Team Category: Our Team

Matt has completed an Executive MBA with Distinction from RMIT University. A successful and impact-driven senior leader with over 15 years of industry and innovation ecosystem experience leading and delivering complex commercial projects and partnerships to drive business and profit growth and social impact. His partnerships experience spans senior Sales & Marketing and Commercial roles in global manufacturing businesses with responsibility for managing teams, annual revenue budgets ranging from $40-$80 million, and strategic relationships with key partners across Australia, NZ and Asia.

Makenzie is passionate about entrepreneurship, startup ecosystems and supporting founders. After working across Europe, Australia and Canada, Makenzie brings together a diverse background with international experience in project management, marketing, business innovation, academic research and creative and cultural entrepreneurship. Makenzie holds a Master of Management from the University of Melbourne. As a Portfolio Manager at MedTech Actuator, Makenzie leads the portfolio of almost 70 startups at MedTech Actuator and runs the MedTech Actuator Accelerator, supporting founders through the startup journey and helping them to move their medical innovations closer to the market.

Gwendolin is the Head of International Programs. She designs and runs programs for startups who are keen to expand beyond their home shores and into other markets. Gwen graduated from the National University of Singapore and has over a decade of experience within the film and advertising industry; having worked with renowned brands such as Discovery Channel, McDonald’s, Sony etc. prior to her dive into the MedTech and Startup space. She now enjoys putting her program management skills into good use by helping startups to succeed in bringing their innovations to people who would greatly benefit from them.

Sebastian Gomez has held positions in M&A, strategy and business development on projects across the Americas and Asia Pacific in sectors including mining, services and real estate. He holds an MBA from Monash University and postgraduate qualifications in Corporate Finance and Strategy and Project Management.

Dr Vishaal Kishore is an expert in health system innovation and transformation. He is also a Professor of Innovation & Public Policy at RMIT University where he leads the pathbreaking RMIT-Cisco Health Transformation Lab. He regularly advises governments, NGOs and corporates in respect of strategy, public policy and innovation. Holding a doctorate from Harvard University, Vishaal has served as Deputy Secretary at the Department of Health & Human Services; Director for government strategy within EY’s management consulting practice; and an M&A lawyer at Mallesons and Freehills

Dr Buzz Palmer has a background in orthopaedic and regenerative medicine and a proven track record as an entrepreneur. With experience across the EU, India, the Arabian Gulf and Asia Pacific, he has not only built his own ventures but has consulted with over 500 startups. A regular advisor to governments at all levels and a Professor of Entrepreneurship at Monash University Business School, Buzz is passionate about catalysing innovation and supporting the founders who drive it.