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MedTech Actuator Opens Office in Osaka, Japan

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.

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Further reading: Australian Medical Tech Supporter opens base in Osaka

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

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.

PROMinsight: The Comprehensive Platform for Precise Patient-Reported Outcome Measures

HealthTech startup PROMinsight is revolutionising patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) with its end-to-end platform that offers precise and comprehensive measurements of the impact of eye disease, vision impairment and related treatments from the patient’s perspective. 

The idea for PROMinsight was born when Co-founders, Dr Eva Fenwick and Prof Ecosse Lamoureux who have been measuring patient-reported outcomes in research studies and trials for over 15 years in Australia and Singapore recognized the limitations of traditional “paper-pencil” surveys in clinical trials and clinical care. To address this challenge, they developed computerised adaptive tests (CATs), a sophisticated approach to measuring health-related quality of life assessment. CAT was already being used in educational testing and the team saw multiple benefits in using this method in health outcomes. The company built their first item banks and CAT to measure quality of life in patients with diabetic eye disease and eventually developed GlauCAT for glaucoma and IVI-CAT for vision impairment, with MacCAT for age-related macular degeneration, MyoRI-CAT for myopia, and DiabCAT for type-2 diabetes in the pipeline, all hosted on a bespoke cloud-based platform.

The CAT algorithm successfully reduces the time taken to collect patient-reported outcome data by up to 70%, which is a major breakthrough in the field. Researchers, clinicians, and patients find the CAT tests easy to use and appreciate the impact of the PROMinsight’s work. 

“Seeing the CAT algorithm work to successfully reduce a questionnaire from 20-30 items to just a quick 7-8 is very satisfying, and it’s also gratifying to hear researchers, clinicians and patients enjoy using the CAT tests and believe in our work”, Dr Eva Fenwick, Cofounder PROMinsight.

Although integrating the cloud-based CAT system into hospital electronic medical records (EMR) posed significant challenges, such as overcoming data security barriers and addressing the limitations of EMR systems around data analytics and visualization, the team successfully navigated these obstacles with the help of their exceptional IT and software support teams.

PROMinsight’s success story offers valuable lessons for other startups in the HealthTech industry. 

Firstly, it is crucial to get user feedback and iteratively update and improve the product. Secondly, it is important to think big-picture from the start and surround yourself with a great supporting team, including software, marketing, and clinical teams, who believe in your solution and aren’t afraid to provide honest feedback.”

Experience with the MedTech Actuator

PROMinsight joined the MedTech Actuator Ascend 2023 program, the new flagship program in Singapore to understand a robust Go to market strategy and connect with like-minded organisations with whom they could find synergy in their product offerings.

The team accomplished significant milestones including obtaining valuable knowledge and experience in the preparation process for engaging with venture capitalists and angel investors. They gained insight into the critical documents and information required to capture the attention of potential investors, which has been instrumental in their progress.

“MedTech Actuator has been extremely helpful in connecting us with relevant people and organisations who can assist in pointing us in the right path as well introducing us to potential partners and playmakers within the industry. We have been able to increase awareness of our product as well as find our limitations and strengths to position ourselves more accurately.”

The 6-month Ascend program is designed for scaling ventures in MedTech, BioTech, and HealthTech looking to gain insights, access opportunities, and overcome hurdles within the Singapore ecosystem. Singapore is a strategic launch pad for many startups exploring the broader Asia-Pacific region, and looking to gain, or strengthen market position across the many regional healthcare ecosystems. 

PROMinsight recommends MedTech Actuator programs to other startups, as understanding the ins and outs of business in Singapore can be tricky especially in the medical industry with the various restrictions and compliances set forth by the government. Through the Ascend program, MedTech Actuator introduced industry leaders to guide PROMinsight in this process and made sure the startup was connected well and prepared for the challenges of introducing and selling their product in Singapore.

Join us for Demo Day in Singapore

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to witness the innovative ideas and solutions of our Ascend startups at our upcoming Demo Day! The event will showcase startups from our Global Navigator program and will be held on 22 June 2023, from 3 pm to 7 pm at the Centre for Healthcare Innovation (CHI) in Singapore. Stay tuned for more information, which will be announced soon. 

If you have any enquiries, please reach out to Cayden Pang, our Enterprise Manager, at cayden@medtechactuator.com

MedTech Actuator Accelerator Welcomes the 8th Cohort

We are incredibly excited to introduce you to teams of  MedTech Actuator™ Accelerator 2023. Over the next 12-months, 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 Accelerator, 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. 

Cohort 8 startups come from all across Australia, with teams joining from Victoria, New South Wales, the Australian Capital Territory, Western Australia and South Australia. 

Meet the Teams Driving Innovation in Australia’s Health Ecosystem

  • Acegirl Innovation Lab Pty Ltd.– Acegirl is developing a sleek and low-in-noise breast pump that mimics a baby’s latch, to empower all mothers to pump, despite their environment.
  • AdraCard– AdraCard aims to significantly reduce the burden of disease for those with anaphylaxis and decrease the rate of hospitalisations and deaths, by eliminating the hassle of carrying adrenaline. 
  • Aurabox– Aurabox is a cloud-based platform for storing, viewing and sharing medical imaging which allows doctors to view and collaborate with imaging from multiple sources in one place.
  • Circadian Health Innovations– We create a wearable light sensor to guide users toward better light for better health and longevity.
  • Hindsyt– Hindsyt is a cutting-edge technology that uses computer vision and machine learning to improve the accuracy and efficiency of radiotherapy treatments.
  • Kidney Ally– Personalised and affordable nutrition to slow kidney disease progression.
  • NanoCube Health – NanoCube Health is developing bioinspired nanorobots combining advanced diagnostics with targeted cancer treatment technology.
  • Parallel Medical Pty Ltd– Our aim is for healthcare organizations and physicians to adopt Nexus as a tool to improve patient care and outcomes, promote the advancement of surgical techniques, and streamline healthcare delivery processes.
  • Pretect Devices Pty Ltd– IView – We aim to eliminate  IV infiltration injury in the smallest and the most vulnerable.
  • Skin Genetics Inc– The DermR® Patch is a first-of-its-kind microneedle patch that quickly and effectively extracts skin cells pain-free, allowing for a new way of pre-screening for skin cancer without the need for a biopsy.
  • TENSible– TENSible is a non-invasive micro-electrical stimulation device that implements biofeedback and an integrated pain management virtual assistant to provide you with personalised chronic back pain relief.
  • Visualisation Hub– A healthcare data analytics platform that leverages AI to provide actionable insights for healthcare providers, pharmaceutical companies, and government agencies to deliver insights to improve patient outcomes.

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, Access APAC 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.

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

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



Gravida Health: Transforming Pregnancy Care through Clinical Innovation

Pregnancy can be an exciting yet daunting time for many women. Unfortunately, the experience can be made even more difficult when labour needs to be induced. MedTech Actuator startup, Gravida Health recognised this issue and set out to create a world-first medical innovation to improve labour induction procedures and provide a more positive experience for women.

The idea for Gravida Health was born out of longstanding clinician-engineer partnerships among the team members, Mr Ritesh Warty – Co-Founder & Co-CEO, Dr Densearn Seo – Co-Founder & Co-CEO and A/Prof Vinayak Smith – Co-Founder & CMO. After researching the clinical gap and several conceptual prototypes later, they realised that they were just scratching the surface. Gravida Health was established to bring its product and vision to life.

At Gravida Health, the team is motivated by the potential to improve the delivery of care for women. They recognize the lack of innovation in women’s health and the minimal change that has occurred clinically in the past decades. Their unique position allows them to bring their innovations and ideas to the world and lead the charge for vital transformations within the global FemTech ecosystem.

Gravida Health Founding Team- Dr Densearn Seo – Co-Founder & Co-CEO, Mr Ritesh Warty – Co-Founder & Co-CEO, and A/Prof Vinayak Smith – Co-Founder & CMO

The biggest challenge for Gravida Health has been dealing with uncertainty in a dynamic environment. The healthcare industry is deeply rooted and traditional, making it challenging to implement new innovations. However, the team at Gravida Health has faced these challenges and overcome them.

Gravida Health has experienced many learnings during their journey so far, their advice to future founders is that ideas, clinical use cases, and strategies always evolve. Startups are an ongoing learning experience, and it’s essential to remain humble, manage biases, and adapt to new insights and data constantly. 

If you begin your startup journey with the belief that your idea is the best, you set yourself up for eventual failure”, Ritesh Warty – Co-Founder & Co-CEO, Gravida Health.

Experience with the MedTech Actuator

The MedTech Actuator Accelerator is Asia Pacific’s industry-led, investor-backed 12-month venture development program for early-stage MedTech, BioTech and HealthTech startups.

Gravida Health joined the MedTech Actuator Accelerator Cohort 7 in 2022 to further develop their skills and reduce knowledge gaps in their startup journey. Since joining the MedTech Actuator, the company has made significant progress in developing synergistic partnerships with strategic industry partners locally and abroad. They have also provisionally patented their technology and are now refining their product design for further trials and manufacturability.

The most beneficial aspect of the MedTech Actuator for Gravida Health has been its strong network of mentors and industry partners. The founders credit Buzz Palmer, CEO of MedTech Actuator and Vishaal Kishore, Co-CEO of MedTech Actuator for their guidance and Elane Zelcer for her regulatory and operational knowledge. The MedTech Actuator has been a resourceful place that provides a foundation for new startups and helps other innovative minds to come together to build a stronger network within Asia-Pacific and beyond.

We would recommend MedTech Actuator to anyone who is looking to innovate and drive changes to the archaic healthcare ecosystem on a global scale. MedTech Actuator is a resourceful place that provides a foundation for new startups and helps other innovative minds to come together to build a stronger network within Asia-Pacific and beyond”, Ritesh Warty – Co-Founder & Co-CEO, Gravida Health.

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



InflaMed: Personalised care for chronic inflammation

In recent years, there has been a growing focus on the importance of personalised, proactive care for those living with chronic inflammatory conditions. MedTech Actuator startup, InflaMed is at the forefront of this movement, prioritising proactive care using personalised data and insights to guide shared decision-making and improve care for those living with chronic conditions like allergies, eczema, and asthma.

The idea for InflaMed came about when the founders Mari Robert and Alan Robert’s daughter routinely broke out with highly irritating eczema. As parents, Mari and Alan wanted to track the various chemicals she was exposed to,  as well as record her diet to identify any patterns that could be contributing to her eczema flare-ups and triggering inflammation episodes. Using her background as a software developer, Mari created an application to collect and organise this data while providing helpful resources for other parents. Now, InflaMed is expanding to serve a wider community, offering more sophisticated capabilities and ongoing support.

The driving force behind InflaMed is a deep personal understanding of the impact that chronic inflammatory conditions can have on the quality of life. The founders know from experience that a one-size-fits-all approach is not enough and that there is a need to focus on the root causes of these conditions. This is why they are dedicated to creating a platform that prioritises personalised care and encourages collaboration between patients and healthcare providers.

Experiencing over a decade, firsthand, the fluctuating severity of chronic eczema and the contribution it has to a lower quality of life for all of us. Combined with the stress and anxiety you face as a parent, I am fully driven to make this work”, Mari Robert, Founder & CEO, InflaMed.

The founders recognise that the role of clinicians is crucial to the success of the platform, so they have made sure to consult with a range of healthcare providers at every stage of the process. They are thrilled to have recently added several key advisors to their team, including  Dr Ellen Paton (GP), Dr Sonika Tyagi  (Data Science and AI advisor), and Dr Maida Affan (Digital Health Brand Advisor).

InflaMed advises any early-stage startup to first build a strong founding team that can complement skills and share the passion towards the mission. Secondly, it is important to keep the end-users at the centre of everything and to work closely with healthcare providers to ensure the solution is both usable and valuable. Finally, it is important to be flexible and ready to adapt as market conditions and customer needs change, and to keep the “why” in mind at all times, even during tough moments.

Build a strong founding team, have a bold vision with feasible milestones, keep the end user at the centre, be ready to adapt, and always remember your why. MedTech startup life in a highly regulated industry is not for the faint of heart, but a reminder of your purpose can help overcome the challenges”, Mari Robert, Founder & CEO, InflaMed.

InflaMed’s journey with MedTech Actuator

The MedTech Actuator Accelerator is Asia Pacific’s industry-led, investor-backed 12-month venture development program for early-stage MedTech, BioTech and HealthTech startups.

InflaMed joined the MedTech Actuator Accelerator Cohort 7 in 2022 with the mission to elevate awareness and care around chronic inflammation. MedTech Actuator Accelerator gives founders access to dedicated industry mentors, experts-in-residence, investors, key industry leaders, suppliers and government support agencies. 

We joined the MedTech Actuator for access to a clinical network as we knew we needed to make those partnerships in order to elevate the research and care around chronic inflammation”.

Since joining the program, InflaMed achieved some significant milestones. They have incorporated as an investable company, grown their team from just one person to six, and continued usability testing with their iOS app, which serves as an unregulated, self-managed endpoint. Additionally, they have run market validation with over 100 people for B2B expansion and are working closely with the technology partners on B2B architecture design and prototype development. Lastly, they are ready to raise funds in February 2023.

One of the most beneficial aspects of the MedTech Actuator Accelerator is the exposure to the ecosystem of healthcare innovation. InflaMed utilised the Accelerator experience to connect with other startups, investors, potential partners, government personnel, researchers, and clinicians. They were able to access mentorship from experienced individuals in the industry who have made significant contributions to their work. 

  • Ray Yamamoto Hilton, serving as the Technology Advisor, has been a valuable weekly sounding board and has been instrumental in the design of the architecture in collaboration with Google engineers. He will be transitioning to the role of Chief Technical Officer.
  • Dr Ellen Paton has been thorough in her analysis of clinical workflow and has played a crucial role in defining gaps and refining requirements. The team looks forward to continuing their close collaboration with her.
  • The team would also like to acknowledge the valuable contributions of Dr John Knight, who has served as an excellent mentor with extensive experience in clinical product commercialisation. 
  • Dr. Maida Affan has been instrumental in raising brand awareness and improving social media engagement.

InflaMed recommends joining the Accelerator program.

MedTech Actuator can provide access to essential resources and knowledge for starting a company in the Medical and health industries for determined and resilient founders.”

 

Join MedTech Actuator’s 8th Accelerator cohort

Are you looking to take your health innovation to the next level? 

Applications are open until March 3 for the next Accelerator cohort! Join early-stage healthcare startups in a 12-month accelerator program, tailored to MedTech, HealthTech and BioTech innovation in Australia and Asia Pacific. With investment and access to over 150 industry experts, the MedTech Actuator Accelerator will help to strengthen your commercialisation strategy as you advance your technology closer to the market.

Sign up to receive the Accelerator information pack or schedule a call with Makenzie to discuss the application and see if MedTech Actuator Accelerator is right for you!

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



Symex Labs: Enhancing Fertility Outcomes with Wearable Lab-on-a-Chip Technology

MedTech Actuator startup, Symex Labs is revolutionising the fertility industry. The venture is developing lab-on-a-chip solutions that provide continuous monitoring of hormones in interstitial fluid (ISF). The goal is to provide couples who are trying to conceive with a more convenient and effective solution to predict ovulation and measure fertility hormones. The idea has garnered strong market appeal, after extensive market research with Virtus Health, Monash IVF Group and internationally with IVF clinics in the US and Singapore.

The idea behind Symex Labs stemmed from the unpleasant personal experiences of the cofounders’ partners when trying to fall pregnant using the consumer-based products available for ovulation prediction. These products are usually urinary-based, require strict compliance for accurate estimation and involve a cumbersome user experience. This led the co-founders to imagine a “set-and-forget” solution inspired by the prominent Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGM), which are used by diabetic patients to monitor their glucose levels.

Symex Labs’ wearable lab-on-a-chip solution that provides continuous monitoring of hormones in interstitial fluid (ISF).

Driven by passion to help

The disappointment, sadness, and physical and emotional pain that couples experience during unsuccessful IVF rounds drive the team at Symex Labs every day. Cofounders Edgar Charry and Muhammad Umer are passionate about finding solutions that can help couples fall pregnant more easily and reduce the traumatic experience of infertility. Symex Labs is on a mission to achieve more insights into women’s fertility hormones with the sensor they are developing.

Symex Labs is a young company that has carried out extensive market research and its focus is now on the development of its product. Although the technology ecosystem has a great pool of technical talent, some parts of their technology require complex biochemistry and microfluidics design experience, making it challenging to find the right people locally. To overcome this challenge, the team reached out to their network of professionals overseas in the US, Europe and Asia to connect with the right people with the appropriate level of experience.

Symex Labs advises MedTech, HealthTech, or BioTech startups to firstly, do diligent and comprehensive market research before investing too much time in the technology. Secondly, gather feedback from the market as soon as possible. Give mock-ups and prototypes to potential customers to start getting feedback quickly to iterate. Thirdly, de-risk the high-risk parts of the technology as soon as possible. Finally, be ready to pivot if the market is telling you differently from what you originally thought.

It is important to keep in mind the possibility of pivoting – if the market is not interested in your idea, use your technology as a platform to carefully pivot to another area where there’s evidence of more commercial interest in your products and services”, Edgar Charry, CEO & Co-Founder, Symex Labs

Symex Labs is on a mission to revolutionize the fertility industry with their lab-on-a-chip solutions. Their passion for helping couples fall pregnant and their determination to overcome challenges make them a company to watch in the coming years.

Experience with the MedTech Actuator

The MedTech Actuator Accelerator is Asia Pacific’s industry-led, investor-backed 12-month venture development program for early-stage MedTech, BioTech and HealthTech startups.

Symex Labs joined the MedTech Actuator Accelerator Cohort 7 in 2022. The Accelerator experience provided Symex Labs with valuable networking opportunities with IP consultants, business executives, investors, and global medtech partners. The seed funding received through the program allowed the company to acquire lab space, build a small team of experts in biochemistry, immunoassay, and microfluidic research, license proprietary technology from RMIT University. The team has set a goal to create a benchtop prototype by June 2023 to demonstrate the key components of their technology.

Throughout the Accelerator program, founders have access to dedicated industry mentors, experts-in-residence, investors, key industry leaders, suppliers and government support agencies. 

Mentors such as Graham McLean (ex-president Asia Pacific Stryker) and Dr Buzz Palmer (CEO Medtech Actuator) have played a significant role in Symex’s success, providing valuable guidance and support. Participating in the MedTech Actuator cohort 7 has also been enjoyable, as the team had the opportunity to interact with other startups in the medical device industry.

Symex Labs would highly recommend the MedTech Actuator to others in the medical device industry. The networking opportunities and mentorship provided through the program can be invaluable in helping startups grow and progress their business.

There are many ways that you could benefit from participating in the Accelerator program depending on what stage your company is at. For us, networking with important professionals in this ecosystem was vital to grow and progress our business in the right direction”, Edgar Charry, CEO & Co-Founder, Symex Labs.

Join MedTech Actuator’s 8th Accelerator cohort

Are you looking to take your health innovation to the next level? 

Applications are open until March 3 for the next Accelerator cohort! Join early-stage healthcare startups in a 12-month accelerator program, tailored to MedTech, HealthTech and BioTech innovation in Australia and Asia Pacific. With investment and access to over 150 industry experts, the MedTech Actuator Accelerator will help to strengthen your commercialisation strategy as you advance your technology closer to the market.

Sign up to receive the Accelerator information pack or schedule a call with Makenzie to discuss the application and see if MedTech Actuator Accelerator is right for you!

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




TuCann Medical’s PIVC: Improving IV Cannula Safety and Patient Experience

MedTech Actuator Accelerator startup, TuCann Medical, is developing a Peripheral Intravenous Cannula (PIVC) that aims to prevent bloodstream infections, phlebitis and occlusion of these devices. Current cannulas used in hospitals have a high rate of complications and often need to be removed, resulting in multiple needle sticks for patients. TuCann Medical’s PIVC aims to change this by creating a safer patient experience where only one line is needed, every time.

The idea for TuCann Medical came about after co-founders, Dr. Maryam Soomro, Santiago Beltran Diaz and Kenneth Wong, realised that the sterility of peripheral IVs is often broken and is a major cause of sepsis and other infections in hospitals. They decided to tackle this problem by designing a PIVC that requires less needle sticks and has novel antimicrobials to prevent infections. As a result, TuCann Medical’s innovation prioritises patient vascular health and comfort, whilst reducing waste and saving time in clinical workflows.

The team is driven by the desire to improve the patient experience and to create a safer environment for patients in hospitals. TuCann Medical’s PIVC has the potential to make a significant impact on healthcare outcomes, reducing the number of deaths caused by sepsis and other infections.

The biggest challenge that the team has faced so far is growing as a startup and as individuals. Starting a company is a journey that requires a lot of growth and self-discovery. The co-founders have found that the biggest challenge is not only the company obstacles faced, but also managing this amongst the opportunities to grow and become better individuals.

“Make sure you are with the right people. Building a strong team is essential for the success of any startup, and the right team can make all the difference in achieving your goals”, Dr Maryam Soomro, CEO, TuCann Medical.

Experience with the MedTech Actuator

TuCann Medical team joined the Accelerator Cohort 5 in 2020.

The MedTech Actuator Accelerator is Asia Pacific’s industry-led, investor-backed 12-month venture development program for early-stage MedTech, BioTech and HealthTech startups. The program will simultaneously accelerate your technology development, build your team capability and provide access to investment. 

The Accelerator is designed to support every dimension of health innovation commercialisation, with elements of the program built to support each cofounder in their focus areas. In 2020, TuCann Medical joined the Accelerator Cohort 5 and used this opportunity to take their PIVC innovation to the next level.

“When I joined the MedTech Actuator, I was hoping to achieve several things. I wanted to gain access to extensive networks in the Australian startup space and to expertise of experienced mentors who could help guide me through the commercialisation process. I also wanted to improve my commercialisation skills, which I intend to carry forward into my startup,” Dr Maryam Soomro, CEO, TuCann Medical.

Throughout the program, founders have access to dedicated industry mentors, experts-in-residence, investors, key industry leaders, suppliers and government support agencies. 

“The mentors I met through the program, Toby McSweeney, Byron Darroch and Greg Rogers, were invaluable in helping me grow TuCann Medical. They helped us identify gaps in our commercialisation strategy and provided guidance on how to fill them”.

The MedTech Actuator Accelerator is designed for maximum speed and efficiency. The program sets milestones for each startup that helps them get to market faster. Startups are surrounded by all the expertise, resources, and infrastructure the healthcare startup needs so founders can focus on building the company.

During the program, TuCann Medical was able to connect with other startups on similar journeys and built a community of support, where they were able to share experiences and learn from one another. Since the Accelerator, TuCann Medical has achieved several milestones accelerating their health innovation to market, including:

  • Incorporation as a company whilst participating in the program, and since then have grown into a seed-stage company with incredible traction in trials, R&D and are moving closer to regulatory approval; 
  • Have negotiated exclusive licensing agreements with RMIT, where they are working on a functioning prototype that we are putting in for FDA assessment;
  • Participated in US-based Techstars and have built out their US networks;
  • Established ties with Monash Health and are negotiating trial agreements;
  • Closed a pre-seed capital raise (America and Australia) and are currently raising a seed round;
  • Have mapped out reimbursement strategies and built a board of advisors, including members from Cook Medical and Cochlear.

Join MedTech Actuator’s 8th Accelerator cohort

“The most beneficial aspect of the MedTech Actuator Accelerator is the lean commercialisation thinking it has, which was really excellent for strategising pathways forward and exit options. I would absolutely recommend the MedTech Actuator to others. It is vital to fill in the commercialisation gaps of the science-heavy start-ups and spin-offs in this space. The MedTech Actuator Accelerator is an incredible program that provides a wealth of resources, networks and mentorship to help young start-ups grow and succeed in the MedTech industry.”

Are you looking to take your health innovation to the next level? 

Applications are open until March 3 for the next Accelerator cohort! Join early-stage healthcare startups in a 12-month accelerator program, tailored to MedTech, HealthTech and BioTech innovation in Australia and Asia Pacific. With investment and access to over 150 industry experts, the MedTech Actuator Accelerator will help to strengthen your commercialisation strategy as you advance your technology closer to the market.

Sign up to receive the Accelerator information pack or schedule a call with Makenzie to discuss the application and see if MedTech Actuator Accelerator is right for you!

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

Harnessing telehealth to power a connected global health ecosystem

MedTech Actuator startup Neev Tech Labs is transforming how patients around the world experience and access healthcare through telehealth innovation

The Neev Tech Labs virtual care platform, Connect2MyDoctor is powering a connected global health ecosystem – supporting the response to challenges including delivering healthcare while preventing the spread of COVID19, and rising chronic illness.

Connect2MyDoctor is a HIPAA compliant and ISO 27001 certified virtual care platform that enables healthcare providers to deliver care in efficient and patient-centric ways. The comprehensive platform spans on-demand care; consults between rural hospitals and large tertiary care centres; care for in-patients in isolation and regular care; home care; and remote patient monitoring including medical device integration to capture real-time data.

The idea for Connect2MyDoctor was sparked in 2012 when, soon after moving with his family from Dubai to Australia, the daughter of Neev Tech Labs CEO Pramod Kutty needed to see a medical specialist.

“We were not used to the long wait period and tried to find help in the meantime through Dr Google and doctors overseas to understand more about the problem. I thought, there should be a better way to do this,” says Pramod.

This experience and Pramod’s subsequent market research led him to launch Connect2MyDoctor in 2016. Neev Tech Labs is now headquartered in Melbourne and has teams in India, Dubai, and Bahrain, along with a growing network of advisors.

Healthcare providers, hospitals, insurance companies and corporates around the world are turning to Connect2MyDoctor in growing numbers to improve and save the lives of individual patients and to create systems-wide change. The virtual care platform is deployed in 35+ multi- and super-speciality hospitals in India, the Middle East, Turkey, Azerbaijan and others. There are currently 2,000+ doctors across 50+ specialisations on the platform, supporting patients in 15+ countries. Connect2MyDoctor will soon open an office in Dubai and will also expand into the African subcontinent.

In a reflection of the difference the platform is making, Connect2MyDoctor was selected as the preferred telehealth platform of a leading healthcare association in India. This has opened access to a member base of 10,000+ hospitals. Connect2MyDoctor has also launched work with the Federal Authority of Human Resources, UAE and their mental health partner to provide 300,000+ employees and their families with access to mental health specialists from the comfort of their homes.

Neev Tech Labs was recently accepted into Hatch Quarter’s MENA Bridge for Startups global bridge program – designed to give exceptional Australian companies the tools and connections to enter and succeed in the booming Middle East and North Africa “MENA” markets.

Connect2MyDoctor wins Micro Business Award

Connect2MyDoctor wins Micro Business Award at India-Australia Business and Community Awards 2022. The annual IABCA Awards initiative looks to strengthen and celebrate the organisations, social enterprises and business leaders from across the globe who are advancing the India-Australia relationship.

Connect2MyDoctor wins Micro Business Award at India-Australia Business and Community Awards 2022. Photo credits: IABCA

“We feel privileged and honoured to have won this prestigious recognition from IABCA. It is a testament to the ground-breaking work we have done in the area of telemedicine and virtual healthcare. The importance of online healthcare has grown significantly during the pandemic and we are happy to have contributed our bit by enabling high-quality virtual healthcare access for the needy. In our next phase, we focus to deploy our new modules – cARe – 3D/AR module for patient education, OmniROM for remote rehabilitation, HomeDoc our home care module with Remote patient monitoring globally. As the preferred telehealth partner of the Association of Health Providers of India (AHPI), which has over 10,000 hospitals in its network, we are looking to further expand our horizons and address the health requirements of the patients in a virtual and efficient manner.” Says Pramod Kutty, Co-Founder and CEO of Connect2MyDoctor.

The MedTech ActuatorTM is proud to support Neev Tech Labs on their journey. The company joined the MedTech Actuator in 2019 to support market validation of Connect2MyDoctor; to connect with global industry and mentorship; to be guided through commercialisation models and capital raising.

“The MedTech Actuator helped us validate our business models and opened doors,” says Pramod.

“For any MedTech startup, the MedTech Actuator is the perfect kickstart for access to teams, industry leaders, mentors and pre-seed funding.”

Follow the journey of Connect2MyDoctor and learn more about the platform in this Economic Times story by Pramod Kutty.

Lenexa Medical Technology Listed on ARTG

Lenexa Medical’s world-first technology to enable personalised pressure injury prevention has been listed on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods – and has the potential to save Australia’s health system billions every year. 

Personalised, targeted pressure injury prevention.

Lenexa Medical has worked tirelessly for years to develop and test their technology that detects and monitors patient position and pressure to guide clinicians in preventing pressure injuries. Now, with newly announced regulatory approval from the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG),  Lenexa Medical can begin supplying their life-changing technology to Australian healthcare providers. 

“Lenexa Medical’s technology is the first of its kind to facilitate personalised and targeted pressure injury prevention.” –Ajit Ravindran, CEO, Lenexa Medical 

“It provides clinicians and carers with vital information to reduce the incidence of pressure injuries,” said Ajit.

Harnessing the power of in-built sensors and smart software, the Lenexa Medical Quality-of-Care Pressure Injury Management System provides clinicians and carers with targeted real-time information to inform decisions, care and treatment. 

The non-subjective information guides clinicians and carers in correctly positioning patients to prevent pressure injuries. Crucially, the technology also indicates when and where the risk of pressure injury is likely to develop.

Lenexa Medical’s launch to the Australian market is a vital step towards improving the quality of patient care and life outcomes, and towards reducing the cost burden of pressure injuries on Australia’s healthcare system.

The initial rollout of the Lenexa Medical Quality-of-Care Pressure Injury Management System to Australian healthcare providers is expected in 2022. 

What are pressure injuries?

Lenexa Medical’s ARTG listing is an important step towards preventing pressure injuries (or bedsores) and their often devastating consequences. Pressure injuries are ulcers caused by pressure to the skin over a prolonged period of time and can develop in as little as two to three hours.  

Many patients in ICUs, surgeries, long-stay wards, and frail adults in aged-care are at risk of developing pressure injuries.

Anyone who is bedridden, immobile in a chair or wheelchair, wearing a cast, unconscious or unable to sense pain can quickly develop pressure injuries. And those with circulation problems, diabetes, or poor nutrition are at higher risk.

Pressure injuries impact life outcomes.

Pressure injuries are often very slow to heal and can extend into a patient’s bones, muscles, tendons and joints. 

Pressure injuries can take weeks, months or even years to heal.

The healing process can be influenced by the patient’s physical condition, and presence of other diseases such as diabetes. Sometimes the patient may even need surgery to help them to heal. Research shows that patients who acquire pressure injuries can experience longer stays in hospital, and can lose healthy life years.

Pressure injuries cost Australia billions every year.

Recent research published in The International Journal of Nursing Studies revealed the huge cost burden of pressure injuries.

The total cost of pressure injuries in Australian public hospitals in 2020 was approximately $9.11 billion. 

Hospital-acquired pressure injuries accounted for over half of this total cost – $5.50 billion. And $3.59 billion was used to treat pressure injuries.

Reducing hospital-acquired pressure injuries by just 50 per cent, with the help of Lenexa Medical’s technology, would result in saving Australia’s hospitals $1.10 billion in treatment costs.

Pressure injury prevention is key.

Despite the prevalence and impact on the lives of patients, and cost burden on Australia’s health system, pressure injuries are mostly preventable. And this is where Lenexa Medical’s technology can bring about much needed change.

The challenge in preventing pressure injuries currently lies in delivering the right care, detection, and treatment methods – all at the right time. 

Current methods are subjective and often inaccurate. As a result, early-stage pressure injuries develop easily, can be easy to miss, and are difficult to treat. But this is set to change with Lenexa Medical’s Australian rollout.

With ARTG regulatory approval, Lenexa Medical will place targeted, personalised pressure injury prevention and care in reach of Australia’s health and aged care systems. And this is news to celebrate – for individual patients and for Australia’s healthcare system.

Lenexa Medical x MedTech Actuator

The Lenexa Medical team joined the MedTech Actuator Accelerator in 2018 to take their pressure injury prevention concept to prototype stage, and to secure development funding. The team collaborated with accelerator program mentors to shape their go-to-market strategy. 

Here’s what Lenexa Medical Chief Scientific Officer Will Yang had to say about the experience of being a part of the program, and fusing his biomedical engineering and research expertise with entrepreneurship:

“As a researcher, I saw that the pace of research can be slow. We had great ideas and wanted to run but were pulled back by factors like grant applications, limited funds and publishing. At the time, I thought that this pace was just normal. 

But when I did the BioDesign Innovation Course at the University of Melbourne and subsequently got into the MedTech Actuator Accelerator, I understood how industry and commercialisation can accelerate the transformation of research into something that is tangible and that has an effect on people that need it.

I saw how fast it can be when you have inputs from the clinical, research and business sides and from a support network like the MedTech Actuator’s – guiding you on the connections you need to get to point B. It’s really about finding the right people who can help get you there.” 

Will Yang, Chief Scientific Officer, Lenexa Medical 

Learn more about Lenexa Medical.