Message from the CEO

Last week MTPConnect and AusBiotech convened Australia’s first National Biotech and Medtech Development and Commercialisation Summit in Canberra. With an early election in the air, we brought together leaders from across Australia’s life sciences industry during the final sitting weeks of the Federal Parliament for 2024 for an overdue conversation about how we unite our voice to drive stronger translation and commercialisation outcomes and bring more home-grown medical products to market.

We wrapped up the day with a networking reception at Parliament House, with many MPs dropping by to speak our companies and learn more about the sector’s contribution to both the Australian economy and better health outcomes. Orthocell’s Co-Founder and Managing Director, Paul Anderson gave an inspiring update about the company’s focus on regenerating mobility by developing breakthrough products to repair a variety of bone and soft tissue injuries. The company has set up a licenced TGA facility for the manufacture of human tendon and cartilage cells in Perth, equipped to scale-up and export products around the world. Their achievements provided a great example of why we need to nurture a culture of innovation if we want to continue developing and commercialising new medical products.

As promised, we released a post Summit Communique this week that signals our intention to get working on a joint pre-budget submission for the 2024/25 Federal Budget and an upcoming White Paper outlining a roadmap for accelerating the growth of Australia’s life sciences industry.

We have also been bringing the sector together to acknowledge life sciences achievements in South Australia and Western Australia. Our Adelaide Intermediary Program hosted APPLAUSE 2024 celebrating South Australian health and medical innovations with 250 innovators, entrepreneurs and sector leaders. In Perth, the Spotlight on 2024 saw the WA Life Sciences Innovation Hub and AusBiotech join forces for an unforgettable evening, again with more than 200 attendees from industry, academia, government, startups/SMEs and support organisations celebrating the incredible achievements of WA’s vibrant life sciences sector. Government engagement at both events was strong, with South Australia’s Minister for Health and Wellbeing, Hon Chris Picton MP, joining us in Adelaide and WA’s Minister for Innovation and the Digital Economy; Science; and Medical Research, the Hon Stephen Dawson MP, attending the Perth event.

During World Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week (WAAW) the Australian AMR Network (AAMRNet) held a workshop in Canberra bringing together key clinicians, researchers, industry and government representatives to discuss a subscription-style funding model for new antimicrobials. We were delighted that NHS England’s David Glover joined the event to take us through the UK’s success with its pilot subscription model. It’s part of efforts to explore how Australia can better support the development of and access to new antimicrobial technologies. Check out the latest MTPConnect Podcast episodes to find out more!

There is a strength in coming together, and thinking globally, which is why it’s time to look ahead to MTPConnect’s program of international conference delegations, site visits and activities for 2025 to help you and your company access international markets and global supply chains.

Our international activities are backed by strategic cooperation agreements in priority markets and are focused on putting Australian innovators in front of international customers and investors. Start planning your international outreach activities and budgets and get the key dates in your diary for 2025! We have already started taking expressions of interest for a Team Australia delegation to The Medtech Conference in San Diego next October and hope you can join us!

In NSW and Victoria, in partnership with the NSW Government and the Australian Society for Medical Entrepreneurship & Innovation (ASME), we brought together a new cohort of medical innovators for the launch of another 12-month Australian Clinical Entrepreneur Program (AUSCEP). The program is based on the highly successful UK NHS Clinical Entrepreneur Program and designed to empower clinicians with an entrepreneurial spirit to bridge the gap between healthcare and innovation. Congratulations to MTPConnect’s Elizabeth Stares who has been appointed to lead AUSCEP.

In more staff news, we welcome Dr Elise Needham as Senior Therapeutics Commercialisation Specialist for our TTRA Drugs and Devices program who will be based in Melbourne and seconded to CSL Limited. In South Australia, we are delighted that Lauren Sawyers has joined our Adelaide Intermediary Program as Administration and Events Officer.

We hope you continue to enjoy our newsletter and stay connected to opportunities, events and news. And next month look out for our Annual Report…

With so much happening in the sector over the next few months, we hope you continue to enjoy our newsletter and stay connected to opportunities, events and news.

Kind regards,

Stuart Dignam
Chief Executive Officer

Team Australia at The Medtech Conference Toronto

MTPConnect & Industry News

AusBiotech and MTPConnect Bring Together Australia’s Life Sciences Sector for First National Summit
This month's National Biotech and Medtech Development and Commercialisation Summit 2024 in Canberra brought together more than 100 of Australia’s leading industry figures, policy experts, and innovators to shape the future of the nation’s biotech and medtech sectors with a unified voice. The Summit offered a vital platform for setting a roadmap that will advance the sector’s translation, development and commercialisation capacity. Following the event, AusBiotech and MTPConnect hosted a reception at the Australian Parliament House for delegates to engage with Members of Parliament and Senators. Read the Discussion Paper and post-event Communique.

Start Making Plans with MTPConnect’s 2025 Conference Calendar
MTPConnect has developed a program of international conference delegations, site visits and activities for 2025 to help you and your company access international markets and global supply chains. Our international activities are backed by strategic cooperation agreements in priority markets and are focused on putting you in front of international customers and investors.
They also promote the strengths and capabilities of Australian medical technology, biotechnology, pharmaceutical and digital health innovators to the world. Start planning your international outreach activities and budgets and add these dates in your diary for 2025!

Australian Clinical Entrepreneur Program Cohort Kicks Off
This month we partnered with the Australian Society for Medical Entrepreneurship & Innovation (ASME) to launch of the Australian Clinical Entrepreneur Program (AUSCEP) in Victoria and NSW. The new cohort of medical innovators met for the first time and were introduced to the programs’ delivery partners, alumni and mentors for an evening of networking. The following day, AUSCEP kicked off the first Pitstop event focusing on the ‘leap to clinical entrepreneur’. The next Pitstop event will be held in December!

Australia’s AMR Network Explores New Approaches to Boosting Access to Antimicrobial Treatments
World Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week (WAAW) kicked off this month and to mark the occasion MTPConnect released two new podcast episodes. Episode 184 features AAMRNet co chair Andrew Bowskill in conversation with Pfizer's Anne Harris about new approaches to fighting superbugs. And we meet David Glover from NHS England who presented at the Australian AMR Network's (AAMRNet) workshop in Canberra to find out more about the successful UK subscription reimbursement model to see how it might be adapted to be fit-for-purpose in Australia. Listen to the episode!

ACADI Partnering Summit Showcases Ecosystem Outcomes And Research Collaborations
Jointly hosted by The Australian Centre for Accelerating Diabetes Innovations (ACADI) and MTPConnect, this year’s ACADI Partnering Summit on World Diabetes Day in Melbourne focused on ‘Collaborating for Impact’. Participants from across the diabetes clinical and research communities joined the event to hear about the ACADI ecosystem outcomes. Keynote presentations from thought leaders provided insights on their journeys with developing drugs, founding companies, raising capital and entrepreneurship. The main takeaway was ‘Think Big’.
Key themes for the afternoon sessions at ACADI’s Partnering Summit were ‘collaboration’ and ‘the future’.

'Building and Growing Your Business' Masterclass for MTPConnect Accelerator Programs
We recently delivered the 'Building and Growing your Business Masterclass' in Melbourne' as part of our Development Workshop Series which provides value-add for awardees of our Accelerator programs – Targeted Translation Research Accelerator (TTRA) and Clinical Translation and Commercialisation Medtech (CTCM) program – as well as participants of the Industry Growth Program (IGP). The masterclass featured keynote speakers and lively panel discussions on building a biotech company, and creating a road map to spinning out.

South Australia celebrates innovation and empowerment at APPLAUSE24
South Australia's health and medical innovation sector celebrated a year of achievements at the APPLAUSE24 event this month. The gathering brought together over 250 innovators, entrepreneurs, leaders, researchers, and healthcare providers, representing more than 60 industries, 15 government bodies, and multiple institutions. The stand-out event, organised by MTPConnect's Adelaide Intermediary Program (AIP) together with ecosystem partners including AusBiotech, Medical Device Partnering Program with Flinders University, Health Translation SA, University of Adelaide, and the University of South Australia, centered around the theme of EMPOWERMENT, aiming to inspire collaboration and collective strength within the sector. Watch the reel!

Adelaide's Healthtech Sector Hits Milestone with Global Market Navigator Program
Adelaide's healthtech sector celebrated a significant milestone this month with the successful completion of the inaugural Global Market Navigator Program. Ten innovative South Australian healthtech companies showcased their achievements after participating in a comprehensive 10-month program designed to accelerate global expansion. The program, delivered by MTPConnect and supported by the Adelaide Economic Development Agency (AEDA), equipped ground-breaking companies including Corcillum Systems, AddendAI, Fusetec, ResearchSat, Osteo-X, Personify Care, Protego Medical, Rehab Swift, and Sementis with crucial tools and connections to expand their global footprint. With nine accomplished mentors providing personalised guidance, the program has positioned these companies strongly for international success, reinforcing Adelaide's emerging role in the global healthtech ecosystem. View the celebration reel!

Connect with the Adelaide Intermediary Program's Fee-Free Services
Do you need to elevate your research impact, build connections and access advice to identify funding opportunities? MTPConnect's Adelaide Intermediary Program team will be working from the Tonsley Innovation District on the first Thursday of each month for drop-ins or one-on-one consultations. Access the fee-free services of the program now and book a meeting.

S potlight on 2024 Event Celebrates Western Australia’s Life Sciences Sector
The 'Spotlight on 2024' end of year event saw the WA Life Sciences Innovation Hub, Life Sciences WA, and AusBiotech join forces to celebrate the incredible achievements of Western Australia’s vibrant life sciences sector. The WA Hub team thanks the event sponsors FundWA, ProGenis Pharmaceuticals, Radium Capital and NovaCina for their support!

Registrations open for new Victorian Commercialisation Training Program
Registrations are now open for a new training program, 'Commercialisation Training for Medical and Med Tech Researchers' led by AAMRI VIC in partnership with Swinburne University of Technology and MTPConnect. With a specific focus on the pre-seed stage of research innovation, training program will equip early career researchers with fundamental knowledge in research commercialisation and the opportunity to partner with industry to progress their ground-breaking research ideas. If you are a researcher in a Victorian MRI register here.

Consider BioCom California's Partnering and Investor Conference
Have you heard about Biocom California’s 3 day Global Life Science Partnering & Investor Conference near San Diego (Torrey Pines) on Feb 25-27 2025? The event brings 600 people together including investors, representatives from the multinational strategics and C-suites from emerging companies with the aim of progressing deals. Through an MOU made earlier this year, MTPConnect and Biocom California have committed to working closely together to support the growth of life sciences companies, and this conference has been identified as an opportunity for Australian companies to consider. Find out more!

MTPConnect Team News!
We are thrilled to welcome two new team members to MTPConnect. Dr Elise Needham joins MTPConnect as Senior Therapeutics Commercialisation Specialist for the new MRFF-funded $28.5 million TTRA Drugs and Devices program. Elise will be based in Melbourne with the role seconded to CSL. And we warmly welcome Lauren Sawyers to the Adelaide Intermediary Program team as Administration and Events Officer, who will assist the Adelaide team in delivering key events.

Pictured: Australia’s leading industry figures, policy experts, and innovators shaping the future of the nation’s biotech and medtech sectors with a unified voice at the first-ever National Summit in Canberra.

Sector Snapshot

WA government commits $15 million from its Future Health Research and Innovation fund, to construct a new medical research and innovation hub in PerthBurnet Institute has partnered with Atomo Biosciences to develop Australia’s first syphilis self-test
The Australian Government has announced the members of the Health Technology Assessment (HTA) Review Implementation Advisory Group (IAG). including the appointment of Medicines Australia's CEO Liz de Somer and Board Deputy Chair Anne Harris (Pfizer ANZ) as industry’s representatives
The University of Queensland’s capabilities in drug discovery and development are set to be strengthened by a new partnership between UniQuest and global biotech company Molecule to Medicine (MTM)
Vexev and U.S. Renal Care Kidney Research have announced the enrolment of the first subject in the CANSCAN trial - ultrasound scanning using the Vexev ultrasound imaging system for arteriovenous fistula mapping examinations
BioMelbourne Network has announced a new one-year digital project to highlight the diverse career pathways within Victoria’s health and medical research sector
Melbourne-based peanut allergy company Aravax establishes pharmaceutical development base on the Oxford Science Park to develop manufacturing capabilities in the UK
Omico Founder Prof David Thomas has been awarded the NSW Premier’s Award for Outstanding Cancer Research recognising his career in sarcoma research, genomics and pioneering precision oncology as routine care to improve outcomes for patients
Congratulations to Navi Medical Technologies - one of our cutting-edge Clinical Translation and Commercialisation Medtech (CTCM) awardees - who received the Victorian Premier's Design Award for "Best Product Design" for its Neonav® ECG Tip Location System!
The Australian Research Council (ARC) announced $29.9 million in funding for 56 new projects under the ARC’s Linkage Project scheme 2024 Round 1
MedTech Actuator has opened an office in Osaka, Japan
Read MTPConnect's latest snapshot report on Australia’s Clinical Trials Sector released in June 2024
Find out how Australia is ready to play a leading role in the rise of the global radiopharmaceutical industry with MTPConnect's discussion paper, 'From Mines to Medicines. Australia’s Radiopharmaceuticals Future', outlining a national roadmap to maximise this opportunity
The results are in - read MTPConnect's TTRA impact report, ‘Transforming health outcomes for diabetes and cardiovascular disease in Australia – Interim report on impacts of the first Targeted Translation Research Accelerator’
Read the report from MTPConnect and its Australian Antimicrobial Resistance Network (AAMRNet): Fighting superbugs: Ensuring Australia is ready to combat the rise of drug resistant infections
Read the National Action Plan to Build Australia’s Diagnostic Technology Sector
gemaker's website is a great resource for the innovation and commercialisation sector - subscribe to gemaker's Monthly Insights newsletter for researchers, inventors and innovative businesses
Join the mailing list of the new Victorian Medtech Skills and Device Hub, bringing together local businesses, universities and education providers to accelerate Victoria's medtech sector and deliver the workforce of the future

Pictured: AARMNet Co-chair Andrew Bowskill hosted a workshop in Canberra with key clinicians, researchers, industry and government representatives to discuss a subscription-style funding model for new antimicrobials.

Sector Opportunities

The next Future Health Research and Innovation (FHRI) Fund Open Day in Fremantle, WA is on 6 December and they are partnering with West Tech Fest – Australia's longest running tech and innovation festival. Register here!
Expressions of interest for the second round of CUREator+ are now open! Delivered in partnership by Brandon BioCatalyst and ANDHealth, CUREator+ supports the translation and commercial development of promising biomedical and digital health technologies. EOIs close 4 December 2024
Applications for the new Accelerator Program Access Grants (APAG) are closing soon
The grant supports training and development opportunities within the Western Australian health and medical life sciences industry. Funding can be used by senior or executive level managers to travel to and participate in recognised national or international incubator, accelerator or business training programs. Applications close 12 pm (AWST) Monday 2nd December 2024
Apply to enter the Start-up Pitch Competition at the AMR Conference in February 2025. Translational projects and start-ups under 5 years old and with less than €5 million raised should apply Ten ventures will be shortlisted to pitch at the AMR Conference for a chance to win €10k. Deadline is 6 January 2025
Austrade is presenting a nation-wide India Market Update Roadshow from 21 October to 6 December 2024. Join Austrade's India Market Update Roadshow Events - see full program and register your interest
Applications are open for Orbit, a 12-month accelerator designed to support early-stage start-ups through the ‘valley of death’ stage and onto scalability and growth, delivered by Bloom, a WA based youth-led innovation hub
Start-ups and entrepreneurs in the Northern Territory - apply now for the Business Innovation Program and receive up to $30,000 in government grant funding, $2,000 in advisory services from a pre-approved advisor, and $10,000 for expenses incurred in commercialising your innovation. Applications close 30 June 2025
Nominations open for the 2025 Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science! Nominate someone you know for the 2025 prizes by 17 December 2024
Are you working on groundbreaking diagnostics or medical device countermeasures that address public health? I-CREATE is part of a global network of accelerator hubs that provide product development funding, accelerator services, and access to expertise for innovators developing health security solutions. Start-ups and university-backed projects worldwide can apply for non-dilutive funding ranging from $50K to $200K. Apply for the next cohort in 2025
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. And you may be eligible to apply for further funding
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
Cicada HealthTech Hub Ask an Expert is an exciting opportunity for clinicians, researchers, and health tech founders to gain insights and personalised advice from a distinguished panel of Mentors, Investors, and Funders. Visit the website to book an appointment for a 20-minute session online or at Westmead Innovation Centre
Invest NSW's MVP (Minimum Viable Product) Ventures 2024-2025 supports start-ups and innovative SMEs in the product lifecycle between early-stage research and mature investment opportunities, through grants to drive the commercialisation of highly innovative and new products. Closes 28 February 2025
Applications are open for X-TEND WA, a competitive co-investment grants program, investing in organisations that deliver initiatives to assist and support the WA Innovation Ecosystem provided by WA's Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation
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
Check out the APR.Intern internships available in the medtech and pharma sector!
Keep up with funding opportunities and subscribe to the monthly MRFF newsletter, from the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care
Do you have a great idea for a medical or assistive device and need R&D assistance? Connect with MDPP

Events

2 December 2024 - SaMD Regulation with the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), ANDHealth (online)
2-6 December 2024 - Global Tech and Innovation Program 2024 (WA)
2-6 December 2024 - West Tech Fest 2024 (WA)
4 December 2024 - India Market Update Roadshow: MedTech & Cybersecurity (Perth)
5 December 2024 - ACTIVATE 2024 Showcase, ANDHealth (Melbourne)
10 December 2024 - ANDHealth Summit - From New Frontiers to the Frontline (Melbourne)
11 December 2024 - BioMelbourne Network, AusBiotech and ARCS VIC End-of-Year Function 2024 – save the date (Melbourne)
12-13 February 2025 - Science Meets Parliament 2025, Science & Technology Australia (Canberra)
25-27 February 2025 - Global Life Science Partnering & Investor Conference, BioCom California (La Jolla, California US)
12-13 March 2025 - ARC APAC Summit 2025 (Melbourne)
18 - 19 March 2025 - Life Sciences Summit, Biotech NZ & NZTech (Wellington, New Zealand)
7-9 May 2025 - BIO KOREA Conference (Seoul, Korea)
16 May 2025 - Connecting Women Lunch, BioMelbourne Network (Melbourne)
16-19 June 2025 - BIO Convention (Boston, USA)
5-8 October 2025 - The MedTech Conference (San Diego, USA)
19-22 October 2025 - HLTH Conference (Las Vegas, USA)

To see what industry events are coming up in 2024, visit our events page.

Case Study Showcase | Industry Placement Turbocharges Researchers’ Commercialisation Skills and Networks

Each year throughout the REDI initiative, 20 leading pharmaceutical and medtech researchers, clinicians and innovators from around Australia were awarded short-term industry placements via the Bridge and BridgeTech Industry Fellowships Program. Open to participants and alumni of the Bridge Program and BridgeTech Program, the initiative was created to boost researchers’ skills and advance the collaborations and networks needed to push their research into therapeutics or medical devices, including digital health, towards commercialisation. Find out how the Bridge and BridgeTech Industry Fellowships Program through MTPConnect’s REDI initiative gave research academics a ‘peek’ behind the door of industry to obtain valuable experience.

Sector Profile: Datapharm Australia Pty Ltd

Datapharm is Australia’s original full service Contract Research Organisation (CRO) providing clinical trial services such as Clinical Trial Site Selection, Regulatory and Site Set-up, Clinical Trial Monitoring Services, Data Management, Statistics, Medical and Scientific Writing, Medical Monitoring and Pharmacovigilance, Patient Recruitment, Quality Control Processes & GCP Auditing. Learn more in our Sector Directory.