Unlocking Industry Growth Program (IGP) Opportunities for Life Sciences SMEs

Last week, we hosted an information and networking event 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.

As an Industry Partner Organisation, MTPConnect complements the IGP 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.

The event was hosted by MTPConnect’s Chief Operations Officer Lisa Dubé and Director of the Adelaide Intermediary Program Dana Bell, who provided insights into the funding decision-making process and tips to increase your 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.

If you would like more information about the Industry Growth Program – Click Here

Book a 1:1 consult with Dana or Santhni – Click Here