A new initiative aimed at increasing the presence of locally made medical technologies in healthcare services has been announced with the formation of the Australian Medtech Manufacturing Alliance (AMMA). 

The Alliance, spearheaded by the BioMelbourne Network, builds on the foundation of the Australian Medtech Manufacturing Centre and will pilot its efforts in Victoria.

The AMMA brings together several key industry partners, including AusBiotech, MTPConnect, AMTIL (Australian Manufacturing Technology Institute Limited), and ICN Victoria (Industry Capability Network), with seed funding support from the Victorian Government.

Focus on advocacy and local procurement

The Alliance aims to address procurement barriers that currently limit the uptake of Australian-made medical technologies within the domestic healthcare system.

Karen Parr, CEO of BioMelbourne Network, highlighted the importance of the initiative in creating sustainable local opportunities.

“Australia is home to world-class medtech innovators and manufacturers. Increasing awareness of these companies and growing local content in health will support Australian health services to continue to deliver world-leading care and strengthen our country’s sovereign capabilities,” Parr said.

“The Victorian pilot aims to demonstrate the potential of this ambitious and important solutions-focused Alliance and serve as a stepping stone for advancing the national agenda.”

Call for industry support

The AMMA is inviting Victorian medtech companies currently manufacturing or developing products for local or international markets to join the Alliance.

Contract manufacturing firms are also encouraged to participate. While peak industry bodies involved in the initiative offer formal memberships, the AMMA has clarified that becoming an Alliance supporter is not contingent on membership.

The Alliance aims to work closely with these peak bodies to build on existing industry efforts, helping small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) grow both locally and internationally.

New uplift program in development

The AMMA is also co-developing a capability uplift program to help medtech manufacturers identify and secure opportunities within the domestic health system.

The initiative aims to address this gap by creating clearer pathways into the health sector, mirroring practices in other international markets.

The AMMA said establishing strong domestic customers will serve as crucial proof points for Australian products and attract further investment in medical innovation.

The Alliance’s efforts aim to unlock opportunities within the healthcare sector to ensure Australian patients benefit from locally made technologies.

Companies interested in joining the Alliance or participating in the capability uplift program can express their interest directly through the AMMA.

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The Australian Medtech Manufacturing Alliance (AMMA) is being established in Victoria to boost opportunities for medtech manufacturers to supply healthcare services, expanding on the groundwork laid by the Australian Medtech Manufacturing Centre with a new, connected program.

The AMMA seeks to create a connected program to promote the sale of locally-made medtech products, as revealed in a media release. 

The initiative builds on the work of the Australian Medtech Manufacturing Centre, with the goal of increasing procurement from domestic suppliers.

The Alliance is being formed in collaboration with prominent industry bodies, including BioMelbourne Network, AusBiotech, MTPConnect, and the Australian Manufacturing Technology Institute Limited (AMTIL). 

It also has the backing of the Industry Capability Network Victoria, with seed funding from the Victorian Government.

One of the primary goals of the AMMA is to advocate for Victorian small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) medtech manufacturers, addressing key challenges within the sector. 

By focusing on improving procurement practices, the Alliance aims to increase the proportion of homegrown medtech products used within Australia’s healthcare system.

Karen Parr, CEO of BioMelbourne Network and leader of the Alliance, emphasised the importance of the initiative in strengthening Australia’s medtech industry.

“Australia is home to world-class medtech innovators and manufacturers. Increasing awareness of these companies and growing local content in health will support Australian health services to continue to deliver world-leading care and strengthen our country’s sovereign capabilities,” Parr said. 

“The Victorian pilot aims to demonstrate the potential of this ambitious and important solutions-focused Alliance, and work as a stepping stone to empower the national agenda.”

The Victorian Government has welcomed the initiative, with Minister for Jobs and Industry Natalie Hutchins highlighting the state’s leadership in medtech innovation. 

“Victoria is the national leader for medtech innovation. A thriving and sustainable medtech sector is essential to ensuring Victoria can continue to deliver world-leading health care now and into the future,” Hutchins said.

A critical element of the Alliance’s work will be the development of an SME capability uplift program. 

This program, created in partnership with other organisations, will help local medtech companies identify and pursue opportunities in the Australian market, which has lacked a clear mechanism to support domestic medtech manufacturers.

The AMMA is inviting Victorian medtech companies currently manufacturing and selling locally or globally, as well as contract manufacturing and development firms, to participate in the Alliance.

For more information or to become an Alliance supporter, interested parties can contact the BioMelbourne Network at info@biomelbourne.org.

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BioMelbourne Network, an industry-led coalition of organisations in the Victorian biotechnology sector, has partnered with the state government’s Australian Medtech Manufacturing Centre to deliver a four-part seminar series dedicated to the Victorian medtech manufacturing sector. 

Seminar Three of the Medtech Manufacturing 2023 Series will be held on 24 August and will feature keynote presentations, panel discussions, and network functions that will showcase the capabilities of the Victorian manufacturing sector and explore the industry’s impact on the local economy. 

Titled “Scaling Medtech: Empowering Prototypes for Manufacturing Readiness,” Seminar Three will offer a primer on medtech prototyping and product development, ranging from design to working odes and large-scale manufacturing.

The hybrid event will zero in on considerations in terms of prototype manufacturing infrastructure, product development, local manufacturing, and accelerator and incubator support.

The event’s speakers include representatives from the medtech manufacturing sector, namely Hitesh Mehta, COO and co-founder of Nutromics; Paul Carboon, business development manager for Outerspace Design; Erika Hughes, commercial director for Integra Systems; and Camille Shanahan, general manager for Jumar Bioincubator.

The series seeks to convene manufacturers, supply chain partners, small to medium enterprises, startups, and industry service providers. 

Medical technology executives developing and/or manufacturing products for the market and health services professionals are also invited to attend and hear about the latest updates from industry experts and engage in in-person networking with peers. 

For more event information and to register, visit biomelbourne.org. 

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