ICYMI: In Case You Missed It: Here's What The MTPConnect Team Has Been up to in December

Banner Image

21 December 2021

New REDI-backed IMNIS Clinical Program to build next generation of clinical and medical leaders

The Australian Academy of Technology and Engineering (ATSE) launched the IMNIS Clinical program to nurture Australia’s future medical sector leaders, expanding its IMNIS (the Industry Mentoring Network in STEM) initiative in partnership with MTPConnect’s Researcher Exchange and Development in Industry (REDI) initiative. The program connects ten PhD student mentees at the forefront of clinical and health-tech-related research with high-calibre industry champion mentors.

MTPConnect launches CTCM program with industry partners supporting development of medical devices

MTPConnect has commenced the rollout of a new funding program to identify and nurture high-quality medical device projects with strong commercial potential. The Clinical Translation and Commercialisation - Medtech (CTCM) program is a $19.75 million initiative funded by the Australian Government’s Medical Research Future Fund. Five preeminent industry partners have been selected as an integral part of the CTCM program – the Medical Technology Association of Australia, the Medical Device Partnering Program, Cicada Innovations, the BridgeTech Program and Therapeutic Innovation Australia.

Applications open for funding to support development of Australian medical devices

In a move set to advance Australia’s medical technology sector, MTPConnect is welcoming applications for its new Clinical Translation and Commercialisation - Medtech (CTCM) program. Supported by the Medical Research Future Fund, the $19.75 million CTCM program is targeting Australian small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and aims to boost commercialisation of home-grown medical devices by providing funding of $250,000 to $1.5 million to eligible projects, delivered over a maximum 24-month period. Register for the Information Session on 2 February 2022 and apply by 11 March 2022.

New report: Valuing the impact of genomics on healthcare in Australia

A new report from the Industry Genomics Network Alliance (InGeNA) features case studies showing just some of the many ways genomics will be useful in diagnosis and treatment across Australia’s future healthcare system.  “Valuing the impact of genomics on healthcare in Australia”, undertaken for InGeNA by Deloitte Access Economics, features five case studies profiling potential applications of genomics across the screening, diagnosis, and treatment stages of the care continuum.

Executive Changes at MTPConnect

After more than three years, MTPConnect Managing Director and CEO, Dr Dan Grant, is leaving the organisation and Stuart Dignam has been appointed to the interim CEO role. The MTPConnect Board will undertake a search for a new CEO, with details to be provided in the new year. To ensure an orderly transition, Dr Grant will remain in the role until the end of January 2022.

MTPConnect's Annual Report Shows Strong Sector Support

MTPConnect has published its 2021 Annual Report. Across MTPConnect’s six strategic funding programs for DISER and the Medical Research Future Fund we have so far injected $95 million into Australia’s medical products sector, supporting 145 medical technology, biotechnology and pharmaceutical projects. In recognition of our impact, the Government has approved an additional year of operation for MTPConnect, and other Growth Centres, through until 30 June 2023.

Season 3 of MTPConnect Podcasts Wraps Up

A big thanks to everyone who has tuned into the MTPConnect Podcast this year! Season 3 has involved 30 episodes, 53 amazing guests, 8 co-hosts and 20 hours of stories about the people and organisations developing medical innovations to improve our health. For our final podcast episode of 2021, hosts Caroline Duell and Dr Tracey Wilkinson catch up with Dr Gareth Baynam andYarlalu Thomas (pictured top left) in WA about their groundbreaking projects - Cliniface and Lyfe Languages - using technology, including Artificial Intelligence, to improve healthcare for Indigenous Australians and tackling undiagnosed and genetic diseases. Send us your feedback, subscribe or simply listen in here.

Supporting the MTP Sector in December

During the month, MTPConnect’s Director Stakeholder Engagement WA Dr Tracey Wilkinson spoke at Newland Global HCLTech on ‘Sustaining digital momentum post-pandemic and beyond’. We supported the Australasian Pharmaceutical Science Association Annual Conference in Queensland, and through our REDI program supported the Medtech Actuator’s Origin finalists program, and attended the Medtech Actuator Showcase event in Melbourne.