Health and Tech Entrepreneur Dr Michelle Perugini Joins AEDA Board
Health and tech entrepreneur Dr Michelle Perugini has been appointed to the Adelaide Economic Development Agency (AEDA) Board.
Dr Perugini, who has more than two decades of experience across medical research, artificial intelligence (AI), and health technology and commercialisation, was appointed to the board until 30 June 2027.
AEDA received 122 applications, with the City of Adelaide Council approving her appointment on 9 December 2025.
Dr Perugini fills the vacancy left by fintech leader Matthew Poblocki who resigned from the board in 2025 to pursue other interests interstate.
AEDA Chair Steve Maras says Dr Perugini will bring a globally innovative perspective to the AEDA Board.
“She will help cement Adelaide as a well-connected destination which, in turn, encourages investment,” Mr Maras says.
“That leadership will help convert research excellence into economic growth that supports local businesses and suppliers, as well as adding high-value jobs to the city.”
Dr Perugini holds a PhD in Medicine and brings more than a decade of experience in oncology research. She founded her first AI company in 2007, which EY acquired in 2015.
She is also the Creator of Life Whisperer, an AI-powered women’s health platform to improve in vitro fertilisation (IVF) outcomes. The product was commercialised in more than 40 countries before its acquisition by a Japanese multinational in 2024.
With deep expertise in innovation-led economic development, Michelle is the Founder and Chair of AI-driven drug design company Qubigen, which is committed to advancing next-generation therapeutics.
In addition, Dr Perugini is Group Chief Executive Officer of AU Ventures Group and Director of Research Translation and Commercialisation at Adelaide University.
She has received multiple accolades, including the Women in AI (WAI) Healthcare Award and the Telstra Brilliant Women in Digital Health Award in 2021.
Dr Perugini looks forward to advocating for Adelaide and continuing its reputation as the best place to live, work and play.
‘I am deeply committed to Adelaide’s future as a globally connected innovation city, where research excellence, entrepreneurship and industry collaboration drive sustainable economic growth,” Ms Perugini says.
“I’m excited to contribute to a shared vision that positions Adelaide as a destination for talent, technology and investment, and unlocks the full potential of our innovation ecosystem.”
To learn more about the AEDA Board, click here.