fbpx

Author: MedTech Actuator

MedTech Actuator and JETRO Welcome Inaugural Cohort For The J-StarX HealthTech Gateway Program

Posted on by MedTech Actuator

We are incredibly excited to introduce you to the teams of the MedTech Actuator J-StarX HealthTech Gateway 2024 program. Over the next 9-months, these 20 startups will be provided intensive support to help them develop the skills, networks, and resources needed to successfully navigate the complex health commercialisation pathway.

Throughout the program, startups will connect to the extensive MedTech Actuator health innovation ecosystem. Over 100 speakers, 150 business, clinical and investment mentors, and the MedTech Actuator alumni portfolio will contribute their expertise to help these startups strategically grow and bring their innovation to the market faster while preparing them for future investment rounds.

J-StarX HealthTech Gateway startups come from all across Japan, with teams joining from Tokyo, Osaka, Kagawa, Kanagawa, Hyogo, Fukishima and Kyoto, Tsukuba, and Miyagi.

Meet the Teams Driving Innovation in Japan’s Health Ecosystem

Name

Description

AiRato, Inc

(Miyagi)

AI-based radiation treatment planning support service.

AMI, Inc.

(Tokyo)

By leveraging advanced medical device and AI technology, we make it possible to screen for cardiac diseases, even in facilities without access to specialists.

atDose Co., Ltd.
(Kanagawa)

Electric syringe that enable ultra-small and continuous local drug delivery.

Billion Health
(Tokyo)

Mild Cognitive Impairment assessment software using pulse wave.

CNS Drug Innovation
(Fukishima)

Our start-up in Fukushima, Japan, is pioneering the development of FABP3 inhibitors to treat Lewy body diseases, including Parkinson's disease and dementia with Lewy bodies.

FairMed

(Hyogo)

Empowering surgeons to make decisive, data-driven decisions.

Tactoria

(Feel vision)

(Tokyo)

Walking support for visually impaired using haptic technology.

Gifts Inc.
(Tokyo)

Automatic Fetal Ultrasonography.

Hedgehog MedTech, Inc
(Tokyo)

A MedTech startup that is developing Software as a Medical Device (SaMD) and digital therapeutics (DTx), especially for headaches.

IMMUNOSENS Co.,Ltd
(Osaka)

With core competencies in electro-chemical detecting technologies called GLEIA, we try to market world smallest quantitative POCT device and also to have opportunities for licensing the technologies to 3rd parties.

INOPASE Inc.
(Tokyo)

Smart implant device to restore bladder control.

iXgene Inc.
(Tokyo)

Gene and cell therapy product using genome-edited iPS cells for malignant brain tumors.

Joconne Inc.
(Tokyo)

Joconne is dedicated to improving women's health literacy and is currently developing a device to address urinary incontinence.

LIFESCAPES Inc.
(Tokyo)

Our startup addresses a crucial need: restoring motor function for stroke patients with severe paralysis. Stroke cases have increased 40% in the past decade, and current treatments are ineffective for severe hand paralysis. Our technology offers new hope for those considered untreatable.

Medeta, Inc.
(Tokyo)

Embryo Selection AI Products in Reproductive Medicine from Japan.

Physiologas Technologies Inc.
(Kanagawa)

Waterless hemodialysis system designed for home-use to enhance the quality of life for dialysis patients by providing safe and convenient treatment.

Setolabo.inc
(Kagawa)

Tests that can detect cancer at a very early stage.

SONoALS
(Osaka)

Early Diagnosis and Therapeutic Biomarkers for ALS Using Ultrasound Stickers and Machine Learning.

Super Genius Ltd.
(Tsukuba)

A face recognition method that is being developed to detect the vital signs(heart rate, lactate, glucose, etc) with a non-contact method (Camera).

UniMedical, Inc.
(Tokyo)

Developing a magnetocardiography using a quantum sensor, which is a medical device that contributes to the early diagnosis of heart diseases and provides new therapeutic intervention opportunities for patients.

The MedTech Actuator is an independent, not-for-profit organisation that curates a globally connected ecosystem of MedTech, HealthTech and BioTech innovation and investment. We do this by activating, accelerating and investing in startups.

  1. Activate – We prime and build capacity in the ecosystem, through our early-stage innovation pitch competition, the MedTech Actuator Origin and partnerships with hospitals and universities.
  2. Accelerate – We accelerate ventures and technologies through our flagship Accelerator program and our international programs, Desafía and Global Navigator. We do this in collaboration with the network of ecosystem partners covering the entire commercialisation pipeline, from product development, regulatory specialists and clinical trial specialists to manufacturers and investors.
  3. Invest – We connect and curate opportunities to invest and co-invest for our ecosystem partners.

J-StarX HealthTech Gateway is co-organised with JETRO.

Stay updated and follow our founders’ journey by subscribing to our newsletter or following us on LinkedIn.

MedTech Actuator Opens Office in Osaka, Japan

Posted on by MedTech Actuator

We are thrilled to announce the official opening of our newest MedTech Actuator office in Osaka, Japan!

The opening ceremony was held at JAMBASE, an innovation facility in Grand Green Osaka, a large redevelopment district on the north side of JR Osaka Station, where the office is located.

To celebrate this new beginning, we held a traditional Kagami-biraki sake-barrel ceremony, welcoming friends and partners from across Japan to join us in this exciting moment.

The night began with welcome notes by MedTech Actuator CEO, Dr Buzz Palmer, and CSO & Co-founder, Prof Vishaal Kishore.

“Healthcare innovation cannot exist without an ecosystem (where new technologies continue to be created). We will strengthen our commitment to Japan.” – Prof. Vishaal Kishore

The night’s proceedings also included further speeches from key partners:

  • Mr Toru Takahashi – Deputy Mayor of Osaka
  • Mr Shingo Torii – Chairperson of the Osaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI) (Vice Chairman of Suntory Holdings)
  • Mr Sho Hideki – Director General, JETRO

This office opening marks a significant milestone in the MedTech Actuator’s journey, as we formally transition into the Japanese market after spending the past three years building significant relationships, programs, and a strong presence here.

We have developed a local team on the ground and are committed to deepening our roots in Japan and continuing to foster innovation in the health and medical sectors.

A huge thank you to our incredible partners from JETRO Startup, JETRO – Japan External Trade Organization and Osaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry for their unwavering support and commitment to such a bold model.

Over the coming months, we will be announcing new initiatives for global startups to access Japan in 2025. We are excited about the future and are eager to collaborate with the incredible talent Japan has to offer.

View more photos here.

Keep up to date with the latest MedTech Actuator news and information! Sign up to our newsletter here.

Further reading: Australian Medical Tech Supporter opens base in Osaka

Medtech Renal Takes First Place At The Origin Australia Finals

Posted on by MedTech Actuator

It was a night to remember at last night’s MedTech Actuator Showcase in Australia, as we joined ecosystem leaders to celebrate Asia Pacific’s next wave of early-stage MedTech, HealthTech and BioTech entrepreneurs – with Medtech Renal taking home the prestigious MedTech Actuator Origin 2024 Award, and Rosterwell winning the MedTech Actuator People’s Choice Award.

About MedTech Actuator Showcase

The MedTech Actuator Showcase Australia event brought together over 170 senior representatives from over 30 key health innovation organisations to connect and celebrate the achievements, impact, and progress of entrepreneurs and founders.

Across the evening, guests heard from Kate Cornick, CEO of key enabling institution, LaunchVic; were taken along the commercial journey of MedTech Actuator Accelerator alumni Navi Medical Technologies with co-CFO, Wei Sue and CEO, Alexander Newton, and witnessed the pitch finals of MedTech Actuator Origin Australia.

MedTech Actuator Accelerator alumni: Navi Medical Technologies (Wei Sue and Alexander Newton) sharing their journey

We were also thrilled to have the participants from our Desafía, Global Navigator Japan-Melbourne and Global Navigator Melbourne programs join us on our special night. These 21 companies from Japan, Singapore and Spain had spent the week in Melbourne exploring the local health ecosystem – meeting with key partners and viewing some of their on-site facilities and setups, and pitching their technologies to potential investors and institutions.

MedTech Actuator Origin Finals

Stepping into the spotlight, the MedTech Actuator Origin finalists pitched for their chance to be crowned the winner of MedTech Actuator Origin 2024 and to secure a $15,000  cash and in-kind prize pack, with a fast-tracked entry into the 2025 Accelerator program. 

A total of 4 teams pitched in the final:

  • Medtech Renal | Michael Kreplins | A non-invasive medical device to improve renal function offering an alternative to dialysis.
  • Menome | Rupert Mosley | Menome empowers you with personalised genomic insights to live a healthier, better life.
  • Rosterwell | Amanthi Fernando | A live rostering platform that automatically reconciles clinician requests with hospital requirements, reducing critical vacancies, improving clinician wellbeing and ultimately improving patient outcomes.
  • Visionry | Alexander Spoljar | Real-time eye health monitoring during surgery.

MedTech Actuator Origin 2024 Award: Medtech Renal

Congratulations to Michael Kreplins from Medtech Renal, who through a highly competitive process was selected by the judges – Matthew Frith and Makenzie Thomas, MedTech Actuator – as the winner of this prestigious Origin award for 2024.

“It is really exciting to see such fantastic medical innovations coming through the Victorian and Australian ecosystem. Michael from Medtech Renal is developing a cutting edge innovation, tackling a big issue in health, and articulated a strong commercial approach through a well delivered and entertaining pitch. Congratulations again!”

Matthew Frith – Chief Operating Officer, MedTech Actuator

MedTech Actuator Origin Australia 2024 Award winners: Medtech Renal (Michael Kreplins) with MedTech Actuator’s Lizzie Laurence and Matthew Frith

Do you have an early stage idea for an innovation in human health? Register your details to stay up to date with key dates and details for MedTech Actuator Origin running in 2025.

MedTech Actuator People’s Choice 2024 Award: Rosterwell

Congratulations to MedTech Actuator Origin participant, Amanthi Fernando from Rosterwell, for being selected for the MedTech Actuator People’s Choice 2024 Award.

MedTech Actuator People’s Choice Award winner Rosterwell (Amanthi Fernando) with MedTech Actuator’s Lizzie Laurence and Matthew Frith.

MedTech Actuator Showcase guests from the innovation ecosystem – spanning investor groups and VCs, multinational corporations, hospitals, product development firms, universities, and research institutes – voted for their favourite pitch of the night. 

This coveted vote of confidence went to Amanthi Fernando from Rosterwell, who will take home an $1,000 cash prize.

It Takes A Village to Raise a MedTech Startup

The MedTech Actuator Showcase and the specialised acceleration model underpinning all of our programs would not be possible without the support of our innovation ecosystem partners. In particular we would like to thank our Foundation and Product Development partners for their critical and continued support of both the MedTech Actuator and the ecosystem.

Friends and supporters

A very special shoutout to all our ecosystem friends and supporters. Without you, we would not be able to surround founders with the support they need to bring innovations to the patients and clinicians who need it most.

MedTech Actuator Origin Australia is supported by LaunchVic.

Meet the MedTech Actuator Origin Australia 2024 Cohort

Posted on by MedTech Actuator

Meet the 19 impressive teams from across Australia selected for MedTech Actuator Origin Australia 2024. 

Over two intensive days (24 & 25 September) in Melbourne, emerging founders will dive into workshops and industry-led mentoring to help them turbocharge projects and build a strategy to get their ideas to market. During the pitch bootcamp, teams will be introduced to topics such as idea validation, intellectual property, pitching, pathways to market, business models, navigating Australia’s healthcare ecosystem, and funding for early-stage ventures.

At the end of the bootcamp on Day 2, the participating teams will compete in the Origin Semi-final, where the top three teams will secure their place to pitch in the Origin Final at the MedTech Actuator Showcase on 10 October.

The Origin Australia 2024 participants include clinicians, researchers, and students working on MedTech, HealthTech and BioTech innovations that will improve the lives of patients and impact clinicians’ workflows. These solutions span key areas in human health, including chronic disease management, cancer treatments and care, orthopaedics, diagnostic imaging and data management in hospital settings, allied health and rehabilitation, and more.

Welcome our Origin 2024 Australia Participants

Name

Description

Auryx 

A non-invasive nerve stimulator that promotes the reorganisation of neural pathways and consequently improves upper limb rehabilitation outcomes in stroke survivors.

Actimo Labs

Creating a predictive software for off-target site identification of monoclonal antibodies.

AUS BIOS LABS

Development of a portable breast cancer screening device for use at the comfort of your home.

BedSet

Prevent harm from inpatient falls by ensuring beds are always at a safe height.

OsteoSync Solutions

A dissolvable zinc orthopaedic implant eliminating the need for removal surgeries and reducing complications

BioMarker / Astrix

Non invasive glucose monitoring through the use of NIR technology.

DeSight

A way to classify the density of breast tissue in women so that they can make a more informed scanning choice to receive medically-significant results.

Dyaxa

Designing a user-friendly and effective device to diagnose and treat vertigo within minutes, significantly cutting patient wait times and improving access compared to outdated current methods.

Elen

Aiming to diagnose Superficial peritoneal endometriosis (SPE) via an elastography probe.

Healovate

Human brain stroke prediction and treatment management.

Medtech Renal

A non-invasive medical device to improve renal function offering an alternative to dialysis.

Menome

Menome empowers you with personalised genomic insights to live a healthier, better life.

Neurospheric

Revolutionising the field of neurosurgery by integrating cutting-edge communication and sensing technologies from industries such as military, construction, mining, and aerospace, to make neurosurgery less invasive, safer, more efficient, and accessible to a broader population.

Ospray

A way to limit the progression of pressure ulcers in patients with impaired mobility that increases the rate of recovery for patients post-treatment.

Ovimise

A continuous hormone monitoring device that provides real-time insights into hormonal fluctuation, enhancing fertility treatments and the management of menopause, PCOS, and other hormone-related conditions.

Rosterwell

A live rostering platform that automatically reconciles clinician requests with hospital requirements, reducing critical vacancies, improving clinician wellbeing and ultimately improving patient outcomes.

Team Visionry

Real-time eye health monitoring during surgery.

Vision Pulse

An early-stage monitoring tool for Diabetic Retinopathy.

Volo Medical

A wearable active compression device for lymphoedema therapy.

Congratulations to OsteoSync Solutions, Medtech Renal, Menome and Rosterwell

Judges and industry guests were blown away by the medical innovations and quality of each pitch. Congratulations to the selected semi-finalists:

  • OsteoSync Solutions | Matthew Issko
  • Medtech Renal | Michael Kreplins
  • Menome | Rupert Mosley
  • Rosterwell | Amanthi Fernando

What happens next?

The four teams will compete and pitch in the MedTech Actuator Origin Finals, which will take place at the MedTech Actuator Showcase on 10th October, where they will have the chance to win a cash and in-kind prize pack worth over A$15,000 and gain access to fast-tracked entry into MedTech Actuator Accelerator 2025.

MedTech Actuator Origin is supported by LaunchVic.

Stay in the loop by signing up for news and updates, sign up to our newsletter today!

You can also follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram to keep up to date with the latest events and programs.

Announcing MedTech Actuator Origin 2024 Award Winners

Posted on by MedTech Actuator

At the recent MedTech Actuator Showcase in Singapore, we joined ecosystem leaders to celebrate Asia Pacific’s next wave of early-stage MedTech, HealthTech and BioTech entrepreneurs – with LumiTRAC taking home the prestigious MedTech Actuator Origin 2024 Award, and UniMedical, Inc. winning the MedTech Actuator People’s Choice Award.

About MedTech Actuator Showcase

The inaugural MedTech Actuator Showcase Singapore event brought together 170+ senior representatives from over 30 key health innovation organisations to connect and celebrate the achievements, impact, and progress of entrepreneurs and founders.

Across the evening, guests heard from key enabling institutions – Enterprise Singapore, JETRO and the Osaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry – were taken into the commercial journeys of Moon Technologies with co-founder Tan Jian Ming, and SG Diagnostics with founder, Kate Qi, and witnessed the pitch finals of MedTech Actuator Origin Singapore and Japan.

Fireside chat with Singaporean startups: SG Diagnostics (Kate Qi) and Moon Technologies (Tan Jian Ming) with Head of International Programs at MedTech Actuator – Gwen Mah.

Stepping into the spotlight, the MedTech Actuator Origin finalists pitched for their chance to be crowned the winner of MedTech Actuator Origin 2024 and to secure a $15k cash and in-kind prize pack, with a fast-tracked entry into the 2025 Accelerator program. 

Teams pitching in the final included four from Singapore and one from Japan:

  • 2Strands Bioscience | Debleena Ray | Revolutionising oncology care with accurate and affordable blood test for cancer monitoring
  • LumiTRAC | Linn Yun Le | Developing a surgical retractor for minimally invasive breast surgeries to facilitate safe and expedient dynamic retraction
  • Optikare Technologies | Munirah Ismail | Bright futures begin with clear vision
  • Seamless XR | Ajinkya Bhat | Building wearable sensors and haptics for rehab gamification and post-stroke sensory re-education
  • UniMedical, Inc. | Dai Inagaki | Developing a medical device that contributes to the early diagnosis of heart diseases and provides new therapeutic intervention opportunities for patients

MedTech Actuator Origin 2024 Award: LumiTRAC

Congratulations to Linn Yun Le from LumiTRAC, who through a highly competitive process was selected by the judges – Pauline Erica Tay, NHIC, Anastasia Miros, KPMG, and Matthew Frith, MedTech Actuator – as the winner of this prestigious Origin award for 2024.

“It is really exciting to see such fantastic medical innovations coming through the Singaporean and Japanese ecosystems. The LumiTRAC team delivered an amazing pitch integrating a clear patient need with a strong commercial path. Congratulations again!  Dr. Buzz Palmer – Chief Executive Officer, MedTech Actuator

MedTech Actuator Origin 2024 Award winners: LumiTRAC with MedTech Actuator CoFounders Buzz Palmer and Vishaal Kishore.

Do you have an early stage idea for an innovation in human health? Register your details to stay up to date with key dates and details for MedTech Actuator Origin running in 2025.

MedTech Actuator People’s Choice 2024 Award: UniMedical, Inc.

Congratulations to MedTech Actuator Origin participant, Dai Ingaki from UniMedical, Inc., for being selected for the MedTech Actuator People’s Choice 2024 Award.

MedTech Actuator People’s Choice Award winner UniMedical, Inc. with Vishaal Kishore, Dai Inagaki and Buzz Palmer.

MedTech Actuator Showcase guests from the innovation ecosystem – spanning investor groups and VCs, multinational corporations, hospitals, product development firms, universities, and research institutes – voted for their favourite pitch of the night, with UniMedical, Inc. taking home the prize.

This coveted vote of confidence went to Dai Inagaki from UniMedical, Inc., who will take home an SGD$1K cash prize.

Special Guests

Thank you to our distinguished Showcase guests for your support of our MedTech superheroes and the ecosystem:

  • Dr. Clarice Chen – Director, Healthcare & Biomedical, Enterprise Singapore;
  • Mr. Yoichi Kimura – Director of Japan’s External Trade Organization [JETRO] Singapore,
  • Mr. Hiroaki Ueno – Chairman, Life Science Promotion Special Committee, Osaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI)

It Takes A Village to Raise a MedTech Startup

The MedTech Actuator Showcase and the specialised acceleration model underpinning all of our programs would not be possible without the support of our innovation ecosystem partners. In particular we would like to thank our Foundation and Product Development partners including Enterprise Singapore, JETRO, and Osaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry for their critical and continued support of both the MedTech Actuator and the ecosystem.

Friends and supporters

A very special shoutout to all our ecosystem friends and supporters. Without you, we would not be able to surround founders with the support they need to bring innovations to the patients and clinicians who need it most.

MedTech Actuator Origin Singapore is supported by Enterprise Singapore.

MedTech Actuator Origin Japan is co-organized with JETRO – Japan External Trade Organization.

MedTech Actuator Origin – Diag-Nose.io Founder Makes Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia List

Posted on by MedTech Actuator

MedTech Actuator is thrilled to celebrate a significant achievement by alumnus, Eldin Rostom. Eldin, the visionary CEO and Founder of Diag-Nose.io, has earned a place on the Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia list for Healthcare & Science in 2024. This accolade recognises Eldin’s groundbreaking work in revolutionising respiratory care with cutting-edge AI-powered technology.

Breathing New Life into Respiratory Care

At the heart of Diag-Nose.io’s innovation is their flagship product, RhinoMAP. This AI-driven tool leverages protein signatures to expedite the diagnosis process for patients with chronic respiratory conditions, enabling them to receive the right treatment faster. With over 500 million people worldwide affected by chronic respiratory disorders, the impact of RhinoMAP is profound.

“Our mission is to improve a billion lives globally,” Eldin says. “RhinoMAP is designed to overcome the lengthy diagnosis process and help patients breathe better and live longer.”

From Patient to Pioneer

Eldin’s journey in healthcare innovation is as personal as it is professional. Born with a rare disease (Toxoplasmosis), Eldin spent much of his early life in and out of hospitals. This firsthand experience with the challenges of healthcare ignited his passion for using technology to improve patient outcomes.

“Being an asthma patient myself, I found immense joy and pride in being able to work towards a world free of respiratory disorders,” Eldin shares. This personal connection to his work drives the relentless pursuit of his vision at Diag-Nose.io.

MedTech Actuator: A Launchpad for Success

Eldin’s path to success was significantly shaped by his participation in MedTech Actuator Origin in 2019. The program provided him with critical insights into medtech commercialisation, regulatory landscapes, and intellectual property—essential knowledge for any medtech entrepreneur.

“MedTech Actuator Origin gave us the conviction to continue on with the startup journey,” Eldin reflects. “We met some pretty amazing mentors, friends, and advisors through the program that are still part of our journey to this day.”

Looking Ahead

Joining the Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia 2024 cohort has already begun to open new doors for Diag-Nose.io, attracting interest from investors and the media. Eldin hopes this recognition will lead to more collaborations and partnerships, enabling the company to scale its impact and reach even more patients in need.

As Eldin and his team continue to push the boundaries of respiratory care, they exemplify the spirit of innovation and perseverance that MedTech Actuator aims to foster. Their success is not only a source of inspiration for aspiring healthcare entrepreneurs but also a powerful reminder of how technology can transform patient lives.

Apply for MedTech Actuator Origin 2024

Are you driven to change the face of healthcare like Eldin? Applications are open for MedTech Actuator Origin 2024 until Monday, August 26.

Whether you’re a researcher, scientist, clinician or student, MedTech Actuator Origin is looking for passionate entrepreneurs poised to transform healthcare. The winner of MedTech Actuator Origin will receive a $15k cash and in-kind prize pack and gain access to fast-tracked entry into MedTech Actuator Accelerator 2025.

Have questions about the application or program? Reach out to Lizzie Laurence, Program Coordinator via email – lizzie@medtechactuator.com

MedTech Actuator Origin is supported by LaunchVic.

[PRESS RELEASE] The OCCI signs MOU with MedTech Actuator to Build a Commercialization Ecosystem as Legacy of Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai

Posted on by MedTech Actuator
  • The Osaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI) signs MOU with MedTech Actuator (Australia)
  • To Build a Commercialization Ecosystem as Legacy of Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai
  • Osaka as hub for Japan and East Asia, more intensive support for medical and health startups

On Friday, March 15, the Osaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI) is going to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with MedTech Actuator – headquartered in Melbourne, Australia – to further expand their partnership.

MedTech Actuator is a global accelerator supporting startups in the medical, biotech and health fields. As Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai approaches, medical and health businesses are drawing more attention, and there will be an increasing number of opportunities for startups to gather in Osaka.

Amid such situation, recognizing Osaka as a hub for Japan and East Asia, both sides will work together to build an ecosystem for startups in the medical and health fields, which will then last as legacy of the expo, by using MedTech Actuator’s expertise on startup acceleration and OCCI’s experiences and networks across Japan in promoting medical-engineering collaboration and commercialization.

The partnership will provide programs for commercialization in Osaka, Singapore, Melbourne, etc. to support startups from Japan and other countries.

MedTech Actuator will also prepare for opening of their base in Osaka, where an international pitch competition in medical and health is planned to take place for the first time in 2025.

Summary of the MOU

The OCCI and MedTech Actuator agree to cooperate and complement each other and jointly work to discover startups across the Asia-Pacific region and other regions of the world and support them to accelerate commercialization in global markets by making the most of medical and health support programs that each party has.

Significance of the MOU

Startups in medical and health will receive support to determine their best exit strategy looking across global markets, thereby growing up to be a globally competitive company. Osaka will work as a hub for Japan and East Asia, and a global startup support ecosystem is expected to be built in the future through reinforced networks of ecosystem hubs located the world.

About the MedTech Actuator

A nonprofit organization that globally supports startups in the medical and health fields. Headquartered in Australia, MedTech Actuator has profound expertise and networks to provide startups with the best exit strategy in global markets. They have supported 200+ health startups, raised more than $750 million and placed 20 products/services in the market.

Support Programs for Startups in Japan

  • ORIGIN
    • Education and pitch program for early-stage startups including those in idea-stage
  • GLOBAL NAVIGATOR
    • Program that helps small and medium-sized companies aiming to expand their business overseas

Read the full press release

Media Coverage

Announcing MedTech Actuator Origin 2023 Winner

Posted on by MedTech Actuator

At the recent MedTech Actuator Showcase, we joined ecosystem leaders to celebrate Asia Pacific’s next wave of early-stage MedTech, HealthTech and BioTech entrepreneurs – with ELLIS taking home the prestigious MedTech Actuator Origin 2023 Award.

About MedTech Actuator Showcase

The annual MedTech Actuator Showcase brings together global health innovation ecosystem partners to connect and celebrate the achievements, impact, and progress of healthtech entrepreneurs and founders. This exclusive black-tie event brings together 250+ senior representatives and 30+ organisations from across the ecosystem.

Across an evening of celebration, guests heard from LaunchVic CEO, Kate Cornick, before diving into the founding journey of Nutromics with Cofounders, Peter Vranes and Hitesh Mehta, and VeinTech with Cofounders, Nikhilesh Bappoo and Nicholas Buckley. 

Shining light on early-stage founders, MedTech Actuator Accelerator startups, DermR Health and NanoCube Health founders Stefan Mazy and Lisa Milani pitched to the audience. Stepping into the spotlight for the first time were the MedTech Actuator Origin Finalists pitching to be crowned the winner of MedTech Actuator Origin 2023 and to secure a $15k cash prize, as well as mentoring from Tom Oxley from Synchron and fast-tracked entry into the 2024 Accelerator program.

Teams pitching in the finals included three Australian and one Japanese team:

  • Chyral | Gabriel Oyarzo | Chyral is developing a novel, non-invasive blood glucose monitoring device that uses infrared light.
  • ELLIS | Liz Davis | ELLIS is developing a sensor probe to detect respiratory complications early in ventilated ICU patients.
  • SmartPoly | Nasim Sabahi | SmartPoly aims to develop a synthetic solution for treatment of large-scale bone defects.
  • Spine Chronicle | Ryo Kitagawa | Development of the best spinal implants for elderly patients.

MedTech Actuator Origin 2023 Award: ELLIS

Congratulations to Liz Davis from ELLIS on taking out this prestigious award after a highly competitive process and pitching at the finals. ELLIS was selected and judges as the winner out of four early-stage entrepreneurs who made it to the Origin finals.

“It is really exciting to see such fantastic medical innovations coming through the ecosystem. Liz delivered an amazing pitch integrating a clear patient need with a strong commercial pathway. Congratulations to Liz and the team behind ELLIS!”

Matthew Frith – Chief Commercial Officer, MedTech Actuator

MedTech Actuator Origin 2023 Award winners: ELLIS; and MedTech Actuator People’s Choice Award winner: Spine Chronicle

Do you have an early stage idea for an innovation in human health? MedTech Actuator’s Origin is here to help and expression of interest are now open for Origin 2024. 

MedTech Actuator People’s Choice 2023 Award: Spine Chronicle

Congratulations to MedTech Actuator Origin Japan participant, Ryo Kitagawa from Spine Chronicle, for being selected for the MedTech Actuator People’s Choice 2023 Award.

MedTech Actuator Showcase guests from the innovation ecosystem – spanning investor groups and VCs, multinational corporations, hospitals, product development firms, universities, and research institutes – voted for their favourite pitch of the night, with Spine Chronicle taking home the prize.

This coveted vote of confidence went to Ryo from Spine Chronicle, who will take home an AUD$1K cash prize.

It Takes A Village to Raise a MedTech Startup

The MedTech Actuator Showcase and the specialised acceleration model underpinning all of our programs would not be possible without the support of the innovation ecosystem and startups in the .

Special Guests

Thank you to our distinguished Showcase guests for your support of our MedTech superheroes and the ecosystem:

  • Ms. Kate Cornick – CEO of LaunchVic;
  • Mr. Takayuki Watanabe – Managing Director of Japan’s External Trade Organization [JETRO] for Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific Islands; and,
  • Mr. Rodrigo Tilve Seaone – Economic & Trade Commissioner of Spain in Australia.

Showcase Sponsors

We would like to acknowledge our Silver Sponsors for the MedTech Actuator Showcase – thank you to:

  • Bupa
  • Nirtek
  • Johnson & Johnson MedTech
  • Design + Industry Australia
  • Cogentech

Partners

We would also like to thank our Foundation and Product Development partners for their constant and continued support of both the MedTech Actuator and the ecosystem.

Friends and supporters

A very special shoutout to all our ecosystem friends and supporters. Without you, we would not be able to surround founders with the support they need to bring innovations to the patients and clinicians who need it most.

MedTech Actuator Accelerator will be open for 2024 soon!

Do you have a medical innovation that you’re ready to bring to market? MedTech Actuator’s Accelerator is here to help and expression of interest is open. The Accelerator program will equip your team with the skills, network and resources needed to successfully navigate the commercialisation pathway. Become a part of MedTech Actuator’s next Accelerator cohort!

MedTech Actuator Origin and Accelerator are supported by the REDI initiative, powered by MTPConnect, funded by the MRFF and LaunchVic.

MedTech Actuator Origin Japan 2023 is sponsored by JETRO and co-organized with JETRO, OCCI and OBDA.

Meet the MedTech Actuator Origin 2023 Cohort

Posted on by MedTech Actuator

Meet the 20 impressive teams from across Australia selected for the MedTech Actuator Origin 2023.

Over three days in Melbourne, emerging founders will dive into workshops and industry-led mentoring to help them turbocharge projects and build a strategy to get their ideas to market. During the sprint, teams will be introduced to topics such as idea validation, intellectual property, pitching, pathways to market, business models, navigating Australia’s healthcare ecosystem, and funding for early-stage ventures. The Origin cohort will be joined by the 2023 MedTech Actuator Menzies Scholars.

Ten projects from Australia will be selected to pitch at the Origin Semi-final, along with four semi-finalist teams from Japan, to secure their place in the Origin Final at the MedTech Actuator Showcase on 30 November.

The Origin 2023 participants include clinicians, researchers, and students working on MedTech, HealthTech and BioTech innovations that will improve the lives of patients and impact clinicians’ workflows. These solutions span key areas in human health, including mental health and wellness, chronic disease management, cancer treatments and care, paediatrics, diagnostic imaging and data management in hospital settings, allied health and rehabilitation, and more.

Welcome our Origin 2023 Participants

We are excited to announce the 20 teams participating in the MedTech Actuator Origin intensive sprint and competing in the Rapid Fire Round.

  • IntelliChair | IntelliChair is an assistive and smart control for semi-autonomous wheelchairs that combines joystick & HGR & camera based obstacle detection.
  • BeTuned | BeTuned is developing a gaming-based digital therapeutic for mental health.
  • Biochrome | Biochrome is developing a portable point-of-care device for malaria detection, identification, and quantification.
  • BlissFlow | Blissflow is developing a non-invasive smart device to manage severe urinary incontinence in adults.
  • Carina Medical | Carina Medical is creating a device to facilitate cardiovascular disease screening in remote areas to Close The Gap.
  • ELLIS Medical | ELLIS Medical is developing a sensor probe to detect respiratory complications early in ventilated ICU patients.
  • Endometronics | Endometronics is developing a new non-invasive molecular diagnostic kit for endometriosis.
  • Chyral | Chyral is developing a novel, non-invasive blood glucose monitoring device that uses infrared light.
  • Lenia.ai | Lenia.ai harnesses the power of artificial intelligence to streamline the medical coding process.
  • LymMA | LymMAP is a high-definition composition mapping system for better chronic disease management.
  • ProSeek Bio | ProSeek Bio, a next-generation ovarian cancer screening blood test, to advance next-gen diagnostics for ovarian cancer blood testing.
  • ReArm | ReArm is developing a wholistic solution to help neurological patients regain independence with better rehabilitation.
  • VentiWatch/Abtulus | VentiWatch is developing a resuscitation management device to prevent loss of life due to improper resuscitative ventilations.
  • Iris Medical | Iris Medical is transforming the intrauterine (IUD) insertion procedure using hand-hand ultrasound technology.
  • Scar No More | Scar No more is an at-home therapeutic bandage to treat keloid scars.
  • Scriblet | Scriblet is an automated admin assistant, sitting in on consultations and producing progress notes.
  • Senoptix | Senoptix is a medical diagnostic device for effective treatment monitoring of patients with ovarian cancer.
  • SmartPoly | SmartPoly aims to develop a synthetic solution for treatment of large-scale bone defects.
  • Sugar Nappy | Sugar Nappy will develop sensors that can be integrated into nappies to monitor the health of babies.
  • ThermAI | ThermAI is designing next generation AI-powered miniature hyperspectral cameras for health diagnostics.
  • Hover | Hover aims to cater a safer human experience in the digital era and beyond.
  • Lindo Tube | Lindo Tube is an antimicrobial Blue Light (aBL) ventilator tube.

What happens next?

The experience culminates in the MedTech Actuator Origin Semi-Finals on 24th November where teams will compete for a place in the MedTech Actuator Showcase. At the Showcase, teams will have the chance to win a share of the $15k prize pool, over $5k worth of in-kind support and gain access to fast-tracked entry into MedTech Actuator Accelerator 2024.

Register to attend the Semi-final event. Admission is free!

MedTech Actuator Origin is supported by the REDI initiative, powered by MTPConnect, funded by the MRFF and LaunchVic.

Stay in the loop by signing up for news and updates below.

You can also follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram to keep up to date with the latest events and programs.

Announcing MedTech Actuator Origin Japan’s semi-finalists

Posted on by MedTech Actuator

After three days of working closely with 13 medical startups in Japan, the MedTech Actuator is excited to announce four semi-finalists who will join the MedTech Actuator Origin in Australia next month. 

MedTech Actuator Origin Japan – an early-stage innovation program for MedTech, BioTech, and HealthTech startups looking to explore Australia and the Asia-Pacific market – kicked off its second cohort this week, welcoming a diverse range of medical and health innovations that spanned across diagnostic imaging and data management in hospital settings, bioprinting, spinal implants, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) screening, and cancer treatments and care.

Emerging founders and entrepreneurs joined MedTech Actuator and partners, JETRO, OCCI, OBDA and industry experts, for a 2-day bootcamp in Osaka. Together, they learned about pitching their innovations to a global market, commercialisation strategies and more. The program culminated at a semi-final, where each startup pitched for their chance to come to Australia and join MedTech Actuator Origin in November.

Congratulations to AI4ASD, FairMed, Smile Curve and Spine Chronicle Japan Co. Ltd

Judges and industry guests were blown away by the medical innovations and quality of each pitch. Congratulations to the selected semi-finalists:

  • AI4ASD | Aki Kono | An AI early screening tool for Autism Spectrum Disorder.
  • FairMed | Sumire Fukuda | The development of AI to Assist Endovascular Surgery.
  • Smile Curve | Masakatsu Noguchi | A new screening system with ICT to quantitatively measure body surface distortion without X-ray exposure, enabling scoliosis screening.
  • Spine Chronicle Japan | Ryo Kitagawa | Development of the best spinal implants for elderly patients.

These Japanese startups will join MedTech Actuator in Melbourne next month for a week-long intensive program, where they will learn from industry experts, pressure test their innovations, and network with and pitch to Australia’s startup ecosystem.

One Japanese startup will ultimately be selected to pitch at the MedTech Actuator Showcase – an industry event attended by 300 experts in BioMedical innovation on November 30. At this event, startups will compete for a chance to win a cash and in-kind prize pack worth over $20,000, a one-on-one session with Synchron founder and inaugural MedTech Actuator Origin alumni, Associate Professor Thomas Oxley, and a fast-tracked entry into MedTech Actuator Accelerator 2024 to accelerate the commercialisation of their ideas.

MedTech Actuator Origin Japan is sponsored by JETRO and co-organized with JETRO, OCCI and OBDA.

Stay in the loop by signing up for news and updates below.

You can also follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram to keep up to date with the latest events and programs.