Translating Science to Success: Adelaide IGP Networking Breakfast

MTPConnect recently hosted an information and networking event in Adelaide to shine a light on South Australia’s thriving medtech, biotech and pharmaceutical ecosystem and to encourage innovators to sign up for the Industry Growth Program (IGP). 

As an Industry Partner Organisation, MTPConnect complements the Australian Government’s IGP initiative by delivering a suite of activities designed specifically for life sciences-focused IGP clients. The event connected current and prospective IGP clients and provided insights into the benefits of the program, successful outcomes resulting from the advisory service and sharing insights into what makes a successful funding application.  

Hosted by MTPConnect’s Chief Operations Officer Lisa Dubé and Director of the Adelaide Intermediary Program Dana Bell, the participants heard about a range of insights into the funding decision-making process and tips to increase companies’ chance of funding success.  

• Pay attention to the guidelines and align with IGP’s mission 

• Transformational, not incremental innovation 

• Show execution capability (e.g. project plan) 

• Be honest about competitors and barriers to adoption 

• Future Made in Australia and sovereign design and manufacturing focus 

• Some of the lower-weighted criteria are where you will differentiate yourself. 

IGP Advisor Kerstin Schütz shared deep insights on commercialising health and life sciences innovations, from navigating the IGP and aligning to priority areas, to preparing strong applications and leveraging partner organisations like MTPConnect.   

We also heard inspiring commercialisation journeys from  Seonix Bio CEO Dr Nick Haan and Alyra Biotech Founder and CEO A/ Prof Susan Evans. They shared some valuable commercialisation advice, such as: 

• Focus on disruptive technologies with global potential 

• Read the guidelines closely 

• Demonstrate a manufacturing component 

• Seek creative external validation – engage clinicians and users early! 

• Use simple, accessible language 

• Engage early with the grant portal — know your documents + word limits 

• Different schemes = different masters, understand their priorities  

• Build a team and an advisory panel with diverse, global expertise 

• Look ahead and build your funding pipeline 

• Understand the challenge of demonstrating efficacy early 

  The energy, curiosity and collaboration in the room showed the strength of South Australia’s innovation pipeline.  

At MTPConnect, we’re proud to support the Department of Industry, Science and Resources-funded Industry Growth Program by providing intermediary advisory services for life sciences companies, including 1:1 guidance, seminars, workshops, networking events and practical resources.