SA Insights Series: Accelerating Impact: Infrastructure & Innovation Places

Join MTPConnect’s Industry Development Officer, Santhni Subramaniam, for an SA Insights fireside chat and networking evening exploring how South Australia’s innovation infrastructure and places accelerate research translation and industry collaboration.

The discussion will highlight how Adelaide University’s Institute for Photonics and Advanced Sensing (IPAS) and the Australian National Fabrication Facility – Optofab node combine advanced photonics materials expertise with micro- and nanofabrication, specialty optical fibres, device prototyping, and precision characterisation — alongside advanced manufacturing capabilities including 5-axis CNC machining and industrial 3D printing, accessible to both researchers and industry.

Together, these capabilities enable advanced R&D, rapid prototyping, and scalable pathways that de-risk medtech innovation and strengthen industry partnerships.

Panellists:

• Dr Matt Chong | Associate Director The Australian National Fabrication Facility (ANFF-C), Client Engagement Facilitator
• A/Prof Jiawen Li | Founder of Theia Medical
• Prof Laura Parry | Pro Vice Chancellor, Research Performance Research Performance and Research Structures Research and Innovation
• Stephen Blakeney | CEO Affinyx

Key themes include:

• The role of innovation places and shared infrastructure in accelerating translation
• How industry can engage with SA’s research facilities to solve real-world challenges
• Funding mechanisms that support early-stage translation (e.g. TTRA, ANFF Pre-Seed Fund)
• How Adelaide University strengthens industry–research collaboration through strategic infrastructure investment
• Positioning South Australia as a competitive destination for R&D partnerships

Designed for founders, researchers, industry leaders and ecosystem stakeholders, this session offers practical insight into leveraging SA’s infrastructure advantage.

The event is being held in the Braggs Building Level 2 , Room 2.14, enter from Victoria Drive or from the Maths lawn area.

Book a Tour of the IPAS Facility | 5pm-5:30pm

A guided tour will be offered for guests attending the SA Insights event on March 26. Spaces are limited.

The tour will include the Bioengineering Imaging Lab led by Dr Jiawen Li, Deputy Director (Engineering Science) at the Institute for Photonics and Advanced Sensing (IPAS), Adelaide University.

Dr Jiawen Li and her team are developing ultrathin, flexible fibre-optic imaging probes that can see inside blood vessels in remarkable detail. This technology helps both researchers and medical professionals understand how fatty plaques build up in arteries, how they can lead to heart attacks, and how treatments can be improved to prevent them.

Guests will also visit the Australian National Fabrication Facility – Optofab facility, where advanced photonics materials, micro- and nanofabrication, and precision manufacturing (including 5-axis CNC machining and industrial 3D printing) support both research and industry translation.

The Institute for Photonics and Advanced Sensing (IPAS) is a global hub of photonics research that harnesses light to develop innovative sensing and precision measurement technologies. Bringing together physicists, chemists, material scientists, biologists, theoretical scientists and medical researchers, IPAS drives transdisciplinary solutions to complex challenges and delivers transformational impact across diverse industries.

Date: Thursday 26 March

Time: 5:30pm-7:30pm ( Optional Tour 5pm, bookings essential)

Location:  Adelaide University, Braggs Building | IPAS Level 2 , The Institute for Photonics and Advanced Sensing (IPAS)