South Australia’s position as a leader in medical technology innovation has been cemented thanks to $1.5 million in State Government funding for the the Medical Device Partnering Program.
Launched by Flinders University in 2008, the MDPP has laboratory facilities at the Tonsley Innovation District and plays a critical role in driving early stage development and manufacturing of innovative medical and assistive technologies.
SA Minister for Industry and Skills David Pisoni said the funding will boost the State’s growing medical technology sector and encourage greater collaboration between industry and researchers to help turn ideas into technologies for global acceptance.
“Our $1.5 million investment confirms South Australia is home to the national Medical Device Partnering Program and highlights our State’s position as a national leader in medical technology development and commercialisation,” Mr Pisoni said.
“Over the next five years, the program will support approximately 30 projects, creating up to 15 medical technology start-ups and knowledge-based employment opportunities in South Australia.
“We want to grow the State’s medical technology pipeline to help existing companies and start-ups leverage and connect with research and commercial expertise, clinical and health professionals and manufacturers to rapidly develop ideas and bring them to market.
“The medical technology sector is thriving and we want to give South Australian businesses and manufacturers every opportunity to develop new capabilities to tap into these opportunities.”
Flinders University Vice-Chancellor Professor Colin Stirling said the MDPP program is a model of innovation with a proven track record as an ideas incubator.
“The MDPP model is unique in Australia and has proven its credentials in connecting entrepreneurs with the skills and resources embedded in our research organisations, clinical communities and industry sector.
“This speaks to Flinders University’s strategy to foster business, industry and entrepreneurial skills development, to grow South Australia’s economy,” said Professor Stirling.
“In the past decade our collaborative research partnerships have delivered significant innovations for businesses. This has been a catalyst for economic growth and is helping forge a resilient, internationally progressive sector that delivers for SA.
“Medical technology development contributes some $2 billion annually to the national economy.
“We are delighted that the State Government recognises the value of supporting the medtech industry and we look forward to strengthening this important relationship to ensure South Australia remains at the forefront of this growing field of medical technical advances.”
Professor Karen Reynolds comments on the State Government announcement of more MDPP Funding.
Meanwhile the MDPP is a finalist for the Flinders Foundation Leadership and Innovation in Health Award category of the 2018 South Australian Community Achievement Awards.
The winner will be announced at a Gala Dinner event on Friday 2 November.
People can vote for the ‘Community Choice’ on Facebook by Monday 29 October. To vote, follow this link and click on the picture of Karen Reynolds and then hit the submit button.