In Case You Missed It: Here's What The MTPConnect Team Has Been Up To In November

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06 December 2021

First Projects to Complete BioMedTech Horizons Program Deliver Outstanding Research and Commercial Outcomes

A new impact report has been launched highlighting the progress of the first cohort of projects to complete the BioMedTech Horizons (BMTH) program, operated by MTPConnect for the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF). Delivered across four funding rounds, the BMTH program supports the development and commercialisation of cutting edge new medical technologies. Through a series of case studies, this Impact report highlights the many successes these projects have had, developing exciting new medical products – from a 3D printed ceramic cervical spinal cage and a bioprinting treatment for cartilage injuries to next-generation CAR-T technologies to fight cancer and a microwearable sensor that reads body signals and biomarkers. Read the report

Tackling Antimicrobial Resistance – the MTPConnect Podcast Raises Awareness of Australian Innovation

To mark World Antimicrobial Awareness Week 2021, the MTPConnect Podcast partnered with the team from AAMRNet – the Australian Antimicrobial Resistance Network – to produce a special week of programming shining a light on Australia’s expertise and innovations to fight superbugs. Four AMR-focused episodes featured biomedtech innovators from around Australia, covering issues from developing new treatments to finding faster methods of detection. Tune in to hear from CO-ADDLBT InnovationsRecce Pharmaceuticals and BiomeBank.

$1 Million Boost for WA Medical Products Manufacturing

A new voucher scheme from the MTPConnect WA Life Sciences Innovation Hub has seen a major boost for medical products manufacturing in Western Australia. Under the scheme, five WA-based companies have been awarded a total of $450,000 to accelerate innovation projects requiring advanced manufacturing capabilities.

Medtech Startups Stand Out at the WA Innovator of the Year Awards

Four of the six awards at this year’s WA Innovator of the Year Awards (IOTY) were taken home by Western Australian medtech companies, recognising the contribution and innovation of WA’s dynamic medical technology and pharmaceutical (MTP) sector. With support from the WA government’s New Industries Fund, the WA IOTY program has been showcasing innovative and entrepreneurial individuals, businesses and creative minds since 2006. Find out who the winners were…

Boosting Clinician-Led Entrepreneurism - Provider Opportunity Opens

A new round of the REDI Contestable Program has opened, aiming to develop the innovation and commercialisation skills of Australia’s clinicians and healthcare professionals. The Request for Proposal calls for suitably qualified organisations to submit programs to deliver a pilot Clinical Entrepreneur Program (CEP) in Australia. View CEP guidelines on how to apply at the website - applications are open until 31 January 2022.

WA Spotlight On Argenica Therapeutics

The MTPConnect WA Life Sciences Innovation Hub featured Argenica Therapeutics Limited at the monthly WA MTP Sector Spotlight Series event in November. Perth-based Argenica Therapeutics Limited (ASX:AGN), is a company developing novel neuroprotective therapeutics to reduce brain damage after stroke. Argenica’s CEO Dr Liz Dallimore with COO and Executive Director Dr Samantha South discussed the development and commercialisation plans for the company’s novel neuroprotective therapeutic. This was the final Spotlight event for the year.

Case Study: Empowering scientists with training in the growing clinical trials sector

Backed by MTPConnect’s Researcher Exchange and Development within Industry initiative, the Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre Alliance’s SKILLED internship program is generating a talent pipeline for the clinical trials sector. The 40-week program provides a talent pipeline for the sector, enabling science-based graduates to cultivate role-specific knowledge, experience and skills through on-site training. Read the latest case study to hear from those involved with the program about their experiences and the impact the training has had on employment opportunities and career choices.  

AAMRNet Takes a Baton at AMRelay

During World Antimicrobial Awareness Week (WAAW), AAMRNet Co-Chair Andrew Bowskill took the baton and joined the AMRelay – a 24 hour virtual global event offering a series of 96 consecutive contributions by pioneering stakeholders in the global AMR sector. Watch Andrew's video presentation introducing AAMRNet to an international audience of key AMR stakeholders as Australia's first industry led, multi-stakeholder Antimicrobial Resistance Network, established and operated by MTPConnect to support actions to combat AMR in Australia.

Multiple Funding Rounds Close

During November, three MTPConnect programs closed funding rounds opportunities including the Round Two Research Projects funding opportunity within the TTRA initiative for diabetes and cardiovascular disease, the third round of the REDI Contestable program calling for qualified organisations to submit programs to address five key skills gaps, and the REDI Fellowship program closed submissions on 1 November with the next deadline on 1 March 2022.

Supporting the MTP Sector in November

During the month, MTPConnect’s Managing Director and CEO Dr Dan Grant gave presentations at the CSIRO AMR Summit and the ACTA Annual Scientific Meeting. MTPConnect supported various sector events including the SA Science and Innovation Excellence Awards, the ARCS Workforce Summit 2021 and the Mind Medicine Summit.