Bridging the gap between invention and commercialisation for local medtechs

A new national push to get Australian-made medical technologies into local hospitals has been launched, aiming to close the long-standing gap between innovation and procurement in the healthcare system.

The Pathway to Market – Medtech Capability Uplift Program is designed to help home-grown medtech companies secure contracts with hospitals and health services, ensuring Australian innovations are not just invented here, but manufactured and sold locally.

Led by the Australian Medtech Manufacturing Alliance (AMMA) and delivered by MTPConnect in partnership with BioMelbourne Network, the program is backed by the Victorian Government.

MTPConnect CEO, Stuart Dignam, said the program is about removing the barriers that local companies face when trying to access complex procurement systems.

“Hospital and health service procurement requirements and processes are complex and can be challenging for local medtech manufacturers to come to terms with,” Dignam said. “Our program will equip local SME medtech companies with the capabilities needed to navigate procurement pathways and, ultimately, help more companies to secure contracts to supply into hospitals and health services.”

Karen Parr, CEO of BioMelbourne Network, said the strength of the program lies in the collaborative model behind it.

“This program is a powerful example of what we can achieve through collaboration. We’re uniting government, industry, and healthcare to create a stronger pathway for local SME medtech companies to succeed. We’re helping bridge the gap between invention and implementation, ensuring great, local ideas become real solutions in our hospitals and health system,” Parr stated.

Initially piloted in Victoria, the program is structured to expand nationally. Successful applicants will take part in a capability assessment, targeted workshops, and a Masterclass that offers expert insights into procurement pathways and health service engagement.

Dignam added, “By delivering this new program we want to make sure that medtech innovations are not only invented here, but truly made and sold in Australia – so we reap the rewards, creating manufacturing jobs, ongoing royalties and boosting vital healthcare sovereign capabilities.”

The program will conclude with an Open Day at the Victorian Medtech Showcase in October, where participants will present their products and meet directly with major health service buyers and clinical leaders.

“This program is about more than helping businesses navigate procurement. It’s about unlocking the full value of Australian innovation for our health system. We’re proud to lead this effort, working together to connect, upskill and advocate for our high-value sector that’s turning cutting-edge ideas into tangible health outcomes, local jobs, and sovereign capability,” explained Parr.

To be eligible, applicants must be Australian-based for-profit businesses with operations in Victoria and have at least one market-ready or near-market medical device.

Applications are open now and close on 30 May. Selected companies will be notified in mid-June, with the program officially commencing on 3 July 2025.

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