New Zealand's MedTech Translator: Bridging Research and Commercialization

In 2012, Distinguished Professor Sir Peter Hunter and Dr. Diana Siew founded the Consortium for Medical Device Technologies (CMDT) to address the lack of connectivity in New Zealand's medical technology (MedTech) industry. The CMDT brought together the Auckland University of Technology, the Universities of Auckland, Canterbury and Otago, the Victoria University of Wellington, and Callaghan Innovation (New Zealand’s government innovation agency) to foster collaboration and bridge the gap between research and commercialization. Initially funded by in-kind contributions, the CMDT's leadership facilitated collaboration and built trust among partners, eventually incorporating clinicians and the New Zealand Health System | Te Whatu Ora.

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Expanding Translation Efforts: The MedTech CoRE and Te Tītoki Mataora

In 2015, the CMDT partnership established the MedTech Centre of Research Excellence (MedTech CoRE), funded by the Tertiary Education Commission, a New Zealand Crown agency, and hosted by the University of Auckland, to support national collaborative PhD research projects, and the development of early concepts. A pilot in research translation successfully supported 70 projects, with 20 becoming startups and 10 remaining active and growing. Key lessons learned included the importance of early clinical involvement, incorporating product design principles, and assembling diverse teams with complementary expertise.

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This MedTech CoRE pilot led to the creation of Te Tītoki Mataora (TTM), also known as the MedTech Research Translator, which expanded the program to continue its success. TTM focuses on bridging the gap between research and real-world applications, facilitating the development of high-value pipelines with commercial potential. This partnership between five universities, Callaghan Innovation, and the New Zealand Health System | Te Whatu Ora ensures a comprehensive approach, encompassing research, innovation, and healthcare expertise.

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A Comprehensive Capability Program

TTM, funded by the Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment (MBIE) operates as a pipeline, guiding projects from concept to commercialization, actively engaging with various stakeholders.  It prioritizes projects with clinical applications that address unmet clinical needs while balancing clinical impact with commercial translation. It offers various funding stages, starting with collaboration and ideation funding, followed by concept and seed development funding, and finally, funding for projects moving into commercialization.

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To ensure objectivity and expertise, TTM has an executive team with representation from all the CMDT partners, a governance board led by industry experts, and an independent advisory group composed of science, clinical, industry and investment professionals. These groups collectively assess and decide on funding for projects, ensuring a rigorous and transparent selection process.

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TTM essentially builds a research project pipeline and is a diverse and inclusive platform that actively seeks to involve underrepresented communities, such as Māori and Pacifica, in the development of medical technologies. The program recognizes the importance of equitable representation and co-designing solutions with these communities.

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In addition to project development, TTM also focuses on talent development, offering the Health Tech Capability Programme funded primarily by the University of Auckland with in-kind contributions from other CMDT partners. This upskilling programme supports the national ecosystem, builds new talent and upskill researchers and clinicians with the necessary skills to navigate the complexities of the MedTech landscape through five pillars:

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• Vision Mātauranga Māori: Focuses on building researchers’ ability to engage and understand Māori communities.

• Pacific Engagement: Aims to increase the involvement of Pacific peoples in technology development, recognizing their significant presence in New Zealand.

• Future Leaders: Nurtures early and mid-career scientists, engineers, and clinicians by providing them with the necessary support and development opportunities.

• Clinical Translation: Connects clinicians with research groups, facilitates clinical trials, and provides researchers with insights into the challenges faced by the health system.

• Commercial Translation: Helps startups and research groups accelerate their journey by providing workshops and mentorship on regulatory requirements, health economics, and quality systems.

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Medtech-iQ Aotearoa: A National Innovation Hub

The MedTech industry in New Zealand has grown significantly, with digital health emerging and the number of homegrown companies increasing from 123 companies in 2012 to over 200 companies in 2023 (according to the report “Medtech-iQ: A Strategic and Economic Case for a National Medical Devices and Digital Health Innovation Hub for Aotearoa”, published in March 2024). To further support collaboration, Medtech- IQ Aotearoa was established as a national innovation hub, with four interlinked regional hubs in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and Dunedin. Each region contributes its unique expertise to the national effort, fostering a thriving ecosystem for medical devices and digital health innovation.

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Success Stories and Lessons Learned

New Zealand’s Te Tītoki Mataora (TTM) MedTech Research Translator program has proven highly effective in driving innovation and commercialization within New Zealand's MedTech sector. Its predecessor, the MedTech-Centre of Research Excellence (MedTech CoRE), generated significant impact from 2016-2021. Today in 2024, the cohort of companies from the CoRE has created 144 jobs (43.6 per $1 million invested) and raised $103 million ($31.3 per $1 invested). This led to the emergence of thriving startups like The Insides Company, Formus Labs, Alimetry, Toku, HeartLab, JunoFem, SwalTech, and Apercure.

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TTM continues this success with promising ventures such as Kitea Health’s implantable encephalitis pressure sensor, now in clinical trials. Other exciting startups include a Māori-founded diabetes management company, Tautoko Tech and a Victoria University of Wellington post-graduate student-led venture using 3D knitting to develop custom-fit post-mastectomy bras.

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Some key lessons learned over the first years of the TTM initiative, according to Dr. Diana Siew, that were key to assure the programs’ successful outcomes are:

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• Focus on collaboration: Organizations with diverse expertise – medical research, technology, funding, and healthcare – must collaborate from the earliest stages of tech development.

• Clinician Involvement: Integrating clinicians throughout the process ensures that developed technologies address real-world clinical needs and have a pathway to use.  

• Community Engagement: Prioritizing and engaging Māori and Pacific communities ensures that new technologies address equity issues and hence benefit all New Zealanders.

• Support Young Leaders: Providing upskilling opportunities for emerging talent cultivates the next generation of MedTech innovators.

• De-risking opportunities: Offering funding, upskilling, mentorship, and connections to investors all help reduce the risks associated with early-stage development.

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TTM's approach has been successful in addressing the challenges of translating research into commercial products and has helped create a more sophisticated and commercially viable pipeline of medical technologies. By prioritizing collaboration, community engagement, and de-risking opportunities, TTM is creating a thriving ecosystem that benefits both the community and the economy.

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This success has laid the foundation for Medtech-iQ Aotearoa, the nation's newly established MedTech innovation hub. Drawing on over eight years of TTM's experience, Medtech-iQ Aotearoa aims to streamline New Zealand's medtech innovation activities and expand the country's global footprint in medical devices and digital health technology.

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As TTM enters this exciting new phase, its focus remains on cultivating the next generation of talent and technologies. With a refined approach that incorporates valuable lessons learned, TTM will continue to drive economic growth by creating high-paying jobs and stimulating innovation. Simultaneously, it will bolster the national healthcare system by developing innovative solutions to critical challenges and improving patient outcomes.

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This ongoing commitment has been reinforced by the government's recent decision to provide TTM with an additional four years of funding at $2.7 million per year. This investment will ensure continued momentum and progress in TTM's vital work.