In Case You Missed It: Here’s What The MTPConnect Team Has Been Up To in May

07 June 2024

MTPConnect Selected to Support Medical Science SMEs under Industry Growth Program
As Australia’s life sciences innovation accelerator, MTPConnect is delighted to be selected as an Industry Partner Organisation to support and grow medical science SMEs under the Australian Government’s Industry Growth Program. The outcomes of the contestable Industry Partner Organisation grant opportunity were announced by Industry and Science Minister, the Hon. Ed Husic MP. MTPConnect CEO, Stuart Dignam said adding this new initiative will complement the organisation’s suite of existing national accelerator and sector support programs. "We look forward to delivering more of our sought-after services and advisory support for start-ups and SMEs wanting to scale here in Australia,” Mr Dignam says. Read our full announcement.

Australia’s Clinical Trials Sector More Valuable Than Ever Before
Figures from a new MTPConnect report reveal that the clinical trials sector generated $1.6 billion for the Australian economy in 2022. The outcome, detailed in MTPConnect’s upcoming clinical trials sector snapshot report, represents growth of more than 4 per cent on 2019 and has been achieved in spite of the 2020 pandemic downturn. MTPConnect CEO, Stuart Dignam, said the outcome was worth recognising on World Clinical Trials Day in May.

MTPConnect Welcomes Investment in Clinical Trials One-Stop-Shop
MTPConnect has welcomed the Australian Government’s commitment of $18.8 million to progress development of a national one-stop-shop for clinical trials. MTPConnect CEO Stuart Dignam says, “While Australia remains an attractive destination for international clinical trials, global competition is fierce and if we want to maintain or increase our share, there are opportunities for improvement."

New Podcasts on TTRA's ASHRA and The Challenge in WA
In May, we spoke to Professor Clara Chow and Professor Stephen Nicholls from the Australian Stroke and Heart Research Accelerator (ASHRA) about how its pioneering model is helping to identify projects at the cusp of commercialisation and with real potential to drive health gains through better treatment and prevention of heart disease and stroke. Listen here! We also travelled to Perth to interview the Hon Stephen Dawson, Minister for Medical Research, and RioTinto's Laura Thomas to get an update on 'The Challenge' in WA, a global search for ground-breaking digital and medtech healthcare solutions for remote Pilbara communities. Listen to this episode on Apple Podcasts or any good podcasting platform!

MTPConnect Workshops Promote Australian Capabilities in South Korea
Our CEO Stuart Dignam joined Austrade's Julie Quinn, Senior Trade and Investment Commissioner in Seoul for two special MTPConnect events in Seoul ahead of Bio Korea 2024. The workshops, including 'Partnering for Regenerative Medicine Projects in Australia' and 'Why Choose Australia for Clinical Trials' brought together a fantastic group of experts to discuss the opportunities for partnering projects in Australia. Networking opportunities with 1:1 partnering meetings with Korean and Australian companies were also organised. It was great to be working with the Korean Health Industry Development Institute.

CTCM News: ‘Design to Manufacturing Tours’ for Medtech Innovators
Thanks to MTPConnect’s Clinical Translation and Commercialisation Medtech (CTCM) program and QUT’s The BridgeTech Program, a group of medtech innovators were invited to Melbourne for the Design to Manufacturing Tours. Over two days the group, including CTCM Awardee companies, visited some of Australia’s leading medical manufacturing operations while using the time to network and build connections. Read more about the program and stay tuned for an upcoming podcast episode with Vital Trace!

TTRA News: Nanotech Opens Door to Future of Insulin Medication
Research led by the University of Sydney and Sydney Local Health District, and supported by MTPConnect's Targeted Translation Research Accelerator (TTRA) has developed a new type of oral insulin based on nanotechnology. In the future, it could offer the 75 million people worldwide who use insulin for diabetes a more effective and needle-free alternative.

Industry Growth Program Now Open
Early-Stage Commercialisation and Commercialisation & Growth grants are now available for the Industry Growth Program. This government initiative aims to empower innovative SMEs in their journey towards commercialisation and growth. Eligible businesses will be connected with an Industry Growth Program Adviser. Find out more and apply!

SA June Insights Features Fusetec - Pioneering Surgical Training
Join the Adelaide Intermediary Program to learn more about the future of surgical training and simulation at the June SA Insights Event. Delve into the remarkable journey of Fusetec, and the global problem they are addressing with Natalie Rickers, Director Commercialisation in a fireside chat with Fusetec's CEO Mark Roe. On 27 June 2024, 5.30 pm - 7.30 pm ACST at Fusetec in Adelaide. Register now!

WA MTP Sector Spotlights NovaCina in June
Join the WA Life Sciences Innovation Hub for a fireside chat with Brett Alderson, President of NovaCina and COO of Bridgewest Perth Pharma, at the next WA MTP Sector Spotlight event at The Hub in Bentley, Perth. Discover NovaCina’s journey as a leading CDMO in Perth and the strategic vision of the Bridgewest Group, a global leader in pharmaceutical manufacturing. This is an excellent opportunity for the medtech and biotech sectors to connect, collaborate, and learn about the latest innovations in health and medicine. On Wednesday 19 June, 5:30 - 7:30 pm AWST.

Connect with the Adelaide Intermediary Program's Fee-Free Services
Would you like 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. Book a meeting.

Adelaide Intermediary Program Launches New Website
Our Adelaide Intermediary Program has launched a new website to support SA's dynamic healthtech ecosystem. Discover a vibrant network of researchers, innovators, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders, search innovations and capabilities in SA's medtech, biotech, pharma and digital health sectors and access services offered by the team, including an innovation check-in, commercialisation mentoring, strategic introductions, ecosystem navigation, and more. Stay updated with the latest happenings and trends, and submit your healthtech events too.

MTAA's MedTech Conference Earlybird Registration Opens
Earlybird registrations are now open for MTAA’s MedTech Conference, which will showcase vendor and technology displays, open plenty of networking opportunities and present a full 2-day program with an eminent lineup of speakers. The Conference will also feature an evening event recognising industry's finest at the MedTech Industry Awards. Receive a 27% discount when you combine your earlybird conference registration with RegConnect24 - the full day event on 22 October. The Medtech 2024 Conference is on 23 - 24 October 2024 in Sydney.

Farewell to MTPConnect team members
As our Researcher Exchange and Development within Industry (REDI) initiative comes to a close, we farewell team members Victoria (Tori) Mynard and Dr Ashwin Dhanasekaran who were an integral part of the team. We thank them for their immense contributions over the past two years and we wish them all the best for the future.

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