Built on innovation, excellence, and a commitment to improve healthcare delivery
Akeeko’s ambition is to transform how healthcare is delivered - increasing accessibility, efficiency, and affordability through innovation.
Our Story
Akeeko Medical (Akeeko™) was founded in Melbourne, Australia in 2022 when uro-oncologist surgeon Dr Joseph Ischia, possessing over 15 years of medical and research experience, joined forces with one of Australia’s best-known and most awarded engineers and innovators, Don Fry AO.
Together, they created our flagship product, the Akeeko Stent Inserter™ (ASI). The medical device is intended to assist the Healthcare Professional to perform ureteric stent insertion outside the operating room, providing rapid relief from excruciating pain associated with kidney stones. ASI’s potential to transform care for one of the most common urological diseases inspired us to continue our quest for solutions that deliver exponential health impact.
With input from a multi-disciplinary team of clinicians, other medical experts, researchers, and engineers, we are perfectly positioned to make healthcare delivery more efficient and accessible - one groundbreaking solution at a time.
Driven by Purpose
At Akeeko™, we are driven by our purpose to transform how healthcare is delivered.
As an interventional urology company, we combine technological innovation with clinical expertise to create scalable solutions that optimise patient well-being, user experience, and resource efficiency.
We are determined to save pain, time, and money for all our stakeholders.
Our Vision
Transformed global healthcare pathways that save pain, time and money.
Guiding Philosophy
We believe in the power of design and engineering to transform healthcare delivery.
Our Mission
To harness the power of clinical expertise, design and engineering and deliver solutions that generate order-of-magnitude benefits to patients, healthcare systems, and clinicians.
Our Team
Headquartered in Melbourne, Australia, Akeeko comprises a dedicated team of clinical, engineering, research, and business experts.
Supporting and guiding Akeeko is a world-class line-up of advisors spanning two key groups. Our Business Advisors bring hands-on experience taking medical devices through to successful exit, with deep expertise across commercialisation, fundraising, regulation, hospital systems, and procurement. Our US-based Scientific Advisors — key opinion leaders in urology and urological innovation — provide the clinical insight and market access knowledge critical to succeeding in the US healthcare system.
Together they give Akeeko the strategic and scientific foundation to navigate every stage of growth — from development through to market.
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Dr Joseph Ischia
CO-FOUNDER & CEO
Joseph is a urologist, surgeon scientist and clinical entrepreneur with a PhD and Associate Professorship with the University of Melbourne. He has over 15 years’ experience in the management of acute renal colic and kidney stones.
Joseph has been the PI and SI on multiple phase 1, 2 and 3 national and international clinical trials. He founded the “Talking Urology” podcast in 2016, one of the top ranking global urology podcasts.
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Cyril Dixon
CHIEF OPERATIONS OFFICER (COO)
Cyril has held senior management and executive roles in the healthcare and not-for-profit sectors, overseeing large-scale global projects.
Cyril is the former Global Director of Clinical Services at the Movember Foundation and Chief – Support Services at Ovarian Cancer Australia.
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Don Fry AO
CO-FOUNDER & CHIEF ENGINEER
Don boasts six decades of engineering experience, including 20+ years dedicated to medical research and the development of medical devices.
In 2006, Don was named among the Top 100 Australia’s most influential engineers.
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David Baker
CHIEF COMMERCIAL OFFICER
David brings over 30 years’ experience across sales, marketing, and management, 10 of which were focused on bringing innovative medical technologies to life. He played a key role in successfully launching the UroLift device in Australia, as well as supporting the global rollout of Barrigel.
At Akeeko, David is helping shape commercial strategy and AU and US product launch. -
Cara Webb
CLINICAL TRIALS MANAGER
Experienced nurse consultant and clinical trials coordinator with 20+ years in healthcare, specialising in managing clinical trial operations and administration.
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Dr Oneel Patel
RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
Research leader with 20 years of diverse expertise spanning academia, large-scale retail operations, and the pharma industry. Oneel is skilled in project management, building cross-functional teams, and managing complex research development programs across broad scientific disciplines.
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Olivia Passmore
GENERAL MANAGER - EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Olivia brings 20+ years of experience in fundraising and business development, with a track record of securing millions in philanthropic, private, and government funding. She is equally skilled in brand building and stakeholder engagement, working across investors, government, and industry.
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Rob Fletcher
PROGRAM MANAGER
Manufacturing systems engineer with over 20 years' experience, including 8 years in medical devices. Holds qualifications in business, Six Sigma, and project management. Has led teams in product introduction, process optimisation, and quality management.
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Abhijeet Kale
QUALITY ASSOCIATE
Abhijeet is a quality and compliance professional with experience spanning TGA-, FDA-, and EMA-regulated environments across the medical device, pharmaceutical, and biotech sectors. He holds a Master of Biomedical Science from the University of Melbourne and a Master of Biotechnology from the University of Pune, India.
At Akeeko, Abhijeet works across ISO 13485 QMS operations, CAPA management, change control, and regulatory compliance.