Member Spotlight: How Dr Wayne Markman Is Advancing Parkinson’s Care Through Innovation

At Urban Collective, we’re proud to be home to founders and innovators working on ideas that have the potential to make a real impact. One of those members is Dr Wayne Markman, Chief Executive Officer of SYMBYX Biome, a MedTech company pioneering at-home laser therapy for people living with Parkinson’s disease.

With a career that spans finance, medical science, and entrepreneurship, Wayne’s path into medical technology hasn’t been conventional. But that combination of experience has played a crucial role in shaping SYMBYX Biome into a science-led company working at the forefront of neurological innovation.

From Finance to Medical Technology

Wayne’s professional journey began in the world of finance, where he built a career in investment banking after completing a BA in Economics and an MBA from Harvard.

But his interests extended beyond the financial world. Driven by a fascination with human biology, medical technology, and clinical research, he went on to retrain in health sciences, qualifying as a Doctor of Chiropractic from Macquarie University.

Around the same time, Wayne saw people close to him navigating chronic health conditions. This personal exposure, combined with emerging research into light therapy and neurological disease, sparked a deeper curiosity about how science could be translated into practical, real-world health solutions.

“That period opened my eyes to the enormous potential of light-based therapies,” Wayne explains. “I realised there was an opportunity to take rigorous scientific research and turn it into accessible, at-home technologies that could genuinely improve quality of life.”

Co-founding SYMBYX became the natural next step – bringing together his background in business with his training in medical science to build a company focused on evidence-based, non-pharmaceutical therapies.

The Idea Behind SYMBYX

For decades, progress in treating Parkinson’s disease has been limited. The standard of care still relies heavily on Levodopa, a drug developed more than 60 years ago. While effective for many patients, its benefits can diminish over time and it doesn’t work well for everyone.

Wayne saw an opportunity for complementary approaches that could help people manage chronic neurological conditions more effectively.

The turning point came in 2019, when a clinical trial in Adelaide produced promising results using SYMBYX’s light-based technology.

“It was one of those moments where you realise the science is not just interesting – it has the potential to meaningfully improve people’s daily lives,” Wayne says.

From there, the SYMBYX team committed to building a strong clinical foundation. Over the following five years, they collaborated with Australian and international researchers to validate the technology and responsibly bring it to market.

Today, more than 7,000 people living with Parkinson’s worldwide use SYMBYX devices, with research and innovation continuing to evolve.

How Light Therapy Supports the Body

SYMBYX technology uses targeted infrared light therapy designed to interact with the body at a cellular level.

Unlike the red-light therapy commonly associated with skin treatments, SYMBYX devices use longer, invisible infrared wavelengths that penetrate deeper into body tissues. These wavelengths help support cellular energy production, reduce inflammation, and assist the body’s natural repair processes.

A key focus of the therapy is the Gut-Brain Axis – the complex communication system between the digestive system and the brain.

Through what SYMBYX calls the Abdomen–Neck protocol, light is applied to targeted areas that support this connection. The therapy is non-invasive, drug-free, and designed to complement existing medical care.

Building Innovation in a Complex Industry

Developing new medical technology is rarely straightforward. According to Wayne, one of the biggest challenges has been introducing an entirely new category of therapy into a healthcare system largely built around pharmaceutical treatments.

“Commercialising a novel medical device in Parkinson’s care is complex and highly regulated,” he says. “Every step – from building clinical data to navigating regulatory pathways and engaging clinicians – requires patience, rigour, and resilience.”

Equally important has been building trust with both patients and practitioners.

“In healthcare, there’s traditionally been a mindset that the doctor and medication are the only pathway. Introducing a complementary device-based therapy requires education, evidence, and time.”

A Future Focused on Patient Empowerment

Wayne believes SYMBYX sits at the intersection of two major shifts happening in healthcare.

The first is the move toward effective at-home care, particularly for chronic neurological conditions that require daily management rather than occasional clinical visits.

The second is growing scientific recognition of the gut-brain connection and its role in neurological disease.

“We’re seeing a shift toward empowering patients with research-backed tools they can use consistently in their own homes,” Wayne explains. “That fundamentally changes the dynamic of care – giving people greater convenience, consistency, and control.”

As SYMBYX grows, the company is also exploring new technological frontiers, including integrating its devices with wearable technology such as the Apple Watch. The goal is to develop an AI-driven platform capable of remotely monitoring movement and optimising treatment protocols for people with Parkinson’s and other movement disorders.

Life Beyond the Startup

Like many founders, Wayne’s days rarely look the same.

Running a MedTech startup requires him to move fluidly between science, strategy, fundraising, research collaborations, and global industry events – sometimes all within the same day.

To stay balanced, he prioritises a few simple habits: regular exercise, continuous learning, and carving out time for deep thinking – often while walking his dog or spending time in the garden.

Outside of work, Wayne enjoys tennis, cooking for family, teaching finance and investment management, and embracing Sydney life. On a warm summer evening, you might also find him unwinding with a glass of Four Pillars Bloody Shiraz Gin mixed with sparkling grapefruit juice and plenty of fresh lime.

Building the Future from Urban Collective

Wayne and the SYMBYX team work from Urban Collective, where they continue to grow the company’s global presence and research partnerships.

For founders working on ambitious ideas, spaces like Urban Collective provide more than just a place to work – they offer a community of entrepreneurs, innovators, and operators building the future across industries.

And for Wayne, the mission remains clear.

“At the end of the day, what keeps me energised is the sense that we’re building something very meaningful.”

Follow the journey:
Learn more about SYMBYX and the work of Dr Wayne Markman as they continue advancing innovation in neurological care.