The MedTech Actuator™ does not take equity for participation in the program. The cost of the programme is S$7,000 per person. 

A subsidised rate of S$5000 will be available for Singapore startups with at least 30% Singapore shareholding. Up to 2 representatives per startup is able to participate in the program at this subsidised rate.

For Singapore startups: All online seminars, plane tickets to, from and within Australia, lodging as well as food and transportation within the scheduled program in Australia.

For all other startups: All online seminars, lodging as well as food and transportation within the scheduled program in Australia. Flights and transportation from and to the airport are not included for non-Singaporean startups.

Our program is targeted towards MedTech, HealthTech, and BioTech startups  ~TRL 4 and above. Our specialty is deep tech with robust IP and a regulated path to market. Slick apps and user interfaces are great, but what gets us excited are radical new technologies like bionics, diagnostics, implants, instrumentation, robotics, personal preventative medicine, telemedicine, AI and VR that will create a step-change in our healthcare systems and economies.

If you are unsure about eligibility or have any other questions about our program, you can speak to our Head of International Programmes before submitting an application.

Please submit your application through the Apply Now button on the webpage. Please also attach a pitch deck introducing your company, the needs that your innovation addresses, the technology behind the innovation, which stage of development is your product at and other relevant information that you deem fit. 

If your application is shortlisted, you’ll hear from us via email. The most promising teams will be offered a place in the MedTech Actuator Global Navigator Program.

We look for passionate, well-rounded founder teams with strong skills in key areas such as technology, clinical, business and commercialisation that have a unique insight into their market and are high-integrity and inspiring leaders with a focus on execution.

Ideas matter but the execution makes the difference. That is why we like to see evidence of early traction or data points validating your core assumptions such as early proof of concept and safety data, a robust need validation, or expressions of interest from lead users or customers.

The MedTech Actuator Global Navigator program is a market-access program that facilitates a smooth and accelerated pathway for growing ventures to both gain a deep insight into the market and access critical stakeholders in the Australian ecosystem as they expand their international efforts and capture new market opportunities.

The MedTech Actuator Global Navigator requires full-time participation for both the virtual sessions held in Singapore time and the in-person visit to Melbourne.

The MedTech Actuator Global Navigator is a well-rounded program comprising many segments that come together to provide startups  with a comprehensive suite of resources.

We ensure that you are prepared for the visit by providing localised knowledge and deep insights on the destination’s ecosystem with experts. With this insight and knowledge, you will then prepare a more focused pitch and expansion strategy. 

At the destination ecosystem, you will meet ecosystem stakeholders to advise on how to break-down barriers to entry and explore strategic tactics to assist  your business to flourish. You will also put your pitch training into practice with tailored investor lunches. On top of group meetings, we will also facilitate one-to-one meetings with stakeholders that are curated to your needs. 

A mentor will also be assigned to you for weekly 1-hour mentoring sessions for a period of 2 months. Through this mentorship, you will gain insight to market hurdles with mitigation tips from someone who has experienced and succeeded in bringing their product to market. 

There are no restrictions to where you are based, so long as you are able to attend the online sessions held in Singapore Time. You must also be able to attend the in-person Perth segment of the program.

Our program is designed for growing MedTech, HealthTech, and BioTech startups. Our specialty is deep tech with robust IP and a regulated path to market. Slick apps and user interfaces are great, but what gets us excited are radical new technologies like bionics, diagnostics, implants, instrumentation, robotics, personal preventative medicine, telemedicine, AI and VR that will create a step-change in our healthcare systems and economies.

If you are unsure about other specific eligibility or have any other questions about the Ascend program, you can reach out to Cayden, Enterprise Manager via email (cayden@medtechactuator.com) before submitting an application.

The MedTech Actuator takes 5% equity for participation in the program.

Taking equity aligns the MedTech Actuator’s interests with your interests and incentivises us to push harder and go the extra mile for our founders – well beyond the duration of the program. The 5% participation fee, equivalent to $50k at a $1M valuation, is what makes our 6-month ‘one of a kind’ program possible. With the program fee, we are able to provide over 50 speakers, 1-to-1 individual mentoring for the duration of the program, and lifetime access to our resources and communities without taking money from early-stage startups.

If your application is shortlisted, our expert panel will begin due diligence on your company, and you’ll hear from us to set up a video interview. The most promising teams will be selected to present to our Investment Advisory Board (IAB). Based on the decision of this board and Medtech Actuator’s internal review, you’ll be offered a place in the MedTech Actuator Ascend Program.

When you are running your own startup, facing rejection is not uncommon. What is important is to persevere on what you believe in. Sometimes, we say no to companies for a variety of reasons, such as requiring the entrepreneur to do more validation before a venture capitalist can invest, or that the market opportunity in question is too small for the venture capital framework. Reach out to us for a suitability assessment and we can advise you on alternative solutions that best fit your current needs.

The size of the round differs from startup to startup and will depend on the potential that investors see in your company.

The MedTech Actuator will be actively supporting you on your fundraising journey post-demo day by helping you with capital strategy development, and investor outreach activities, as well as preparing you for the next raise by the end of the 6-month program.

The MedTech Actuator Ascend program is designed to address the needs of health startups and enable a meaningful connection with Singapore’s integrated healthcare ecosystem. Ascend will allow you to validate clinical assumptions, assess market demand, and scale your venture strategically. This barrier is often higher if the startup is not a spin-off from any of the local healthcare institutions and medical schools. We hope to empower health startups with equal or more opportunities for success through accessing and partnering with MedTech Actuator’s growing network of corporations, healthcare providers and leading investors.

Yes, absolutely. Investment through the Demo Day for startups participating in the MedTech Actuator Ascend program is optional and by invitation only. There is no obligation to seek investment for participating in the program.

We focus on team, market, technology, and traction.

• Team: We look for passionate, well-rounded founder teams with strong skills in key areas such as technology, clinical, business and commercialisation that have a unique insight into their market and are high-integrity and inspiring leaders with a focus on execution.
• Market: We like markets within the MedTech, HealthTech and BioTech sectors that are either large but ripe for disruption, underserved, or so radically new they don’t yet exist.
• Technology: Our specialty is deep tech with a regulated path to market. We look for technologies and products with the potential to create unfair market advantage and a clear path towards strong, protectable IP.
• Traction: Ideas matter but the execution makes the difference. That is why we like to see evidence of early traction or data points validating your core assumptions such as early proof of concept and safety data, a robust need validation, or expressions of interest from lead users or customers.

All sessions scheduled in the MedTech Actuator Ascend program will be delivered both in person and on virtual platforms at dedicated venues in Singapore.

The MedTech Actuator™ does not take equity for participation in the program. The cost of the programme is S$15,000 per person. 

A subsidised rate of S$5000 will be available for Singapore startups with at least 30% Singapore shareholding. Up to 2 representatives per startup is able to participate in the program at this subsidised rate.

For Singapore startups: All online seminars, plane tickets to, from and within Australia, lodging as well as food and transportation within the scheduled program in Australia.

For all other startups: All online seminars, lodging as well as food and transportation within the scheduled program in Australia. Flights and transportation from and to the airport are not included for non-Singaporean startups.

Please submit your application through the Apply Now button on the webpage. Please also attach a pitch deck introducing your company, the needs that your innovation addresses, the technology behind the innovation, which stage of development is your product at and other relevant information that you deem fit. 

If your application is shortlisted, you’ll hear from us via email. The most promising teams will be offered a place in the MedTech Actuator Global Navigator Program.

Our program is targeted towards MedTech, HealthTech, and BioTech startups  ~TRL 4 and above. Our specialty is deep tech with robust IP and a regulated path to market. Slick apps and user interfaces are great, but what gets us excited are radical new technologies like bionics, diagnostics, implants, instrumentation, robotics, personal preventative medicine, telemedicine, AI and VR that will create a step-change in our healthcare systems and economies.

If you are unsure about eligibility or have any other questions about our program, you can speak to our Head of International Programmes before submitting an application.

We look for passionate, well-rounded founder teams with strong skills in key areas such as technology, clinical, business and commercialisation that have a unique insight into their market and are high-integrity and inspiring leaders with a focus on execution.

Ideas matter but the execution makes the difference. That is why we like to see evidence of early traction or data points validating your core assumptions such as early proof of concept and safety data, a robust need validation, or expressions of interest from lead users or customers.

The MedTech Actuator Global Navigator program is a market-access program that facilitates a smooth and accelerated pathway for growing ventures to both gain a deep insight into the market and access critical stakeholders in the Australian ecosystem as they expand their international efforts and capture new market opportunities.

The MedTech Actuator Global Navigator requires full-time participation for both the virtual sessions held in Singapore and the in-person visit to Sydney and Melbourne. The MedTech Actuator Global Navigator 2022 program also includes a one-of-a-kind MedTech Actuator Showcase event where participants will have the opportunity to network with 300 of the nation’s healthcare experts.

There are no restrictions to where you are based, so long as you are able to attend the online sessions held in Singapore Time. You must also be able to attend the in-person Melbourne segment of the program. 

The MedTech Actuator Global Navigator is a well-rounded program comprising many segments that come together to provide startups with a comprehensive suite of resources.

We ensure that you are prepared for the visit by providing localised knowledge and deep insights on the destination’s ecosystem with experts. With this insight and knowledge, you will then prepare a more focused pitch and expansion strategy. 

At the destination ecosystem, you will meet ecosystem stakeholders to advise on how to break-down barriers to entry and explore strategic tactics to assist your business to flourish. You will also put your pitch training into practice with tailored investor lunches. On top of group meetings, we will also facilitate one-to-one meetings with stakeholders that are curated to your needs. 

Post immersion program, you can be connected with an industry advisor or mentor to help you further understand how to navigate within the ecosystem.

MedTech Actuator is an independent, not-for-profit organisation that curates an ecosystem of MedTech, HealthTech and BioTech innovation and investment operating programs across Australia and Asia-Pacific. 

The MedTech Actuator was founded in 2018 by serial MedTech entrepreneurs and health policy experts who understood that MedTech, HealthTech and BioTech ventures require a bespoke acceleration model.

We connect the region’s broad ecosystem to empower founders to build the next wave of global MedTech, HealthTech and BioTech success stories.

MedTech Actuator programs are aimed at startups at different stages – from idea to growth. Programs include MedTech Actuator Origin, MedTech Actuator Accelerator; and the MedTech Actuator Menzies Scholarship and Fellowship, as well as Singapore-based programs like Access APAC and Global Navigator.

MedTech Actuator Origin is a fantastic opportunity for early-stage entrepreneurs and innovators to learn and engage with the startup ecosystem, whilst also providing teams with a chance to pitch their ideas. The winner of MedTech Actuator Origin will receive a cash and in-kind prize pack worth over $20,000, and fast-tracked entry into MedTech Actuator Accelerator 2024.

If you’re a MedTech, BioTech or HealthTech project looking to transform into a startup, MedTech Actuator Origin will show you the ropes and provide you with a pathway forward. If you’re lucky and have the ability to pitch the house down, then you might even score some equity-free cash while you’re at it. 

Through intensive learning alongside a cohort of founders and innovators, you’ll be exposed to the ecosystem, industry leaders and so much more before you pitch in multiple rounds to score a place at the Origin finals at the MedTech Actuator Showcase. 

Topics covered include idea validation, intellectual property, pitching, professional development, pathways to market, business models, navigating Australia’s healthcare ecosystem, and funding for early-stage ventures.

Applications are open from Friday, Sep 8 to Friday, Oct 20. 

You can submit your application here.

Over the month of October, participants will take part in the following activities:

• Intensive sprint (Melbourne) – November 22 – 24

Come together for a three-day intensive sprint in Melbourne where you’ll be introduced to topics such as idea validation, intellectual property, pitching, professional development, pathways to market, business models, navigating Australia’s healthcare ecosystem, and funding for early-stage ventures.

• Semifinal (Melbourne) (Melbourne) – November 24

Alongside other Origin semifinalists, you’ll pitch your innovation in front of the selected ecosystem stakeholders MedTech Actuator for a place in the Origin finals in December at the MedTech Actuator Showcase. 

• MedTech Actuator showcase and Origin final (Melbourne) – November 30

Join MedTech Actuator and the ecosystem for a formal gala to celebrate innovation in healthcare. Origin finalists will pitch for three mins to the audience with the Origin winner announced on the evening.

Attendance at the following events is expected of one representative per team:

• Intensive sprint (Melbourne*) – November 22 – 24 from ~9:00-5:30 pm
• Origin semifinal (Melbourne*) – November 24, from 6 – 8:30 pm
• MedTech Actuator Showcase and Origin final (Melbourne*) – November 30

*Please note, in order to provide equal access to MedTech Actuator programs, travel allowance stipends are available on request for individuals who reside outside of Victoria. Travel allowances are up to $500 per person.

Applicants to MedTech Actuator Origin must:

• Have a research project, idea or innovation in human health;
  • And, for this project, idea or innovation to be in its early stages of development;
• Be highly motivated to learn about innovation commercialisation, as well as Australia’s health, medical and biotechnology startup ecosystem;
• Be able to attend all program (in-person and online) activities scheduled on the key dates listed above; and,
• Have at least one team member based in Australia.

At the MedTech Actuator, we’re for innovators. This means creating opportunities for innovators from all corners of the system, and from multiple backgrounds and contexts.  MedTech Actuator encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply. Please reach out to the team if you have any questions about your eligibility.

Yes, if you meet the eligibility criteria listed above we encourage you to apply. If you have any questions about your eligibility, please reach out to Betty Zhang – at betty@medtechactuator.com

To be eligible for Origin, at least one team member must be based in Australia.

If you are currently overseas, e.g. for work or study, but fit within the eligibility above and a team member can attend the in-person components of the program in Melbourne then, yes, we would encourage you to apply.

If you have any questions about your eligibility, please reach out to Betty Zhang – betty@medtechactuator.com

The application includes 20 questions and you will be required to attach a video. It is recommended that you complete the application from a computer.

Download a copy of the application questions here.

Applications close on Oct 7 and successful candidates will be invited to an online interview (scheduled for Oct 14) by COB Oct 10. Successful recipients will be notified by COB Oct 14.

Yes! It is possible for Origin participants to also apply for and take part in the MedTech Actuator Menzies Scholarship at the same time. For more information about the Scholarship, please see the information here.

The winner of MedTech Actuator Origin 2023 will receive a cash and in-kind prize pack worth over $20,000, and fast-tracked entry into MedTech Actuator Accelerator 2024.

Of course. Please reach out to Betty, Early Innovation Program Lead via email – betty@medtechactuator.com – or book a meeting with us. 

For the first part of the application process, the MedTech Actuator team will be assessing applications internally. If asked to provide further information for due diligence, MedTech Actuator partners, including MinterEllison and FBRice, will provide services to assist the team.

Startups that get through to the next round will undergo deep due diligence and will be required to pitch – with Q&A – to our Innovation Assessment Board,  made up of our global corporate partners, clinical partners, product development partners and legal partners.  

All information provided during application and due diligence processes remains confidential and is used for the sole purpose of assessing the application only.

The MedTech Actuator takes 5% equity for participation in the program through a SAFE.

Startups accepted into the program will have the opportunity to take an initial investment of up to $50,000 from MedTech Actuator. For every $10,000 that MedTech Actuator invests, we will take 1% equity. 

During the program, startups may be offered access to an exclusive funding partner to help launch their first professional capital raise. This is triggered after meeting certain predefined milestones within the program within the first 6-months. Investment is not guaranteed as the partner will conduct its own due diligence to determine which startups are investable under its thesis and mandate. For every $10,000 invested, it will take 1% equity.

The program fee and the seed investment terms are the same for all startups. For companies that have raised before with sophisticated and/or wholesale investors, MedTech Actuator and external funding partner may match the previous valuation.

Yes, absolutely. Investment is optional for startups participating in the program. There is no obligation to seek investment. 

However, the 5% equity fee for participation in the Accelerator is non-negotiable.

Taking equity aligns MedTech Actuator’s interests with your interests and incentivises us to push harder and go the extra mile for our founders – well beyond the duration of the program. The 5% participation fee, equivalent to $50k at $1M valuation, is what makes our 12-month ‘one of a kind’ program possible. With the program fee, we are able to provide 100+ speakers, 1:1 individual mentoring for the duration of the program, and lifetime access to our resources and communities without taking money from early-stage startups.

After demo day you will most likely be raising your first capital round with external investors. The size of the round differs from startup to startup and will depend on the potential that investors see in your company. Typically, MedTech Actuator™ startups raise between $350k and $1M post demo day, with the average raise ~$800k.  

The MedTech Actuator™ will be actively supporting you on your fundraising journey following the demo day by helping you with fundraising strategy development. We regularly assist all our portfolio startups with investor outreach activities, capital raise preparation, industry connections, investor events and more.

Our program is targeted at MedTech, HealthTech, and BioTech startups at TRL 4 and above. Our specialty is healthcare startups with robust IP and a regulated path to market. 

Slick apps and user interfaces are great, but what gets us excited are radical new technologies like bionics, diagnostics, implants, instrumentation, robotics, personal preventative medicine, telemedicine, consumer health, AI and VR that will create a step-change in our healthcare systems and economies.

To be eligible for the program, founders/teams must be:

• Based in Australia, or internationally with an ability to travel to Melbourne to attend intensive sprints and a demo day in person
• Incorporated as a company, however, this is not required at the time of application.
• Aware that setting up a startup and commercialising medical technology is demanding. The MedTech Actuator Accelerator is intensive and requires that teams can commit sufficient resources. We require at least one cofounder to participate in the Accelerator for the duration of the program.

If you are unsure about eligibility or have any other questions about our program, you can speak to Makenzie, Portfolio Manager, before submitting an application.

A summary of the information you’ll need to submit can be found here.

There are two parts to the application process. Firstly, you’ll be required to submit basic information about your startup and the founding team.These applications are assessed on an ongoing basis. 

The most promising teams will be invited to an interview with MedTech Actuator and will be requested to provide further information for due diligence. 

Based on the information provided, due diligence and interview, you’ll be offered a place in the MedTech Actuator™ Accelerator.

Yes. Sometimes we say no to companies because they are too early in their journey to extract the most value from MedTech Actuator™. 

Often these companies are good candidates for our early-stage competition, MedTech Actuator™ Origin. MedTech Actuator™ Origin will provide you with the opportunity to refine your technology and business model. It is free to enter and provides a small cash prize to the winner to develop their startup further. 

If you’ve applied for the Accelerator program in the past and continued to develop your company and technology — either within the MedTech Actuator™ Origin or on your own — you should consider reapplying for the MedTech Actuator™ Accelerator.

We have also set up these resources to help early-stage companies prepare their applications and learn more about the industry – make sure to check it out!

We focus on team, market, technology, traction and impact. 

• Team: We look for passionate, well-rounded founder teams with strong complementary skills in key areas such as technology, clinical, business and commercialisation. These teams have a unique insight into their market and are high-integrity, inspiring leaders with a focus on execution.
• Market: We like markets within the MedTech, HealthTech and BioTech sectors that are either large but ripe for disruption, underserved, or so radically new they don’t yet exist.
• Technology: Our specialty is deep tech with a regulated path to market. We look for technologies and products with the potential to create unfair market advantage and a clear path towards strong, protectable IP.
• Traction: Ideas matter but the execution makes the difference. That is why we like to see evidence of early traction or data points validating your core assumptions such as early proof of concept and safety data, a robust need validation, or expressions of interest from lead users or customers.
• Impact: Human flourishing is embedded in our DNA, values and approach. Technologies that prevent avoidable illnesses through prediction, prevention and early intervention; improving well-being and quality of life for people with existing conditions; and saving lives through medical intervention for life-threatening conditions.

Read this blog post about refining your accelerator application.

The MedTech Actuator Accelerator Program 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.

The first 6-months of the program are built around intensive 3-day sprints with each day focused on a specific area, allowing the appropriate cofounder to attend. In each sprint, you’ll spend three days with your colleagues, learning from industry experts and MedTech Actuator. In the downtime between sprints, you’ll be free to work on your startup – pushing the needle, implementing what you’ve learned and progressing your technology. 

The program is designed to help you launch a capital raise round, with investment committees scheduled so you can gain access to our exclusive funding partner.

The second 6-months are focused on self-structured growth with the support of commercial experts, strategy sessions, industry mentors and curated events. Founders will also have an opportunity to present at the MedTech Actuator Showcase and a cohort demo day, before rounding off the program with a sprint focused on international expansion and an international immersion in 2024. 

Throughout the program, founders have access to dedicated industry mentors, experts-in-residence, investors, key industry leaders, suppliers and government support agencies. At the end of the Accelerator, founders walk away with a clear roadmap and understanding of commercialisation and will have launched a capital raise round. 

Participating in MedTech Actuator™ Accelerator will:

• de-risk your startup. MedTech Actuator™ Accelerator is designed to equip you with the skills, network, and resources you need to successfully navigate the complex life sciences commercialisation pathway.
• You’ll learn from industry experts and draw from our experience and knowledge so that your startup has the best chance of success.
• We will support you in developing a tailored fundraising strategy and launch a capital raise, with access to an exclusive investment as well as our network of venture capital firms, angel investors, and corporate venture funds.
• turbocharge your startup. We’ve designed the MedTech Actuator™ Accelerator for maximum speed and efficiency. Together we’ll create milestones for your startup that gets you to market faster. You’ll be surrounded by all the expertise, resources, and infrastructure your health startup needs so you can focus on building your company.

During a sprint, you’ll typically start the day off with coffee around your colleagues. From there, you’ll jump into interactive workshops with an industry expert, covering anything from IP strategy to team building to product development to regulatory pathways and more. We’ll then check-in with the group on everyone’s progress and help you tackle any tricky sticking points before we finish off the day with a fireside chat with MedTech Actuator founders, such as Nutromics, VitalTrace, Lenexa Medical and more. 

In the downtime between sprints, your team will work towards key milestones, connecting with industry mentors and advisors to apply what you’ve learnt in sprint weeks, refining your strategy, progressing your technology and growing your company. This program is intensive by design to give you momentum and get you that much closer to your next value inflection point.

MedTech Actuator™ Accelerator requires at least one team member to be available for each day of each sprint. 

Ideally, all teams should have a core team member leading their participation in the program and all team members to be in attendance on the first day of each sprint. 

We encourage all teams to have one full-time team member working on their startup, however, we understand that this is not realistic for each and every team. Attendance requirements are therefore flexible amongst team members but should be organised around roles and responsibilities to capitalise on program content and activities.

We specialise in MedTech, HealthTech and BioTech. We understand regulatory pathways, IP and reimbursement models and have powerful relationships with advanced manufacturing companies, the biggest global medical technology corporations and life sciences-focused investor groups. Read more about What makes us different.

Participants in MedTech Actuator Accelerator can be based anyway around the globe, however, we do require you to have the ability to travel to Melbourne to attend intensive sprints and the Showcase and a demo day in person. 

The location of sprints may vary based on the cohort, with the majority of sprints taking place in Melbourne and others online and in Sydney. Interstate participants will be provided with online access where possible, however, the program cannot be guaranteed to be 100% hybrid.

MedTech Actuator is a MedTech, BioTech and HealthTech startup accelerator that operates programs across Australia and Asia-Pacific.

The MedTech Actuator was founded in 2018 by serial MedTech entrepreneurs and health policy experts who understood that MedTech, HealthTech and BioTech ventures require a bespoke acceleration model.

We connect the region’s broad ecosystem to empower founders to build the next wave of global MedTech, HealthTech and BioTech success stories.

MedTech Actuator programs are aimed towards startups at different stages – from idea to growth. Programs include the MedTech Actuator Accelerator; MedTech Actuator Origin and the MedTech Actuator Menzies Scholarship and Fellowship, as well as Singapore-based programs like Growth and Global Navigator.

Menzies Foundation aspires to raise the profile and importance of ‘outstanding’ leadership by encouraging Australians to reflect on leadership, build their leadership capability and act for the greater good.

The Foundation supports leadership platforms to explore, deepen understanding and codify approaches to leadership. The Foundation’s efforts to explore the dimensions of leadership from multiple perspectives supports the foundation’s strong focus on identifying the leadership qualities and attributes that are key to leading in an Australian and global context.

The Foundation’s ultimate ambition is to build a leadership movement by sharing these insights with the Australian community and contributing to the leadership discourse.

The MedTech Actuator Menzies Scholarship is a fantastic opportunity for scientists, researchers and innovators to explore the world of entrepreneurship, research commercialisation and MedTech, BioTech and HealthTech startups.

In other words, if you’re interested in learning more about the areas above then this Scholarship program is the perfect fit for you.

The program exposes awardees to the ecosystem through intensive learning, networking, mentorship and coaching so that you learn about the journey behind translating research into a healthcare startup before embarking on it.

Recipients embark on a four-month scholarship, where they gain knowledge from leading industry experts, work alongside Australia’s emerging healthcare entrepreneurs and receive mentorship from MedTech Actuator.

Across an industry-led intensive sprint and mentorship, scholarship recipients will gain an extensive overview of entrepreneurship, the startup ecosystem and the commercialisation process as well as a one-off, $1,000 stipend to aid the commercialisation journey. Topics covered include pathways to market, business models, navigating Australia’s healthcare ecosystem, idea validation, intellectual property, pitching, professional development, and funding for early-stage ventures.

The MedTech Actuator Menzies Scholarship applications are open from Friday, June 3 to Friday, July 15.
You can submit your application here.

Over the four-month scholarship, awardees will take part in the following activities:

• Group learning (online) – from September 1
  Join MedTech Actuator online for a half-day bootcamp, where you’ll get a brief overview of what it takes to build a healthcare venture. Following this session, you’ll receive access to the Scholarship basecamp with online learning materials to refer to throughout the program.
• Fortnightly coaching (online) – from September 5
  Following the bootcamp, you’ll meet with Program Coordinator, Makenzie Thomas, for fortnightly coaching and discussions about the topics covered in the Scholarship basecamp. Plus, general career tips, networking with other Scholars, and special visits from industry experts!
• Intensive sprint (Melbourne) – October 25 – 27
  The Scholarship program culminates in October when you join MedTech Actuator Origin for a three-day intensive sprint in Melbourne. Over three days, you’ll be introduced to topics such as pathways to market, business models, navigating Australia’s healthcare ecosystem, idea validation, intellectual property, pitching, professional development, and funding for early-stage ventures.
• Menzies Scholarship Breakfast – October 26
  Join MedTech Actuator CEO, Dr Buzz Palmer, and Menzies Foundation CEO, Liz Gillies, for the Scholarship Breakfast to meet the cohort and chat about innovation in human health, your projects and your career goals.

Scholarship recipients are expected to allocate around 2 hours per week to the program and its learning materials for the duration of the program. 

Attendance at the following events is expected of Scholarship recipients:

• Fortnightly coaching (online) – from September 5 to October 31 at 4:30 – 5:00 pm
• Intensive sprint (Melbourne*) – October 25 – 27 from 9:00 – 5:30 pm
• Scholarship breakfast (Melbourne*) – October 26 from 8:00 – 9:30 am

*Please note, in order to provide equal access to MedTech Actuator programs, travel allowance stipends are available on request for individuals who reside outside of Victoria. Travel allowances are up to $500 per person.

Applicants to the Scholarship program must:

• Be completing a post-graduate degree at an Australian university or research institution up to, and inclusive of, a Post-Doctorat. Similar engagement at an industry level in Australia is accepted;
• Have a research project in human health;
• Be highly motivated to learn about commercialisation and research translation, as well as Australia’s health, medical, and biotechnology startup ecosystem; and,
• Be able to attend all program activities scheduled on the key dates listed above.

At the MedTech Actuator, we’re for innovators. This means creating opportunities for innovators from all corners of the system, and from multiple backgrounds and contexts.  MedTech Actuator encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply. Please reach out to the team if you have any questions about your eligibility.

Yes, if you meet the eligibility criteria listed above we encourage you to apply. If you have any questions about your eligibility, please reach out to Makenzie Thomas – makenzie@medtechactuator.com

To be eligible for a scholarship, recipients must be completing a postgraduate degree at an Australian university or research institution up to, and inclusive of, a Post-Doctorat. Similar engagement at an industry level in Australia is accepted.

If you are currently overseas, e.g. for work or study, but fit within the eligibility above and can attend the in-person components of the program in Melbourne on October 25 to 27, then, yes, we would encourage you to apply. 

If you have any questions about your eligibility, please reach out to Makenzie Thomas – makenzie@medtechactuator.com

The application includes 20 questions and you will be required to attach a video. It is recommended that you complete the application from a computer.

Download a copy of the application questions here

Applications close on July 15 and successful candidates will be invited to an online interview on August 10. Successful recipients will be notified on August 12.

Yes! It is possible for Scholarship recipients to also apply for and take part in MedTech Actuator Origin at the same time. For more information about MedTech Actuator Origin, please see the program information here.

Scholarship recipients will receive a one-off, $1000 stipend to be spent at their discretion. The stipend is designed to assist Scholarship recipients on their commercialisation journey and cover costs related to their research project.

In order to provide equal access to MedTech Actuator programs, travel allowance stipends are available on request for individuals who reside outside of Victoria. Travel allowances are up to $500 per person.

Of course. Please reach out to Makenzie, Program and Community Coordinator via email – makenzie@medtechactuator.com – or book a meeting via calendly.