Health Technology Innovation: Past, Present & Future Collaborations

An opportunity to connect, learn, and collaborate across clinical, MedTech, and AI research networks

Join us for an afternoon of insight, inspiration, and connection across Auckland's health technology researchers, clinicians, and innovators. You’ll hear firsthand from researchers and clinicians who have transformed their ideas into successful MedTech start-ups, and discover the opportunities available to help you upskill, secure funding, and accelerate your own journey.

Even if you are just curious, you’ll walk away with new contacts and insights into funding changes, commercialisation, and translational pathways in HealthTech.

If you are an early-career/emerging researcher or student:

• Explore if research translation and commercialisation may be the impact pathway for your research.

• Build your network across disciplines and see how cross-sector partnerships can elevate your work.

• See possible trajectories beyond traditional academia, including entrepreneurship or translational research.

• Practice your pitch and spark new ideas and collaborations.

If you are a clinician:

• Bring a clinical problem you see daily and meet researchers with capabilities to develop innovative solutions with you.

What’s On the Agenda?

1. Welcome & Opening Remarks
   Prof. Warwick Bagg, Dean, FMHS

2. The Origins of Medtech-iQ Aotearoa
   Prof. Peter Hunter, Auckland Bioengineering Institute
   A journey through the collaborative history of health and engineering and the rise of physiological digital twins.

3. MedTech Success Stories
   Prof. Simon Malpas (Kitea Health), Prof. Greg O’Grady (Alimetry), Prof. Grant Searchfield (TrueSilence)
   Real-world impact through collaboration - hear how these researchers and clinicians turned ideas into start-ups.

4. Medtech-iQ Tāmaki Makaurau Today
   Dr Diana Siew, Strategic Partnerships Lead, Auckland Bioengineering Institute & Co-chair, Medtech-iQ Aotearoa
   An overview of current initiatives, including Te Tītoki Mataora|MedTech Research Translator and the funding and upskilling opportunities available to Auckland’s researchers and clinicians.

5. Future Research Collaborations – Panel Discussion

   Prof. Cliona Ni Mhurchu, Associate Dean Research, FMHS (Introduction on funding changes to HRC); Prof. Robyn Whittaker, Clinical Director Evidence & Pathways, Data & Analytics, Health New Zealand (Panel Facilitator)
   Given recent changes to the research funding ecosystem, such as the HRC focus on translation and the development of an Advanced Technology Institute, what do our speakers think are the important factors for future research collaborations, and how can researchers prepare to meet future requirements?                

6. Kai & Networking
   Enjoy refreshments while connecting with fellow researchers and clinicians.

7. Practice Your Pitch – Speed Networking (Optional)
   Refine your elevator pitch and get feedback from experienced collaborators. A fun, fast-paced way to find your next research partner!

Register Now & Be Part of the Future of Health Innovation

Spots are limited - don’t miss this opportunity to connect, collaborate, and create impact.