing the built environment. Amanda walks us through treatments and finishes – waterproofing, laser texturing, surface skins – and why designing for decomposition is a feature, not a flaw. We talk testing before certification, how to manage MOQs as a small team, and the honest limits today: organics are ready now, plastics need pretreatment and more R&D. Along the way, there’s additive manufacturing with mycelium pastes, sculptural interiors people refuse to throw away, and the sensory surprise of a material that feels like cork meets velvet.Zooming out, we explore the circular economy infrastructure at a systems-level scale. From waste mapping, regional feedstock modelling, and how AI might supercharge biomaterials (automating humidity, predicting contamination, and powering local facilities). We celebrate community labs, open-source cultivation, and non-traditional pathways into STEM, because access fuels innovation. And there’s fresh news: mycelium leather is now available for distribution, with R&D underway to push performance and craft. Suppose you are one of those wonderful humans who care about sustainable packaging, biomaterials for construction, regenerative manufacturing, or want to see fungi outcompete foam. In that case, this conversation offers an insightful take from someone who is actively pushing forward in this space.Enjoyed the chat? Follow, share with a friend who geeks out on biodesign, and leave a review to help more people discover these regenerative solutions.Keen to learn more? Check out the links below: AmandaWebsiteInstagramLinkedInKeep Following the PatternSam's InstagramSubstackCoLabs CoLabs NewsletterThis is an evolving experiment.The Strange Attractor is produced by Ecotone Studio — a creative practice exploring the fertile edge where art, science, technology and philosophy meet.Like the ecosystems we are a part of, this project is designed to evolve. Every conversation changes the next one.If there’s a question you’d like us to explore, a guest we should invite, or a theme you think deserves more attention, drop us a line. We’re especially interested in the spaces between disciplines—the ecotones where unexpected ideas emerge. If you’re building something thoughtful, beautiful or regenerative, or simply wrestling with questions that matter, we’d love to hear from you. Thanks for listening. Until next time — stay curious.

Send us Fan MailWhat happens when a hospitality veteran with a passion for problem-solving discovers her new puppy is predisposed to joint issues? For Paloma Newton, it sparked, naturally, led to an Australian-first in pet healthcare.Paloma's path to founding Elita is anything but conventional. Infact, her entire journey is about as unconventional as can be, but like most great innovators, the meandering path is the one most often taken. From call centres to cocktail bars, advertising agencies to venture capital, her career spanned across many industries before she found herself asking a deceptively simple question: why can't I bank my dog's stem cells for future use? When veterinarians responded with 'great idea, but we can't do it,' she recognised not just a gap in the market but a genuine opportunity to improve pet healthcare.The science behind Elita's approach is both elegant and powerful. By extracting and preserving a pet's own stem cells while they're young (currently during routine desexing), owners gain access to a biological insurance policy. These cells can later be used to treat conditions like arthritis, hip dysplasia, and potentially even kidney disease – all without risk of rejection since they're the animal's own cells. 'The worst thing that can happen is they don't work,' Paloma explains, contrasting this with pharmaceutical options that often carry significant side effects. Currently, they bank enough stem cells for ten potential treatments, making it  remarkably cost-effective compared to donor stem cell therapies.What makes Paloma's story particularly compelling is how her varied background became her superpower. With no formal science training, she approached the problem with fresh eyes and a beginners mind, both of which pair perfectly with her determination to execute quickly. 'My style of being a founder is execution over everything,' she says, describing how she built the company from CoLabs before even hiring scientists (bold move, we know). This fearlessness, coupled with a vision for more ethical healthcare that extends beyond profit margins, positions Elita Genetics at the forefront of a transformation in how we care for our animal companions.Curious about banking your pet's stem cells or learning more about this revolutionary approach to pet healthcare? Visit their website or follow Paloma and her inspiration, Chief Morale Officer Edgar Allen Paws, and join in on their journey toward better, more personalised pet medicine.Keep Following the PatternSam's InstagramSubstackCoLabs CoLabs NewsletterThis is an evolving experiment.The Strange Attractor is produced by Ecotone Studio — a creative practice exploring the fertile edge where art, science, technology and philosophy meet.Like the ecosystems we are a part of, this project is designed to evolve. Every conversation changes the next one.If there’s a question you’d like us to explore, a guest we should invite, or a theme you think deserves more attention, drop us a line. We’re especially interested in the spaces between disciplines—the ecotones where unexpected ideas emerge. If you’re building something thoughtful, beautiful or regenerative, or simply wrestling with questions that matter, we’d love to hear from you. Thanks for listening. Until next time — stay curious.

Send us Fan MailWhen Stuart Fraser looked at the tech his physicist colleague Marcella showed him – a two-nanometer carbon layer that could bind biomolecules with unprecedented strength – he immediately recognised its world-changing potential. 'If I didn't commercialise this, it would be a tremendous waste for society,' he recalls thinking.That moment transformed Fraser from a redundant academic to the founder of Culturon, an Australian biotech company revolutionising how we attach biomolecules to surfaces. Alongside Research and Business Development Manager Bailey Logan, Stuart is tackling problems ranging from diagnostic testing to agricultural innovation with their elegantly simple, cool plasma treatment technology.At its core, Culturon solves a mundane but crucial problem: laboratory plastic plates hate the expensive proteins scientists try to put on them. They've unlocked extraordinary capabilities by using cold plasma to create an ultra-thin carbon coating that forms incredibly strong bonds with any – proteins, DNA, complex sugars, or fats – without chemical linkers. Moreover, these plates and products can be stored at room temperature for months, eliminating costly cold shipping and expanding access to remote areas – reducing both the economic and environmental footprint associated with doing science. What began as a solution for lab diagnostics has blossomed into applications spanning multiple industries. From enhancing seed germination and creating simple soil carbon measurement tools for farmers to developing potential alternatives to harmful PFAS chemicals in cookware, Culturon demonstrates the power of platform technologies. Like the beginning of infinity, every new collaboration reveals unexpected possibilities.Fraser and Logan's journey highlights how curiosity-led transdisciplinary innovation can create exponential value. 'Scientists, artists and people of faith are all trying to explain the world, but we just do it with different tools,' Fraser observes. In Culturon's case, these tools strive to create a future where diagnostics are more accessible, agricultural practices are more sustainable, and waste is significantly reduced.Ready to explore how surface technology could transform your field? Discover what happens when brilliant minds cross disciplines and challenge conventional thinking.Keen to see more? Check out their: WebsiteLinkedinKeep Following the PatternSam's InstagramSubstackCoLabs CoLabs NewsletterThis is an evolving experiment.The Strange Attractor is produced by Ecotone Studio — a creative practice exploring the fertile edge where art, science, technology and philosophy meet.Like the ecosystems we are a part of, this project is designed to evolve. Every conversation changes the next one.If there’s a question you’d like us to explore, a guest we should invite, or a theme you think deserves more attention, drop us a line. We’re especially interested in the spaces between disciplines—the ecotones where unexpected ideas emerge. If you’re building something thoughtful, beautiful or regenerative, or simply wrestling with questions that matter, we’d love to hear from you. Thanks for listening. Until next time — stay curious.

Send us Fan MailJoin us as we welcome Martin Thompson, the visionary CEO and founder of Oncoparse, who has transformed personal adversity into groundbreaking innovation in the fight against pancreatic cancer. From his journey as an electrical engineer to co-founding Lenexa Medical, Martin's story is a testament to the power of design-led thinking and interdisciplinary collaboration. Discover how the University of Melbourne's biodesign course is fostering a new wave of startups by pairing engineering and business students, all focused on addressing critical clinical needs.Explore cutting-edge pancreatic cancer treatment through the lens of precision oncology, where we discuss the revolutionary promise of KRAS-targeted therapies and ctDNA-based approaches. Our conversation delves into how a collaborative ecosystem, bolstered by AI and data analysis, is driving forward the identification of oncogenic genes and shaping the future of cancer diagnostics. With the potential for exponential growth as more data becomes available, we're on the brink of transformative advancements that could redefine patient outcomes.Navigating the challenging landscape of early-stage MedTech and BioTech funding in Australia, we discuss our vision for creating a supportive platform to empower innovation. In this chat, you'll learn about the hurdles and opportunities faced by one of our startups and also hear how initiatives like venture studios and alternative venture support pathways could serve to support more groundbreaking ideas. Through personal stories and Martin's unique perspective, this conversation allows us to understand his relentless drive to tackle significant health issues, motivated by a deep-seated desire to make a tangible difference in the world of cancer innovation.Keep Following the PatternSam's InstagramSubstackCoLabs CoLabs NewsletterThis is an evolving experiment.The Strange Attractor is produced by Ecotone Studio — a creative practice exploring the fertile edge where art, science, technology and philosophy meet.Like the ecosystems we are a part of, this project is designed to evolve. Every conversation changes the next one.If there’s a question you’d like us to explore, a guest we should invite, or a theme you think deserves more attention, drop us a line. We’re especially interested in the spaces between disciplines—the ecotones where unexpected ideas emerge. If you’re building something thoughtful, beautiful or regenerative, or simply wrestling with questions that matter, we’d love to hear from you. Thanks for listening. Until next time — stay curious.

Send us Fan MailHow can organisations build trust in a world filled with scepticism and uncertainty? Discover the answer with socio-technology ethicist Nate Kinch, who shares his expertise in integrating philosophy, cognitive science, and systems theory to operationalise trustworthiness through design thinking. Nate offers a compelling definition of trust as the willingness to be relationally vulnerable based on positive expectations. He reveals the foundational elements of trust—benevolence, integrity, and competence—and how these can enhance an organisation's social license to operate amidst varying perceptions and definitions of trust.Journey with us through Nate's inspiring shift from a promising golf career halted by nerve damage to an entrepreneurial path that led him to create the Sports Performance Accelerator startup. Using machine learning to predict and prevent athlete injuries, Nate's venture uncovered unhealthy dynamics in sports, sparking his interest in social theories and responsible innovation. His experiences paved the way for his role as an entrepreneur in residence, where he applies ethical principles to support startups and larger corporations in fostering trustworthy practices.Explore the profound challenges and potential solutions for transforming organisations towards sustainability and ethical frameworks. Nate and I delve into the necessity of re-evaluating deeply ingrained metaphysical assumptions and shifting from profit-maximisation to participatory value systems. With practical examples and philosophical insights, we highlight the incremental process of building trustworthy organisations, the unique hurdles large versus small entities face, and the critical role of participatory leadership and experimental approaches. Tune in to understand how ethics and a holistic value system can drive impactful organisational change.Want to know more about Nate's work? Check out any of the links below.Ethics in Action Workshop with RSA x CoLabsTrustworthy by Design WebsiteNate's SubstackKeep Following the PatternSam's InstagramSubstackCoLabs CoLabs NewsletterThis is an evolving experiment.The Strange Attractor is produced by Ecotone Studio — a creative practice exploring the fertile edge where art, science, technology and philosophy meet.Like the ecosystems we are a part of, this project is designed to evolve. Every conversation changes the next one.If there’s a question you’d like us to explore, a guest we should invite, or a theme you think deserves more attention, drop us a line. We’re especially interested in the spaces between disciplines—the ecotones where unexpected ideas emerge. If you’re building something thoughtful, beautiful or regenerative, or simply wrestling with questions that matter, we’d love to hear from you. Thanks for listening. Until next time — stay curious.

Send us Fan MailWhen Ariella Heffernan-Marks traded her stethoscope for a Software Startup, she didn't just shift careers—she went on a mission to redefine women's healthcare through the power of AI. Our latest episode welcomes this tenacious CEO to share her story of resilience, defying sceptics to lead a platform that's transforming the way female health literacy and collaborative decision-making coalesce. Her insights weave through the potent mix of medicine, law, science, and technology, underscoring the potential of AI to augment the capabilities of healthcare professionals and personalise patient care.Venture into the world of transdisciplinary innovation, where Ariella illuminates the power of creativity in science and the influence of diverse perspectives on patient care. Our discussion traverses her challenges as a med student turned Femtech innovator, the systemic issues undermining women's healthcare, and the strategic journey from concept to pilot of Ovum AI's platform. We examine the roles of AI in healthcare, and explore its potential to optimise for holistic healthcare while reducing the administrative load on medical professionals.Listen as we unveil the future of women's healthcare shaped by technology, highlighting how Ovum AI pioneers accessible, intuitive care. Ariella's invitation to join their pilot program is not just a call to action—it's a beacon for a future where technology elevates women's health and well-being. She also shares her experiences around fostering partnerships and collaborations and lets us in on how honing her intuition has been essential to her success. Join us in a dialogue that's not only about innovation but an inspiring narrative around addressing AI biases, through uniting women to fill the gap and enhance diagnostics and treatment for women worldwide. Keen to know more? Check out the links below for more info on Ovum. WebsitePilot ProgramInstagramLinkedInKeep Following the PatternSam's InstagramSubstackCoLabs CoLabs NewsletterThis is an evolving experiment.The Strange Attractor is produced by Ecotone Studio — a creative practice exploring the fertile edge where art, science, technology and philosophy meet.Like the ecosystems we are a part of, this project is designed to evolve. Every conversation changes the next one.If there’s a question you’d like us to explore, a guest we should invite, or a theme you think deserves more attention, drop us a line. We’re especially interested in the spaces between disciplines—the ecotones where unexpected ideas emerge. If you’re building something thoughtful, beautiful or regenerative, or simply wrestling with questions that matter, we’d love to hear from you. Thanks for listening. Until next time — stay curious.

Send us Fan MailPrepare to be schooled by the lab virtuoso himself, Aaron Budai from Amicus Labline, as he takes us under his wing, imparting wisdom on the subtleties of lab creation. This episode promises to equip you with the knowledge needed to navigate the nuanced landscape of lab design, avoiding the dreaded pitfalls that often besiege the unwary as they venture out on their lab-building journey. Imagine a laboratory space so flexible it evolves with your company's growth, a place where innovation isn't just nurtured but explodes into being. That's the future Aaron envisions, and throughout our discussion, we unravel the strategies that go into creating such dynamic environments. From the critical role of mechanical engineering to the transformative power of biophilic design, we stitch together a vision of lab spaces that are not only functional but inspiringly beautiful. It's a masterstroke in design thinking, challenging the sterile norms and championing labs that set the stage for groundbreaking work.As we close this enlightening chapter, we peek into the property crystal ball, observing the post-pandemic trends that have driven investor interest in the PC2 lab market. It's a brave new world where investment and innovation entwine; who knows, maybe this is signalling a golden era for Australian science and biotech.For those eager to join the ranks of the lab construction savvy, Amicus has an upcoming 'Building Better Labs' webinar series that is well worth checking out, the Laboratory Design and Construction Australia – Ideas Exchange Group, designed as a community hub for those looking to learn and share information about the art and science of building lab spaces. For more information on Amicus, check out the links below:Website LinkedInKeep Following the PatternSam's InstagramSubstackCoLabs CoLabs NewsletterThis is an evolving experiment.The Strange Attractor is produced by Ecotone Studio — a creative practice exploring the fertile edge where art, science, technology and philosophy meet.Like the ecosystems we are a part of, this project is designed to evolve. Every conversation changes the next one.If there’s a question you’d like us to explore, a guest we should invite, or a theme you think deserves more attention, drop us a line. We’re especially interested in the spaces between disciplines—the ecotones where unexpected ideas emerge. If you’re building something thoughtful, beautiful or regenerative, or simply wrestling with questions that matter, we’d love to hear from you. Thanks for listening. Until next time — stay curious.

Send us Fan MailJoin us as we dive into a discussion with one of our long-time members, Vignesh from Purifloh. We explore the multitude of applications for purifying water, sterilising surfaces, destroying PFAS, and even improving how we preserve food. Tune in and discover the interplay of natural principles and human ingenuity that's shaping a cleaner, healthier world.Water is life, and this episode delves into the complexities of safeguarding this precious resource. Vignesh provides an insider's view on the formidable task of eradicating PFAS, the notorious pollutants lurking in our waters. We dissect the commercial viability of current decontamination processes, highlighting the unsung heroes—microorganisms—that may hold the key to a cleaner tomorrow.Our exploration doesn't stop at water; we also cast a lens on the implications of PuriflOH's technology for air quality and the medical field. From the sterility of surgical instruments to the freshness of the air we breathe, Vignesh and I discuss the potentially game-changing advancements on the horizon. The episode concludes with Vignesh sharing why he feels motivated to work on impact-oriented innovation, echoing a similar sentiment that many of our members share about leaving the world a little bit better than how we found it. For more info on PuriflOH:- WebsiteKeep Following the PatternSam's InstagramSubstackCoLabs CoLabs NewsletterThis is an evolving experiment.The Strange Attractor is produced by Ecotone Studio — a creative practice exploring the fertile edge where art, science, technology and philosophy meet.Like the ecosystems we are a part of, this project is designed to evolve. Every conversation changes the next one.If there’s a question you’d like us to explore, a guest we should invite, or a theme you think deserves more attention, drop us a line. We’re especially interested in the spaces between disciplines—the ecotones where unexpected ideas emerge. If you’re building something thoughtful, beautiful or regenerative, or simply wrestling with questions that matter, we’d love to hear from you. Thanks for listening. Until next time — stay curious.

Send us Fan MailWe recently reconnected with Aqeel Akber, a nuclear physicist turned entrepreneur and co-founder of AI and Data consultancy Thaum. 15 minutes into our catch-up at Market Lane over a batch brew, we decided to jump behind the mic for an impromptu exploration into the heart of technology's impact on society. It's not every day that you meet a kindred spirit at Burning Seed, but when you do, you're in for a dialogue that dances from the poetic ebb and flow of whale migrations to the gritty pragmatics of AI's rapid evolution. Our discussion traverses the realms of quantum and nuclear physics, machine learning, and the ethics of innovation, offering a fresh lens through which to view the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. You might wonder how whale tracking and scientific innovation find common ground with machine learning intricacies, but it's all part of the curious mind of Aqeel Akber. The WhalePod project exemplifies the ingenuity that springs from the fusion of disciplines. We share the backstory of this intriguing endeavour, its impact on our understanding of the ocean's largest inhabitants, and the broader environmental consequences. Meanwhile, we tackle the uncertainties of data and the implications of imperfect models, diving into the ever-evolving world of artificial intelligence with a critical yet hopeful eye toward its potential to reshape our collective futures.To wrap up our epic exchange, we contemplate the human elements at the heart of technological progress—diversity, creativity, love, and connection. As we discuss the role of diverse backgrounds in innovation and how AI could bridge cultural divides, it becomes clear that our digital age holds the promise of uniting us in ways we've yet to grasp fully. Join us for an episode that challenges conventions, inspires a reimagining of value and perception, and, ultimately, redefines the essence of human purpose in a world increasingly shaped by the tools we create.We look forward to seeing what Aqeel manages to manifest in his next venture as they continue on their mission of 'making the ethical decision, the economic one' using cleverness and invention.Want to know more? Keep up with Aqeel's latest movements on LinkedIn.Keep Following the PatternSam's InstagramSubstackCoLabs CoLabs NewsletterThis is an evolving experiment.The Strange Attractor is produced by Ecotone Studio — a creative practice exploring the fertile edge where art, science, technology and philosophy meet.Like the ecosystems we are a part of, this project is designed to evolve. Every conversation changes the next one.If there’s a question you’d like us to explore, a guest we should invite, or a theme you think deserves more attention, drop us a line. We’re especially interested in the spaces between disciplines—the ecotones where unexpected ideas emerge. If you’re building something thoughtful, beautiful or regenerative, or simply wrestling with questions that matter, we’d love to hear from you. Thanks for listening. Until next time — stay curious.

Send us Fan MailWe're experimenting with a first for us on the podcast: a shorter, condensed version where we (Andrew and Sam) cover off what has been happening recently in and around the lab.This conversation includes updates on: Our new site that is being built in the Monash PrecinctOur civic science hub, BioQuisitive and it's relaunchTwo of our members that are graduating! A few new members that are coming on boardKeep Following the PatternSam's InstagramSubstackCoLabs CoLabs NewsletterThis is an evolving experiment.The Strange Attractor is produced by Ecotone Studio — a creative practice exploring the fertile edge where art, science, technology and philosophy meet.Like the ecosystems we are a part of, this project is designed to evolve. Every conversation changes the next one.If there’s a question you’d like us to explore, a guest we should invite, or a theme you think deserves more attention, drop us a line. We’re especially interested in the spaces between disciplines—the ecotones where unexpected ideas emerge. If you’re building something thoughtful, beautiful or regenerative, or simply wrestling with questions that matter, we’d love to hear from you. Thanks for listening. Until next time — stay curious.

Send us Fan MailFor this episode, we sat down with Edgar Charry, the co-founder of Symex Labs, to explore the nuanced and deeply personal world of reproductive health.This episode brings forth a candid account of Edgar's startup journey, driven by his own fertility challenges. Together, we chart the human experiences that fuel scientific breakthroughs, and how Edgar's venture is carving out a new path for pre-IVF treatment, offering hope and empowerment to females who want to better understand personal insights about their fertility. Throughout our discussion, we delve into Symex Labs' wearable ‘lab-on-a-chip’ sensor, which is  designed to streamline hormone monitoring for women looking to track their ovulatory cycle. As we wade through the complexities of entrepreneurship, we pause to acknowledge the softer side of the startup hustle – the necessity of hobbies, the art of striking a work-life balance, and fostering human connections. Our conversation explores the importance of tending to the inner garden, through music, embracing the simple joys of life, and how the practice of reflection is pivotal to the well-being of any change-maker. Curious to hear more about Symex Labs?WebsiteLinkedIn TwitterKeep Following the PatternSam's InstagramSubstackCoLabs CoLabs NewsletterThis is an evolving experiment.The Strange Attractor is produced by Ecotone Studio — a creative practice exploring the fertile edge where art, science, technology and philosophy meet.Like the ecosystems we are a part of, this project is designed to evolve. Every conversation changes the next one.If there’s a question you’d like us to explore, a guest we should invite, or a theme you think deserves more attention, drop us a line. We’re especially interested in the spaces between disciplines—the ecotones where unexpected ideas emerge. If you’re building something thoughtful, beautiful or regenerative, or simply wrestling with questions that matter, we’d love to hear from you. Thanks for listening. Until next time — stay curious.

Send us Fan MailHave you ever wondered what happens when the frontiers of biology and technology collide? Hon Weng Chong, the  CEO of Cortical Labs, sits down with us and takes us on a recap of his journey thus far. Starting with his transition from being a medical doctor, through to being a tech innovator, Hon takes us through the crests and troughs of startup life, explores some of the philosophic implications of his organisation and outlines the fascinating ways in which biological systems predict, interact and make sense of the world.Join us as we uncover a symphony of stories that weave together medicine, technology, and the human spirit, like the tale of a medical student's crusade against childhood pneumonia using a digital stethoscope and smartphone wizardry.  We navigate the complex terrain of bio-ethics, the nuances of transdisciplinary collaboration, and the thrill of pushing the boundaries of innovation. Before we sign off, we turn our gaze towards the horizon, where the synthesis of deep tech and automation heralds a new era. Listen in to the unfolding tale where biology and technology converge, and be part of the conversation that's charting the course of tomorrow! Keen to know more about Cortical Labs? Website LinkedInInstagramBlogKeep Following the PatternSam's InstagramSubstackCoLabs CoLabs NewsletterThis is an evolving experiment.The Strange Attractor is produced by Ecotone Studio — a creative practice exploring the fertile edge where art, science, technology and philosophy meet.Like the ecosystems we are a part of, this project is designed to evolve. Every conversation changes the next one.If there’s a question you’d like us to explore, a guest we should invite, or a theme you think deserves more attention, drop us a line. We’re especially interested in the spaces between disciplines—the ecotones where unexpected ideas emerge. If you’re building something thoughtful, beautiful or regenerative, or simply wrestling with questions that matter, we’d love to hear from you. Thanks for listening. Until next time — stay curious.

Send us Fan MailReady to delve into the world of AI startups, media bias, and the future of research and education? This episode promises an enlightening conversation with Ben and Justin, a.k.a 'the AI boys' the brains (and potential boy band) behind Rava, an emerging AI startup and impact member at CoLabs Australia. We explore their journey into this fascinating field and the decision that led them to leave their academic pursuits to focus on this promising new frontier at the absolute cutting edge of applied AI. We also explore AI's potential use as a tool for good, the ethical implications, and the unique opportunities available for pioneers in the AI space.Ever considered how media bias and algorithms can limit our exposure to diverse perspectives? The conversation takes an interesting turn when we discuss this overlooked aspect of our digital lives. We dissect how custom news feeds can lead to polarisation, and the challenges inherent in a system driven by advertising revenue. From Twitter's community notes to other tools designed to combat bias, we dig deep into the initial conditions of these systems and the urgency of working towards unity rather than division and explore how Raava are working on a media bias plugin to help folks make sense of the information they consume. Lastly, we dive into the potential impact of technology on the world, the importance of wide boundary thinking in its creation, and touch briefly on the concept of complex adaptive systems. We traverse a range of topics, from using technology to solve challenges in different bioregions, to the potential of an 'AI tech stack platform' that could assess the reliability of scientific data. The discussion is jam-packed with insights that will leave you with plenty to ponder. So, join us as we explore the future together, guided by the insights of our inquisitive guests, Ben and Justin. Let's expand our horizons, shall we?Keep up to date with Raava: - Website - LinkedInKeep Following the PatternSam's InstagramSubstackCoLabs CoLabs NewsletterThis is an evolving experiment.The Strange Attractor is produced by Ecotone Studio — a creative practice exploring the fertile edge where art, science, technology and philosophy meet.Like the ecosystems we are a part of, this project is designed to evolve. Every conversation changes the next one.If there’s a question you’d like us to explore, a guest we should invite, or a theme you think deserves more attention, drop us a line. We’re especially interested in the spaces between disciplines—the ecotones where unexpected ideas emerge. If you’re building something thoughtful, beautiful or regenerative, or simply wrestling with questions that matter, we’d love to hear from you. Thanks for listening. Until next time — stay curious.

Send us Fan MailImagine a future where materials like leather are sustainable, ethical, and biobased, harming no animals in its production. Imagine a world where your leather handbag could be thrown in your garden at the end of its life, where it could decompose and actively regenerate the soil. Luckily for us, this vision of an entangled future where nature-grown and human-made collide is closer than you think. (Hat tip to pioneers like Neri Oxman, Materiom and Blue City Lab, biodesign Join us in discussion with one of our members, Tina Funder, as we explore her journey from the founder of the successful sustainable fashion label Life on Mars through to the founding of Alt. Leather, a next-gen materials startup pushing the boundaries of what is possible with regard to circular, bio-based leather alternatives.  As successful entrepreneurs know, the path to innovation is filled with countless challenges. Tina shares her experience of fundraising for her startup and outlines the importance of building a strong network along the way. She also shares how narrative can build rapport with investors and why due diligence is crucial before entering partnerships. Want to know more about Alt? Here are some links: WebsiteInstagramLinkedInKeep Following the PatternSam's InstagramSubstackCoLabs CoLabs NewsletterThis is an evolving experiment.The Strange Attractor is produced by Ecotone Studio — a creative practice exploring the fertile edge where art, science, technology and philosophy meet.Like the ecosystems we are a part of, this project is designed to evolve. Every conversation changes the next one.If there’s a question you’d like us to explore, a guest we should invite, or a theme you think deserves more attention, drop us a line. We’re especially interested in the spaces between disciplines—the ecotones where unexpected ideas emerge. If you’re building something thoughtful, beautiful or regenerative, or simply wrestling with questions that matter, we’d love to hear from you. Thanks for listening. Until next time — stay curious.

Send us Fan MailIn this whirlwind of an episode, we sat down with Mathew Mykta and Nathan (Nate) Kinch from Tethix.In this episode, We took a deep dive into Tethix's SMILES framework (the Symbio-Memetic Interwoven Language Embodiment System), which works at the intersection of transdisciplinary theory, reflective practice, and a deep ecological orientation. We ventured into the realm of Elemental Ethics, a nature-inspired language and framework that helps make ethics engaging, exciting and practical.  We learned how to be a responsible firekeeper by embedding and enacting your ETHOS. We explored the terrain of the Tethix Archipelago, a place in time and space where folks can engage in serious play through pixels and code that weave together a more beautiful way of connecting and relating within Gather.Town.In this playful conversation, we also touched on new forms of governance, how our stories shape our reality and inadvertently alter our ways of being, seeing, doing and relating to technology (and the world at large) and much, much more. Keen to explore more? Check out Tethix here.Keep Following the PatternSam's InstagramSubstackCoLabs CoLabs NewsletterThis is an evolving experiment.The Strange Attractor is produced by Ecotone Studio — a creative practice exploring the fertile edge where art, science, technology and philosophy meet.Like the ecosystems we are a part of, this project is designed to evolve. Every conversation changes the next one.If there’s a question you’d like us to explore, a guest we should invite, or a theme you think deserves more attention, drop us a line. We’re especially interested in the spaces between disciplines—the ecotones where unexpected ideas emerge. If you’re building something thoughtful, beautiful or regenerative, or simply wrestling with questions that matter, we’d love to hear from you. Thanks for listening. Until next time — stay curious.

Send us Fan MailFor our next edition of The Strange Attractor, we were joined by Paul Bevan and Andrew Laslett, hosts of The Magic Hour Podcast. Paul, Andrew, and Sam chat about the story behind Magic Valley and its people - one of several startups working at Co-Labs' shared lab space in Brunswick. We discuss a wide range of topics, from activism, innovation in Australian labs, current hurdles to the cultivated meat industry, the role of collaboration in the industry, and much more. Keep Following the PatternSam's InstagramSubstackCoLabs CoLabs NewsletterThis is an evolving experiment.The Strange Attractor is produced by Ecotone Studio — a creative practice exploring the fertile edge where art, science, technology and philosophy meet.Like the ecosystems we are a part of, this project is designed to evolve. Every conversation changes the next one.If there’s a question you’d like us to explore, a guest we should invite, or a theme you think deserves more attention, drop us a line. We’re especially interested in the spaces between disciplines—the ecotones where unexpected ideas emerge. If you’re building something thoughtful, beautiful or regenerative, or simply wrestling with questions that matter, we’d love to hear from you. Thanks for listening. Until next time — stay curious.

Send us Fan MailWelcome to the Inaugural Edition of The Strange Attractor! In this podcast, we delve into the Co-Labs' origin story, exploring where we came from and how we managed to build Victroia's first co-working lab and transdisciplinary innovation hub. We also discuss some of the fun projects that are happening in the lab.  Links to the members we discussed can be found below: Radetec: Point of Care STI DiagnosticsPuriflOH: air purification using plasmaVow: Alternative protein company working on meat productsMagic Valley: Food company developing cultivated meat productsSteribright: Autonomous smart sterilisation tech, using UVC and MERV/HEPA filtrationAuskelp: Creating an environmentally friendly form of aquaculture, using ocean kelpSymex Labs: Developing a biosensor patch to track ovulation using hormone sensingOmega Quant: Offers fatty acid analytical services to help consumers and researchers monitor their nutritional statusCortical Labs: creating silicon-neuron interfaces to create organic-digital intelligenceIf you're interested in some of the topics we covered, links can be found below to reference material: Designing Regenerative Cultures - Daniel Wahl The Systems View of Life - Fritjof Capra & Pier Luigi LuisiIP-NFTs and FRENS, IP-NFTs article 2 DAOsA link to the transcript can be found here.Keep Following the PatternSam's InstagramSubstackCoLabs CoLabs NewsletterThis is an evolving experiment.The Strange Attractor is produced by Ecotone Studio — a creative practice exploring the fertile edge where art, science, technology and philosophy meet.Like the ecosystems we are a part of, this project is designed to evolve. Every conversation changes the next one.If there’s a question you’d like us to explore, a guest we should invite, or a theme you think deserves more attention, drop us a line. We’re especially interested in the spaces between disciplines—the ecotones where unexpected ideas emerge. If you’re building something thoughtful, beautiful or regenerative, or simply wrestling with questions that matter, we’d love to hear from you. Thanks for listening. Until next time — stay curious.