In Case You Missed It: Here's what the MTPConnect team has been up too to start 2019

05 February 2019

Pictured: MTPConnect's GM International and Government Dr Sandhya Tewari and Project Manager Divya Kalla with Sandhya's IMNIS Mentee Durga Dharmananda (PhD student in nanotechnology at RMIT University) and Puneeta Mehta (an industrial technologist) at our Monash University head office.

Dr Dan Grant - CEO

One of our key activities to start 2019 has been to support the MTP sector to access the Frontier Health and Medical Research program.

The program, delivered through the Medical Research Future Fund, provides opportunities for researcher collaborations to explore bold and innovative ideas in the health and medical research sector. Stage One of the $240 million program offers funding of up to $1 million for detailed plans for projects that are innovative at a global level and have great potential to have a transformative impact on health care. Projects progressing to Stage Two could be looking at up to $20 million per year.

The program could prove to be transformative for medical researchers too, so Dan and the team have been engaging with many groups who’ve expressed an interest in making submissions, helping to ensure they meet the criteria and maximise their chances of success.

If you’re considering applying, remember that applications close on 26 February.

Dr Alfredo Martinez-Coll - GM Stakeholder Engagement

Alfredo’s work in supporting government granting programs such as the Cooperative Research Centre (CRC), Cooperative Research Centre Projects (CRC-P), ARC Industrial Transformation Research Program (ITRP) and Global Innovations Linkage programs comes to the fore this week.

Starting in Adelaide later today, we’re rolling out our national series of information sessions on CRC-P applications to help maximise your chances of success in Round 7.

The workshops are being delivered in partnership with AusIndustry’s Accelerating Commercialisation / Entrepreneur's Programme and Alfredo is coming to a city near you to provide all the tips and tricks to compiling a successful application.

Dr Sandhya Tewari – GM International & Government

As our general manager responsible for international market activities, Sandhya is developing MTPConnect’s international program for 2019, which includes a strong focus on opportunities in the Asia Pacific region.

The Asian Investment Series in Hong Kong and Shanghai in March is a highlight, where we’ll be working with AusBiotech to link Australian life science companies with potential investors. We’re also looking at BioKorea in April with a focus on promoting opportunities for Australia in regenerative medicine and clinical trials.

Other events being targeted include BIO 2019 in Boston and the World Advanced Therapies & Regenerative Medicine Congress in the UK where a delegation is being considered. Keep an eye out for the Expression of Interest to join a delegation.

Elizabeth Stares - Director Major Projects

Elizabeth has been working closely with Project Partner ANDHealth to finalise the scope of their new initiatives for 2019 which are being supported with additional funding from MTPConnect.

ANDHealth has been awarded $250,000 to deliver intensive Digital Health Market Success Bootcamps for up to 40 Australian digital health companies.

Elizabeth notes that through ANDHealth's intensive, five-day focused curriculum, representatives from digital health companies will take a deep dive into clinical evidence, regulation, business models, intellectual property, partnering, attracting investment and exploring new international markets.

Kevin Pfleger - Director Stakeholder Engagement for Western Australia

After joining MTPConnect on 1 January, Kevin has been busy setting up MTPConnect’s WA Hub office and connecting with WA’s MTP community.

As our Director of Stakeholder Engagement in WA, Kevin gives us an on-the-ground presence to help establish closer connections between research, government, the health system and industry in WA, and connections with the broader national MTP sector.

Located in the Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research building, the MTPConnect WA Hub is supported by the WA State Government’s New Industries Fund and the University of Western Australia.