BioBridge

The BioBridge provides key connections between clinicians, researchers, and industry within the health innovation ecosystems of Australia and New Zealand. This Trans-Tasman collaboration helps spark conversations and build anchored science and business partnerships with long-term strategic benefits for the development of new healthcare technologies and business opportunities.

The BioBridge is hosted by the Auckland Bioengineering Institute at the University of Auckland, on behalf of the CMDT, and the Liverpool Innovation Precinct in Sydney. Stage 1 of the BioBridge project has been funded as an MBIE Catalyst Influence Activities Project from 2020 to 2023.

The BioBridge is open to researchers, clinicians, and companies within the MedTech space; more specifically, in medical devices and digital health.
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Researchers across the Tasman have used this platform to develop new partnerships with complementary expertise and knowledge, whilst companies have used this to help identify key opinion leaders and specific business expertise.
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Trans-Tasman connections are supported through curated workshops, 1:1 meetings, and international delegations.

If you’re interested to learn how the BioBridge can connect you across the Tasman, to find out more.

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