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

05 July 2024

Australia’s Clinical Trials Sector: MTPConnect Snapshot Report Released
Figures from a new MTPConnect report published this month reveal that Australia’s clinical trials sector generated $1.6 billion for the Australian economy in 2022. The outcome, detailed in MTPConnect’s report, produced in collaboration with L.E.K Consulting, Australia’s Clinical Trials Sector - Advancing innovative healthcare and powering economic growth, represents growth of more than 4 per cent on 2019 and has been achieved in spite of the 2020 pandemic downturn. MTPConnect’s clinical trials sector report, which was first published in 2017 and updated in 2021, has been a valued resource for State and Federal governments, local and international sector participants and financial investors alike as it provides a holistic and comprehensive overview of the current state of the environment in Australia.

MTPConnect Workforce Initiative Delivers Skills Needed to Power Life Sciences Sector Growth
With MTPConnect’s Researcher Exchange and Development within Industry (REDI) initiative now completed for the MRFF, a new report, Improving workforce skills in Australia’s medical products sector has been released capturing the program’s impact in successfully developing and growing Australia’s life sciences sector workforce. Over the last three and a half years, REDI has delivered training, mentoring and industry placements to more than 8,400 participants across Australia, nearly double the original target. The report was launched at a workforce capability roundtable at the BIO2024 conference in San Diego, US, with sector professionals and industry leaders from around the world in attendance. Read it now!

New AI Accelerator to Boost Australia’s Biomedical Sector
Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing (ARM) Hub and MTPConnect launched the Biomedical AI Sprints Accelerator (BASA) with Hon. Ed Husic MP, Minister for Industry and Science at Australia’s Pavilion at BIO2024 in San Diego. The accelerator will help biomedical companies harness the power of data and artificial intelligence (AI). BASA will offer $25K to $50K in matched funding and will upskill a selected number of high growth companies in the use of AI and data analytics, provide access to affordable data management infrastructure, and create a tech-ready workforce. Join the to find out more about the accelerator and visit the ARM Hub website to apply. Tune into the latest MTPConnect Podcast episode with ARM Hub to hear more about the opportunity.

MTPConnect strengthens life science links with US through MoU with Biocom California at the 2024 BIO Convention
MTPConnect and Biocom California have committed to working closely together to support the growth of life sciences companies, with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding at the 2024 BIO International Convention in San Diego. The MoU was signed by MTPConnect CEO Stuart Dignam and Biocom California CEO Joe Panetta and witnessed by the Hon. Ed Husic MP, Minister for Industry and Science who led the Australian presence at BIO. The agreement will see the two organisations work together on collaborative programs and events, provide key connections and in-market support, exchange information on key issues and trends, and support for investment and trade missions between Australia and US.

Australia's innovative biotech sector on show at BIO International Convention
The verdict is in from Team Australia - best BIO International Convention ever! With the largest showing of close to 500 delegates, a raft of innovative Australian biotech companies and organisations were represented at the world's largest biotech partnering event spearheaded by Minister for Industry & Science Hon Ed Husic MP. The team at MTPConnect have been involved in supporting Team Australia's presence and organising a program of business activities at #BIO2024 in San Diego to highlight Australia's innovative biotech sector. Watch the video highlights to check out some memorable occasions. Read on to find out about the program and the collaboration and business opportunities.

WA's VitalTrace medtech story featured on MTPConnect Podcast
In June, we spoke to Dr Chuong Phan, Manufacturing Lead at WA-based VitalTrace, to share more about the progress and translation of DelivAssure, a unique biosensor innovation. VitalTrace is participating in the CTCM program and developing a groundbreaking medical device to revolutionise fetal monitoring during childbirth. Listen here!

BIO Bites - new podcast episodes direct from BIO 2024 San Diego
For our first episode in the BIO Bites podcast series, we spoke to ARM Hub’s Chief Operating Officer Samuel Jesuadian in San Diego about their work as a technology adoption hub and the newly launched Biomedical AI Sprints Accelerator open now to high growth biomedical SMEs keen to harness the power of data and artificial intelligence (AI). Listen to this episode on Apple Podcasts or any good podcasting platform!

Connecting South Australia and Western Australia biotech to the globe!
BioCina and NovaCina, two of Australia’s leading CDMOs, along with LumaCina - Bridgewest Perth Pharma and BioOra showcased their journey of unlocking Australia’s potential in the biotech sector through their facilities in Western Australia and South Australia for the event, ‘Bridgewest Connects: Linking Global Biotech to South and Western Australia’ at BIO 2024 in San Diego. The event was coordinated by WA’s Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation, SA’s Department for Trade and Investment, and MTPConnect through the WA Life Sciences Innovation Hub and MTPConnect Adelaide Intermediary Program, together with the Bridgewest Group, a private investment firm with global investments in innovative software, semiconductor technologies, life sciences and biotech. Find out who took part in this networking event.

SA July Insights Explores the Future of Health and Medical Research in South Australia
Join the Adelaide Intermediary Program's SA Insights event and find out the future strategies poised to shape health and medical research in South Australia. The state is set for an exciting future, with the new Adelaide University taking shape, a new health and medical research strategy from government, and continued investment in major infrastructure. This event offers a unique opportunity to hear from the leaders driving these strategies in our research organisations and in government. On 18 July 2024, 5.30 pm - 7.30 pm ACST at the University of Adelaide. Register now!

Adelaide Intermediary Program Workshop: Becoming Investable with Marina Mara
Join the Adelaide Intermediary Program for a comprehensive 2.5-hour workshop facilitated by Marina Mara, who will cover three critical venture-building areas to ensure you are well-prepared for market success and investor confidence. Additionally, you will receive a takeaway checklist of actionable items to implement with your team, all achievable within 30 days. On Friday 16 August 2024, 8.30 am - 11 am ACST at One Festival Tower, Adelaide. Register so you don't miss it!

WA Life Sciences Innovation Hub Spotlight - What is next for biotech?
Join the WA Life Sciences Innovation Hub for an evening with Brandon Capital's Leighton Read, a renowned Silicon Valley-based serial entrepreneur and venture investor. This event is brought to you in partnership with RSM and Brandon Capital, welcoming commercialisation professionals from leading MRIs and Health Departments across Australia and New Zealand. An opportunity to gain valuable insights and connect with the sector! At RSM in Perth, 20 August, 5:30 - 7:30 pm AWST.

FHRI Fund Open Day in Perth
The WA Department of Health’s Office of Medical Research and Innovation (OMRI) in collaboration with the WA Life Sciences Innovation Hub, is hosting an Open Day on 18 July under the theme: ‘a connected innovation ecosystem’. Take the opportunity to hear about local health and medical innovation developments, and new FHRI Fund programs. Successful FHRI Fund recipients will share their innovation projects through an ‘Early-stage Biomedical and Health Showcase’ and there will also be a marketplace highlighting some WA innovations - email your EOI to Rebekah Hinton if you'd like to be involved in the marketplace.

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.

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!

Farewell to MTPConnect team members
We fondly say thank you and farewell to Pia Vogrin and Dr Natalie Rickers in South Australia. Pia has led engagement and communications for our Adelaide Intermediary Program since it launched, and Natalie has supported our Global Market Navigator Program in 2024. We also bid farewell to Dr Gerard Gibbs who led our BioMedTech Horizons Program for the past four years with enormous success, and Tamlyn O'Connor, based in Brisbane, who has been instrumental in developing our international delegations at BIO and the Medtech Conference over the past few years. We wish them all the best for the future.