Since 2022, MTPConnect has been actively supporting and promoting South Australia’s capabilities, facilitating local and international connections, building capacity, and fostering a culture where innovation thrives.
The impact of the work is impressive:
MTPConnect CEO, Stuart Dignam, says the program is all about backing South Australia’s growing health innovation ecosystem of researchers, startups, scaleups, enterprises and investors.
“We are delighted to continue working closely with the South Australian Government and the local life sciences industry. We are looking forward to building on the achievements and impact we’ve made as the program continues to evolve over the next three years.
“Through the expertise of our team and the targeted support activities we lead, we’ve had new companies formed, investment attracted, deals done, revenues generated – and exceptional people and companies growing in the sector. We continue to receive positive feedback from industry about the work we are doing to support their growth.
“We are also helping South Australian companies make international connections and access global markets through trade missions and strategic collaborations, including opportunities to join delegations in the US at BIO and the Medtech Conference, and the Saudi Global Health Exhibition,” said Mr Dignam.
Minister for Trade and Investment and Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science Joe Szakacs said:
“The South Australian Government is proud to provide continued support to MTPConnect SA, committing a further $1.8 million over three years through the Research and Innovation Fund.”
“Since 2022, MTPConnect SA has acted as an intermediary for South Australia’s biomedical research entities, ensuring local research is positioned to make a global impact.
“By investing into South Australian biomedical research we support new collaborations and provide more opportunities, which ultimately lead to greater outcomes.”
Dr Massey de los Reyes, Facilities Manager and Principal Scientist at South Australian-based entX, explained the impact of their MTPConnect relationship.
“The commercialisation expertise and industry connections we have made with MTPConnect’s AIP team will have a significant impact on a successful market entry. Their guidance has accelerated our ability to develop a critical sovereign supply capability that will support the burgeoning radiopharmaceuticals sector in the region and attract investment, highlighting the importance of such collaborative networks in driving innovation forward,” said Dr de los Reyes.
SA-based Clever Culture Systems CEO Brent Barnes explained how the program has supported the company’s growth.
“The Adelaide Intermediary Program has been invaluable in connecting Clever Culture Systems with local, interstate, and global customers as well as influential stakeholders. Through AIP’s focus on connectivity, we’ve secured a product sale to an early adopter customer and also appointed a Board member. I look forward to the annual CEO dinner as a standout opportunity to engage with industry leaders,” said Mr Barnes.
MTPConnect’s South Australian team, led by Dana Bell, is also delivering the Industry Doctoral Training Centre PhD+ program in biomanufacturing in partnership with the Department of State Development and the local universities, and the Adelaide Life Science Gateway program for the Adelaide Economic Development Agency (AEDA) – to position Adelaide as a global hub for medical technology, biotechnology and pharmaceutical innovation and help to accelerate economic activity in the City of Adelaide.