With a focus on local procurement, MTPConnect has launched its 2026 Pathway to Market – Medtech Capability Uplift Program for Victoria today.
The highly sought after program, rolling out for the second time, is designed to get more home-grown medtech products purchased and used by Victorian hospitals and health services, with applications to participate now open.
It is an initiative of the Australian Medtech Manufacturing Alliance (AMMA), delivered by MTPConnect in partnership with BioMelbourne Network and supported by the Victorian Government.
MTPConnect CEO Stuart Dignam said the program is about supporting sovereign innovation by positioning companies to successfully compete for local health contracts.
“Hospital and health service procurement requirements and processes are complex and can be challenging for local medtech manufacturers to deal with,” Mr Dignam said.
“Our highly rated program addresses a key gap in our ecosystem, helping to equip local medtech SMEs with the capabilities needed to navigate procurement pathways and, ultimately, secure contracts to supply into hospitals and health services.
“With this program we want to make sure that medtech innovations are not only invented here, but truly made and sold in Australia – generating local manufacturing jobs, ongoing royalties and boosting vital healthcare sovereign capabilities,” Dignam said.
Successful applicants will undergo a capability assessment and attend tailored practical workshops to get prepared to navigate local health markets and understand how to align with hospital procurement needs.
The comprehensive program, kicking off in February/March 2026, will include an expert-led Masterclass providing deep insights on local procurement pathways and will wrap-up with the Victorian Medtech Showcase in May, where participating companies will have the opportunity to present their products and connect directly with major health service buyers and clinical leaders.
Applicants must be a registered Australian-based for-profit business with operations in Victoria and be producing one or more near-market or market-ready medical device(s) (TRL 6-9). The program is being piloted in Victoria as a stepping stone to a national initiative.
Applications to join the program are now open on MTPConnect’s website and close on 20 January 2026 at 5:00pm AEDT. Guidelines for eligibility criteria and application instructions are available online. Successful applicants will be notified in early February 2026.