BioBridge

The BioBridge connects clinicians, researchers and industry across international health innovation ecosystems, helping to spark conversations and build enduring scientific and commercial partnerships.

Building on strong Trans-Tasman relationships developed between Aotearoa New Zealand and Australia, the BioBridge now includes a dedicated connection with Singapore’s health innovation ecosystem. This creates new opportunities for collaboration, knowledge exchange and the development of healthcare technologies across the Asia-Pacific region.

The BioBridge is open to researchers, clinicians and companies working in Medtech, particularly medical devices and digital health. Participants can connect with complementary research expertise, clinical leaders, industry partners and specialist business knowledge.

Engagement with Australia also continues through sector relationships and international delegation activities.

The BioBridge is hosted by the Auckland Bioengineering Institute at Waipapa Taumata Rau, the University of Auckland, on behalf of the Consortium for Medical Device Technologies. Its initial Trans-Tasman programme was supported by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment through the Catalyst: Influence Fund from 2020 to 2023.

Get in touch to learn how the BioBridge can support your international Medtech connections.

Akoranga Take | Case Studies

Kiriti Rambhatla

Kiriti, a creative technologist and founder of an Australian space health start-up, was seeking collaborators. The BioBridge curated a virtual workshop with select New Zealand academics, facilitating follow-ups that led to an MOU with AUT. He was also invited to speak at HealthTech Week 2022, and the BioBridge arranged meetings in Auckland, resulting in another agreement.

Professor Paul Breen

Professor Breen from Western Sydney University was interested in connecting to NZ based academics with similar research interests. The BioBridge team introduced him to Dr Vickie Shim and her team at the Auckland Bioengineering Institute. He was offered a place in the delegation to HealthTech Week 2022 to grow these connections. Paul and Vickie are now collaborating on a research proposal.

Toku Eyes

Toku Eyes is a New Zealand start-up with an artificial intelligence platform for diagnostic assessments using retinal screening. Founder and CEO Ehsan Vaghefi was interested in connections to commercialisation experts in Australia. Through the BioBridge, Dr Vaghefi was introduced to his now executive director, Gerard Wallace, who has been instrumental in their commercialisation efforts and growth of the company.

Nga Awheawhe O Mua | Previous Workshops

Emerging Technologies for Gut Health

Speakers:

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Australia

Dr Jerry Zhou - Western Sydney University
Dr Kyle Berean - Atmo Biosciences

New Zealand

Associate Professor Peng Du, University of Auckland
Professor Greg O'Grady, Alimetry

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Watch the Australia-New Zealand BioBridge workshop to learn about innovative technologies transforming gastroenterology for more personalized care and improved patient outcomes.

recording