South Australian reproductive biotechnology company ART Lab Solutions has won the Dark Horse Award at the 2026 William Buck Impact Awards, announced at Adelaide Oval on 4 November.

 

The award marks a proud milestone for the Australian-owned business, which grew from reproductive research by Prof. Jeremy Thompson at the University of Adelaide and began commercial operations in 2018.

 

ART Lab Solutions translates reproductive science into products and practical tools that enable assisted livestock breeding. Manufactured and quality tested in Adelaide, the company’s IVF media provide the environment in which eggs mature, fertilisation occurs and embryos develop in the laboratory. These products help laboratories support breeding programs that bring valuable genetics into herds sooner.

 

CEO Marie Ellul said innovation at ART Lab Solutions was driven by the need for a commercially available in vitro embryo production media, supporting laboratories and livestock producers.

 

“For us, innovation begins with a practical question: how can we make reproductive technologies accessible and improve embryo and pregnancy outcomes for cattle? Our IVF products support the production of embryos carrying traits that breeders value, such as meat quality, milk production and animal health.

 

Our emerging technologies aim to help producers manage reproduction more effectively, and increase genetic gain rapidly in beef and dairy herds” Mrs Ellul said.

 

Alongside its IVF media development, ART Lab Solutions is developing a non-invasive pregnancy detection device for cattle, exploring how new technology could support on-farm breeding decisions. 

 

“The common purpose is to turn scientific advances into useful tools that support better breeding decisions and stronger farming businesses.”

As ART Lab Solutions grows internationally, it continues to expand its operations and manufacturing capability within South Australia, connecting local expertise with the needs of customers around the world.

“This is a proud moment for our team and everyone who has supported our growth,” Mrs Ellul said.

 

“We thank our customers, distributors and research collaborators for helping us test ideas, understand challenges and continue improving. Their input is an important part of how we innovate.”

 

ART Lab Solutions congratulates its fellow finalists and thanks William Buck, the judges and the award organisers for the recognition.