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

06 August 2021

Dr Amanda Ruth Appointed as 2021 Guest of the Chair

Dr Amanda Ruth has been appointed as MTPConnect’s next Guest of the Chair. Dr Ruth, who is Head of Policy and Public Affairs at Rare Cancers Australia (RCA) and the Executive Director of the National Oncology Alliance, will attend MTPConnect Board meetings over the next twelve months to gain new perspectives on how boards operate. It is the third appointment from a unique initiative that provides emerging leaders in the medical technology, biotechnology and pharmaceutical sector with a range of board-level experiences.

REDI Bridge and BridgeTech Industry Fellowships announced

Twenty pharmaceutical and MedTech researchers, entrepreneurs, and innovators from around Australia have been awarded industry-based fellowships to boost skills and advance their research or technology towards commercialisation. The Bridge and BridgeTech Industry Fellowships, facilitated by QUT and funded by MTPConnect’s Researcher Exchange and Development within Industry (REDI) initiative, provide up to $10,000 to support the placement of participants and alumni of the Bridge Program and BridgeTech Program within industry.

REDI Launches Industry Course Booklet

Since its launch in June 2020, our Researcher Exchange and Development within Industry (REDI) initiative has grown to include 13 partners delivering more than 25 workforce training and development programs to plug priority skills gaps. You can check out the programs that are up and running in the new REDI booklet we launched this month. It brings it all together for organisations and individuals looking for relevant workforce training to build critical capabilities. Download your copy HERE.

Apply to our REDI Fellowship Program

Our REDI Fellowship Program provides companies up to $250,000 to select a fellow – a researcher, academic, clinician or technology transfer professional - to work on priority discovery, translation and commercialisation projects. The next submission deadline is 1 November and businesses should consider applying now!

Get REDI with Quality Management Systems training

Powered by MTPConnect’s REDI initiative, SeerPharma is delivering four new courses to help researchers and companies implement quality management systems and gain accreditations for Good Laboratory Practices and medical product manufacturing. Join the FREE webinar on Tuesday 17 August to learn more.

REDI News: Cicada Launches MedLab Commercialisation 101 Information Session

MTPConnect’s Senior Director of Stakeholder Engagement and #REDI Committee Co-Chair, Dr Rebecca Tunstall, joined a panel discussion about Cicada’s MedTech commercialisation workshops rolling out around Australia supported by REDI. The training will help innovators take their healthcare solutions from idea to business – register today.

Read the Latest Case Study on ClinTrial Refer Success

ClinTrial Refer: An innovative digital platform is simplifying access – and accelerating the recruitment of patients – to clinical trials throughout Australia and beyond. Read about this transformative mobile app in our latest case study, developed with funding through MTPConnect’s Growth Centre Project Fund Program.

Tune into New Podcast Episodes

Our MTPConnect Podcast series this month takes you to the launch of our new report into Australia’s Clinical Trials sector and a wide-ranging and thought-provoking panel discussion about the importance of clinical trials. And for anyone trying to find investors and put together partnering deals over Zoom or Teams, check out our episode where SpeeDx CEO Colin Denver shares some insider tips for virtual partnering success!

Celebrating WA Innovation

MTPConnect supported the WA’s 30th INCITE Awards and MTPConnect’s Director Stakeholder Engagement WA, Dr Tracey Wilkinson joined a panel session to discuss “Diversifying the Economy” at the INCITE Digital conference streamed via Youtube video. The Awards event gathered more than 450 people together to recognise greatness in the technology and innovation industry. Congratulations to all the winners and finalists including Avicena Systems who are developing a COVID-19 rapid screening system, What the Doctor Said, Lyfe Languages and Oqea.

WA Spotlight on Proteomics International

The WA team hosted Proteomics International’s Founder and Managing Director Dr Richard Lipscombe at the WA Sector Spotlight event in July. Proteomics International (ASX: PIQ) based in Perth, Western Australia, is a medical technology company at the forefront of predictive diagnostics and bioanalytical services. Dr Lipscombe told the audience about commercialising the company's world-leading predictive test for diabetic kidney disease, PromarkerD. Register for WA Spotlights events here.

Supporting a Perth Angels Event

MTPConnect’s WA Life Sciences Innovation Hub hosted the Perth Angels Investors at the Harry Perkins Institute for a Pitch Night presenting three outstanding, high-growth health investment opportunities.

Asialink Business Advisory Council Appointment

MTPConnect Chair Sue MacLeman has been appointed to the Asialink Business advisory council. It’s an organisation with which MTPConnect has worked on a number of initiatives to build awareness of opportunities in key Asian markets.