Message from the CEO

Now, more than ever, establishing resilient international relationships and markets is critical for researchers and companies in our sector. And with the world gathering in Boston in June for the big BIO International Convention, I’m pleased to say Australia’s life sciences offer will be front and centre.

After selling out in less than 48 hours, MTPConnect’s pre-conference value-add program on 12-13 June will be a highlight, linking delegates into Boston’s renowned innovation ecosystem. We are staging an eye-catching Team Australian pavilion to promote Australian companies and hosting a Global VIP Business and Networking Reception to showcase Australia’s life sciences sector to the world.

There are still some partnering opportunities available for companies looking to maximise their presence and profile at BIO – get in touch to find out more.

To help make sense of the rapidly changing US ecosystem, we just wrapped-up an over-subscribed multi-city tour across Australia with US regulatory expert Jeff Gibbs for the seminar series FDA to Z of Getting Your Product to the US, designed for participants of the Government’s Industry Growth Program. Jeff’s insights and tips on navigating the FDA process couldn’t have been more timely and were exceptionally valuable. We took the opportunity to speak with Jeff for the MTPConnect Podcast so we will be sharing that episode with you soon.

Another resource to help start-ups and SMEs with US market entry is Medical Alley’s online Academy training which has just been launched. I spoke to MA’s CEO Bobbie Dressen about their new digital education platform on the MTPConnect Podcast and this is an episode not to be missed.

One company that has successfully straddled its operations between Australia and the US is BiVACOR, as it develops a groundbreaking Total Artificial Heart. We backed BiVACOR through our TTRA diabetes and cardiovascular disease accelerator program and the team recently achieved a world first after the device was implanted in an Australian patient for 105 days allowing them to leave hospital to await a donor heart transplant. It’s great to see this homegrown Aussie innovation progressing and changing more lives.

In May, our Chair, the Hon. Jaala Pulford will take part in events at the BIO KOREA 2025 international convention in Seoul. The relationship between Australia and South Korea gets stronger each year (Korea is Australia’s fourth largest two-way trading partner) and MTPConnect will be leveraging its relationship with Korea Health Industry Development Institute (KHIDI) to promote clinical trials and collaborative and commercial opportunities.

For companies considering tapping into the European market or evaluating if they are export ready, tune into our podcast episode with Exportia’s CEO Christelle Damiens.

Our work on antimicrobial resistance (AMR) continues with AAMRNet co-chair Andrew Bowskill heading to at ESCMID Global 2025 (Congress of the European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases) in Vienna to present a poster session on 13 April on trends in prescriber applications to access unregistered antimicrobials in Australia. The analysis and compelling data backs up our advocacy for a pilot subscription fund to be adopted in Australia for new antimicrobials.

Locally, with the pre-election budget handed down last week and an election called for early May, we are waiting to find out more about the $1 billion+ set aside in the budget for ‘new programs’ – decisions taken but not yet announced. Over the next five weeks of campaigning we will be looking out for commitments to the sort of targeted, strategic initiatives that will directly support our life science startups, SMEs and entrepreneurs. 

We are also delighted to be partnering with Queensland Health to deliver a Poster Session at their Queensland Research Excellence Showcase in Brisbane on 30 May. Today, we have put out a call for research project posters from Queensland Health employees to promote research that is current, translation-ready and supports a fast, fearless and future research culture. More information on eligibility and applications here.

We hope you continue to enjoy our regular newsletter and stay connected to opportunities, events and more.

Kind regards,

Stuart Dignam
Chief Executive Officer 

Pictured: AAMRNet co chair Andrew Bowskill chats with US movie star and AMR documentary maker Bill Pullman in Basel, about Australian initiatives, and gifts him the AMR Symbol lapel pin.

MTPConnect & Industry News

MTPConnect’s BIO 2025 Site Visit Program in Boston, 12 - 13 June 2025 'SOLD OUT'
The MTPConnect curated pre-BIO visit program to leading multinational and industry organisations at key Boston sites covering R&D, manufacturing, incubators and accelerators has sold out. 🚀 If you missed out, consider becoming a sponsor of the Visit Program to secure 2 places and valuable benefits. We have visits confirmed to CSL, Cytiva, Novartis and Pfizer. To find out more contact MTPConnect’s Partnerships Director Jarrod Belcher. Visit our website to find out more!

Get ready for BIO 2025!
We recently hosted a popular webinar on ‘Preparing for a Productive Partnering Conference’ to assist delegates in WA and SA who are heading to Boston for the BIO International Convention in June. If you are planning to travel to BIO, check out how you can be part of the SA or WA delegation.

Register your interest for the Australia Biotech Mission to BIO Asia-Taiwan taking place 23-27 July 2025. BIO Asia-Taiwan is a leading Asian biotech event where Australian companies have been highly effective in unlocking business opportunities and connecting with key industry players. Join Austrade’s pre-conference activities and make the most of the Australian pavilion, supported by MTPConnect. Plus, save the date for Australia-Taiwan Biotech Collaboration Forum and Networking Reception on 23 July 2025.

Join our US Medtech Conference Site Visit Program
The MedTech Conference is a can’t-miss event for the industry’s prominent and promising companies. MTPConnect is adding value with a two-day site visit program on 2 - 3 October 2025, so plan to be in San Diego early to take part. Register your interest now. Find out more about MTPConnect-led conference delegations and other delegations we are supporting.

Call for Queensland Health Research Project Posters 
As part of the Queensland Research Excellence Showcase on 30 May at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, MTPConnect is partnering with Queensland Health to deliver a research project poster session! We are calling for Queensland Health researchers to enter a poster to promote their research that is current, translation-ready and supports a fast, fearless and future research culture. Applicants will also receive pitch training in the lead up to the Showcase! Four winning posters will receive $3,500. Check guidelines for eligibility criteria and apply by 19 April.

New MTPConnect Podcast Episodes
This month, our podcast explores how Australian health innovators can expand into global markets with an episode featuring Exportia's Christelle Damiens, an entrepreneur and award-winning author, who shares her tips on exporting your medtech to Europe. Check out her tips here! And we also spoke to Medical Alley CEO Roberta (Bobbie) Dressen about the launch of their new online training program, Medical Alley Academy, designed to help innovators move into the US market - a great opportunity for Australian companies to tap into - find out more.

Journal Article Shows Lifesaving Antimicrobials Needed by Critically Ill Australians
Check out this recently published journal article in JAC-AMR, 'Do policies that allow access to unregistered antimicrobials address the unmet need? Australia as a case study of a high-income country with universal healthcare'. Analysis shows that "unapproved antimicrobials are frequently accessed by clinicians for patients unable to be treated with registered antimicrobials in Australia". Co-authored by MTPConnect's Andrew Bowskill, chair of AAMRNet.

Tapping into the 9th AMR Conference to Boost Fight Against AMR 
With the 9th AMR Conference kicking off in the Swiss city of Basel, it was a chance for the Australian Antimicrobial Resistance Network (AAMRNet) to catch up with the latest trends in the development of AMR products and profile our activities to the international ecosystem. Read about the packed program!

Join One-Day UK Market Entry Workshop in WA
Are you a WA medtech or digital health company looking to navigate the complexities of the UK healthcare system? Register for a free one-day workshop on 3 April, hosted by The University of Western Australia, Perth Biodesign, Springboard Medical Manufacturing Alliance and the WA Life Sciences Innovation Hub, and gain essential insights into commercialising your medtech and digital health solutions in the UK, specifically within the National Health Service (NHS) ecosystem.

Adelaide Intermediary Program Team Consults 
If you are after general advice or guidance, looking to make strategic connections or want to find out about funding opportunities, book a 1:1 consult with the MTPConnect Adelaide Intermediary Program team! Book here for appointments available in April. 

WA Life Sciences Hub Launches New Website!  
The WA Life Sciences Innovation Hub has launched a new website, a go-to resource for anyone engaged in Western Australia’s health and medical life sciences industry, providing up-to-date information on innovation support, funding opportunities, events, and sector news. Check it out!

The first implant of a BiVACOR Total Artificial Heart in Australia has been announced as an unmitigated clinical success, with the patient becoming the first in the world to be discharged from hospital and living with the device for 105 days before receiving a donor heart.

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BMTH alumni and Perth-based Proteomics International (ASX: PIQ), a pioneer in precision diagnostics, has announced the launch of its first-in-class predictive test for diabetic kidney disease, Promarker®D, in Australia. 

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Professor Ian Frazer AC has stepped down from his role as Chair of the Australian Medical Research Advisory Board (AMRAB).

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Sue MacLeman,  previously CEO and Chair of MTPConnect, has been appointed as the new Chair of Medicines Australia.

MTPConnect is supporting international conference delegations and events in 2025!

𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗯𝗲 𝗹𝗶𝗺𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗱. 𝗙𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝗠𝗧𝗣𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘂𝗽𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀!

Mark your calendars for these other international conference events! 

Sector Opportunities

• The Australian Technologies Competition (ATC) is now open for scaleups! Semi-finalists receive mentoring, intensive MasterClass sessions and networking opportunities while finalists have a chance to pitch their technology to a panel of judges and ultimately become an awards category winner! Free to enter, the competition closes on 11 May 2025. Finalists will be announced in August with awards night in September.

• Apply to be part of Cicada x Tech23 2025 in Sydney on 10 September. A movement to champion 23 visionary founders, connect them with the right people, and accelerate their journey from lab to market, from startup to scale. 

• Applications for ANDHealth ACTIVATE 2025 are open. Supported by LaunchVic, this purpose-built accelerator program is for Victorian digital and digitally enabled medtech companies that are poised for significant growth. Apply before 4 April 2025.

• The NSW Biosciences Fund (BioSF) 2025 round is now open. If you're working on groundbreaking biotechnology, life sciences, biomanufacturing, genetic engineering, synthetic biology, or agrifood innovations, this is your chance to secure up to $2 million in funding to bring your ideas to life. Apply before 30 April 2025.

• The WA Government is seeking EOIs from Western Australian biomedical companies to activate CSIRO's Floreat site as part of a new biomedical precinct.
   
• The Australian Government has commissioned a strategic examination of Australia’s research and development (R&D) system to be led by an independent expert panel. The panel has developed a discussion paper to inform and help develop advice which is available now. Find out how to have your say here.
   

• Register to receive the latest news from Australia’s Cell & Gene Catalyst, powered by AusBiotech and Medicines Australia, to propel Australia’s cell and gene industry forward by fostering collaboration and aligning advocacy efforts to achieve transformative outcomes.

• Check out Microscopy Australia’s Industry Subsidy Scheme - helping industry researchers access state-of-the-art microscopes and expertise at Microscopy Australia facilities to solve their challenges at reduced rates. Travel support may be available if required. SME applications are prioritised, and vouchers must be used within 12 months of issue. 

• Showcase your medtech innovation at AusBiotech MedtechInvest in Sydney on 6 May 2025. Apply to be an investee. 
   
• NSW Heath and Cicada Innovations' Industry-Specific MedTech Commercialisation Courses are now open, focusing on Medical Devices, Software as a Medical Device, Pharmaceuticals & Therapeutics and Diagnostics.
   
• For anyone in NSW who wants to make a significant impact with their health innovation and successfully commercialise their idea or invention, join the Diagnostics specialisation course, part of the NSW Health Commercialisation Training Program (free for NSW based residents). On 20-22 May 2025. Apply now!
   

• Breakthrough Victoria's Breakthrough Fellowship program ignites research entrepreneurship across Victoria, addressing critical market gaps and aiming to cultivate the next generation of start-up founders from Victorian universities. Up to $150,000 is available to start-ups.

• Digital Health innovators looking for a place to work in the Melbourne CBD need to check out CHICC, a free community hub for digital & connected health innovators powered by ANDHealth and supported by the Victorian Government. Access free resources, workshops, hot desks, meeting rooms and more while connecting and collaborating with industry peers. 

• BioElevate by Jumar Bioincubator  is a 2-day hands-on workshop in Melbourne designed to guide you through the commercialisation process step-by-step. Be part of the next cohort in May 2025 and submit an EOI.
   
• Start-ups and entrepreneurs in the Northern Territory - apply now for the Business Innovation Program and receive government grant funding, advisory services from a pre-approved advisor, and expenses incurred in commercialising your innovation. Closing 30 June 2025.
   
• FundWA Open Door initiative provides local founders with the opportunity to discuss fundraising, or pitch to a member of our team. No warm introduction needed, just apply.
   
• CSIRO Kick-Start is a year-round initiative providing matched funding support for innovative Australian start-ups and small businesses, with access to CSIRO’s research expertise and capabilities to help grow and develop their business.
   
• Take your research project to the next level with CSIRO’s ON Prime program – applications will re-open mid 2025.To be notified of all future rounds and other ON Program opportunities, please subscribe to the mailing list.

• The Industry Growth Program provides support for innovative SMEs to commercialise and grow their business within the National Reconstruction Fund priority areas, such as medical science. Get connected to an Industry Growth Program adviser who will provide tailored advice to support your commercialisation and/or growth project.

Events​

• 3 April 2025 - UK Market Entry Workshop WA Life Sciences Innovation Hub (Perth)
• 6–8 May 2025 - AusMedtech, AusBiotech (Sydney)
• 7–9 May 2025 - BIO KOREA Conference (Seoul, Korea)
• 15 May 2025 - Enhancing Drug Discovery and Development, Jumar Bio (Melbourne)
• 16 May 2025 - Connecting Women Lunch, BioMelbourne Network (Melbourne)
• 19 May 2025 - BPD Annual Conference (Sydney)
• 30 May - Queensland Research Excellence Showcase, Poster Session (Brisbane)
• 16–19 June 2025 - BIO Convention (Boston, USA)
• 16–19 June 2025 - HLTH Europe (London & Amsterdam)
• 23–27 July 2025 - Australia Biotech Mission to BIO Asia-Taiwan, AUSTRADE
• 5–8 October 2025 - The MedTech Conference (San Diego, USA)
• 8–10 October 2025 - BioJapan, (Yokohama, Japan)
• 19–22 October 2025 - HLTH Conference (Las Vegas, USA)
• 22–23 October 2025 - MTAA Medtech Conference (Sydney) 
• 21–24 October 2025 - AusBiotech (Melbourne)

To see what events are coming up in 2025, visit our events page.
 

Case Study Showcase | Biointelect Venturer Program Delivers ‘Skills Toolbox’ To Help Researchers Attract Investment

Australia’s life sciences investment industry is a niche and risk-averse landscape, one in which the challenges of securing financial investment underscore the critical need for innovation ventures to have the skills to navigate the investment environment effectively.
With the support of MTPConnect's workforce initiative REDI, a consortium – led by Biointelect and supported by ARCS Australia and Biodesign Australia – introduced a training program for researchers and innovators to close this key skills gap. Find out how the training equipped participants with a toolbox of skills to attract funding and commercialise their innovations.