Delivery of modern drugs poses some problems and Dr James McKeage may have an answer. McKeage is a Research Fellow with the Bioinstrumentation Lab at the Auckland Bioengineering Institute (ABI) based at Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland. He focuses on needle-free jet injection technology where fluid drugs are delivered as a fine, high-speed jet. His goal is to use this technology to allow patient self-administration and improve patient outcomes.

The Medical Design & Innovation Research Cluster provides product design and development research expertise for health research agendas, with collaborating partners from: industry, primary and secondary health care sectors, clinicians and related research institutions. The purpose is to innovate within the health sector (human and animal health), by leveraging our newly cemented partnership with the Consortium of Medical Device Technologies (CMDT).

Angelica Lawson was working in Audiology when she came up with two game-changers for the screening and prevention of Type 2 diabetes. “I was seeing more and more patients with permanent severe hearing loss due to late and misdiagnosed diabetes; it got to a point where too many people were losing their quality of life - which made me question what’s going on,” says Lawson who heads Ceratec Health which is bringing a new AI-driven diabetes screening tool to market.

After winning spots on two FDA fast-track programmes, and the first implant of its fluid pressure sensor for a child, Auckland’s Kitea Health is $7 million and counting into a $10m funding round.

Startup Dunedin recently announced the 12 recipients of microgrant funding to help take the next small step in their business journey. Business editor Sally Rae talks to those behind health tech startup Intermentis, which is hoping to launch commercially next year.

Leg-Up, is a Knee, Ankle, Foot Orthosis(KAFO). ‍By leveraging semi-autonomous parametric design and manufacture, Leg-Up shifts orthotics from being a medical device and signifier of disability to an accessible, desirable enabler of fully independent mobility. 

Assessing a mole’s appearance for skin cancer poses a number ofchallenges that researchers MichélNiewoudt and Maher Khaled are trying to overcome with LumAssure™ – anew device they’re developing.‍

Dr Haruna Suzuki-Kerr is a researcher at Waipapa Taumata Rau, the University of Auckland, who is on a mission to revolutionise hearing care—translating cutting-edge research into real-world solutions.

The largest supplier of practice management systems (PMS) to Kiwi GPs has been bought by a global software investor Banyan Software.

Science Minister Shane Reti chose the Auckland Bioengineering Institute as the venue to announce a groundbreaking PhD funding scheme.

Volpara Health is transforming breast cancer detection through its mind-boggling AI software, helping healthcare providers improve early diagnosis and patient outcomes. Breast cancer remains one of the most pressing health concerns worldwide, but technological advancements are resulting in early detection and helping save more families from cancer.

Research shows fewer women undergraduate students want to become entrepreneurs than their male counterparts. How do we close the gap?

The NZ Hi-Tech Awards are open for applications. Entries close Monday 3rd March.

A Melbourne hospital images the first patient in Australia using the Wellumio Axana device, marking a milestone in advancing rapid acute stroke detection in the Emergency Room. With a unique ability to perform rapid MRI-based stroke imaging at the patient's bedside, Wellumio takes a major step toward generating the clinical evidence required for adoption of the Axana device.

We are thrilled to announce that Whānau Tahi has been awarded Software Accreditation by Social Value International – a global milestone that reflects our unwavering commitment to measuring, managing, and maximising social investment and impact.

Sweeping reforms to the science sector, including the creation of a dedicated foreign investment agency and restructuring key research institutions, aim to boost New Zealand's economy by encouraging investment and innovation in science and technology, says Minister Judith Collins.

A patient in a clinical brain implant trial says the world-first technology has reduced her anxiety around her symptoms. Clinical trials are underway for a neural implant to monitor brain pressure in those living with hydrocephalus.

In another world-first, a miniature pressure sensor has been successfully implanted into the brain of a child with hydrocephalus in New Zealand - a game-changing medical breakthrough for people living with a time bomb inside their heads.

The New Zealand medical device company has established a subsidiary in the San Francisco Bay area to expand its global footprint.

The medtech startup has also kicked off a $10m funding round.

Diana shares her journey and expertise in developing New Zealand’s medtech ecosystem and fostering international collaboration with Australia through the ANZ BioBridge.

Aroa’s latest study reveals potential of its Myriad treatment range in saving limbs and reducing costs, making it a potential game-changer for high-risk lower limb surgeries.

Revolutionary portable device leverages advanced magnetic resonance technology to rapidly detect acute stroke biomarkers, enabling frontline care teams to make faster, life-saving decisions within the critical 'golden hour.'

Startups have always been at the forefront of innovation. But factors such as artificial intelligence (AI), sustainability and decentralisation are set to reshape industries in 2025.

Over 190 attendees from across New Zealand participated in a webinar to learn more about Pharmac's medical devices programme.

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a global health concern, often progressing silently until later stages and taking a tremendous toll on patients and their families. Traditional methods for CKD diagnosis rely on invasive procedures, such as kidney biopsies or blood tests, which can be a costly and uncomfortable barrier to early detection.

An AI digital medical assistant, customized with each surgeon’s expertise, is making its way to the clinical frontline. ‍Fios Health, founded in 2023 by A.Prof Andrew McDaid and Dr Charles M. Lawrie, has launched a digital medical assistant platform to aid medical clinics and patients access critical information to improve productivity, cost and quality of care.

A hydrogen-electric powered VTOL emergency response vehicle to get to emergencies in harsh environments or with extreme road conditions. Shorter response times and an efficient comfortable environment for paramedics.

Which sounds better when your gums need checking? A painful poke with what’s really just a fancy stick or a miniaturised ultrasound device? It’s a little more technical than that, but Professor Warwick Duncan, director of the Sir John Walsh Research Institute at the University of Otago, says it amounts to the same thing.

Bioengineer Dr Alys Clark is building a virtual pregnancy model – a world first – to help with both detecting and monitoring risk during pregnancy. The goal is a new kind of atlas – a computational atlas that combines anatomy and function of the entire uterus and fetus during pregnancy. While researchers around the world are studying aspects of this system during pregnancy, the model Clark and her team is world-leading in its scope and coverage of the whole uterus.

AI has the potential to transform many aspects of our healthcare system, from administration and analysis through to patient adherence and physical robots. However, this collection of technologies can present as many challenges as solutions, and Health New Zealand|Te Whatu Ora has a simple request: talk to us first.

HEALWELL AI has entered into an agreement to acquire 100% of the shares of Auckland, New Zealand based Orion Health Holdings Limited (“Orion Health”), a subscription license and services revenue business serving marquee public sector clients globally with data interoperability and healthcare navigation products and services.

This Reimbursement Landscape Assessment for only $7k provides your team with the critical insights needed to navigate the challenging reimbursement landscape and optimise your market access strategy.

Alimetry named in the Digital Health 50 - CB Insights’ annual list of the most promising digital health startups in the world.

Childhood conditions such as developmental hip abnormalities, cerebral palsy and slipped capital femoral epiphysis (a hip condition that occurs in teens and pre-teens who are still growing) can lead to complex hip and knee deformities.

A clinical trial has demonstrated that oVRcome, a virtual reality app developed in New Zealand for treating anxiety and phobias, significantly reduces symptoms of social anxiety.

A team of scientists in Auckland and Germany have created a 3D computer model of the inside of the nasal cavity and part of the cranial cavity, basically, the cubbyhole where your brain is.

With guidance from the Johner Institute, med-tech startups can navigate complex regulations early and bring innovative products to market safely.

The MRI technique advances coming out of the Mātai Medical Research Institute in Gisborne have been described as ‘pioneering’, ‘groundbreaking’ and ‘world leading’. Claire Concannon speaks to chief executive and research director Dr Samantha Holdsworth to learn why, and about their big plans for the future.

MARS Bioimaging Ltd are a Christchurch health tech company breaking new ground in medical imaging. Co-founder and chief medical officer Anthony Butler discusses their vision, and why it makes sense to be based in Ōtautahi Christchurch.

Twenty clinicians across the motu are piloting a new AI scribe to help transcribe their patient notes and lessen their cognitive load.

The Startup Blueprint series shares insights from the founders and operators building companies & ideas defining what the world could become. Hear about their journeys, learn from their insights, and maybe leave with a dose of inspiration.

Canterbury Scientific is driven by a core principle – quality science, quality products. The Christchurch company is committed to enhancing diagnostics and improving patient care with cutting-edge tools. CEO Clive Seymour outlines their approach.

Distinguished Professor Maggie-Lee Huckabee is commercialising software that measures muscle activity for patients that struggle to swallow.

The money raised will continue its push into US hospitals.

For the second year running, the University of Auckland has come out on top in Australasia in the Survey of Commercialisation Outcomes from Public Research.

One CEO recalled needing to make a change in their leadership team. While these decisions are difficult to make, she knew that the longer you wait to make them, the more credibility you lose among your staff.‍

Raising capital is one of the biggest decisions a startup founder will face, so what option makes sense and how do you recognize the best fit?

Winners of the 12th annual KiwiNet Research Commercialisation Awards were honoured at a gala event in Auckland tonight for their success in transforming scientific discoveries into new technologies, businesses and real-world solutions.

The New Zealand-built health tech app provides new pathways for grief support, helping people navigate their grief journey with personalised tools and a supportive community.

A Christchurch-based startup is using the approach of 'by Māori, with Māori for everybody' to develop a low-cost, AI-powered, an user-friendly insulin pump.

The investment by US-based McGeever comes before an $8m Series A funding round.

We have recently developed a digital twin of the most vulnerable of cardiovascular systems – those of newborn babies. That could help answer some important questions.

Surgeons all over the world face the challenge of tediously hand-sewing micro arteries to re-establish blood flow to transplanted tissues. Avasa’s arterial coupler makes microvascular surgery quicker and safer empowering surgeons to securely and efficiently link microvascular arteries in under 10 minutes.

Dr Kelly Burrowes from the Auckland Bioengineering Institute was recently featured on Te Ao with Moana discussing her research on vaping and the harmful impacts.

Good Clinical has teamed up with Te Titoki Mataora, the MedTech Research Translator, to bring you the Te Titoki Mataora Podcast Series. In this episode, meet Dr. Yaara Yarmut, the Chief Regulatory Officer at Alimetry, a medical device company who have developed an innovative gastric monitoring device that performs body surface gastric mapping using an electrode array.

Callaghan Innovation will support seven trailblazing Kiwi businesses with bold ideas to succeed in global markets, while forging new pathways for like-minded Kiwi innovators.

From their local roots here in Aotearoa, two innovative Kiwi companies, Script Sense and Prosaic, are using AI to develop their products for the global market.

Kitea Health, has achieved a significant milestone with co-founder Natalia Lopez securing a spot to represent New Zealand at the prestigious 2024 Startup World Cup. This global competition will take place in Silicon Valley where Natalia will showcase the innovative Kitea System to a panel of over 2,500 investors, Venture Capital firms (including Pegasus Investments), and interact with other promising startups from around the world.

This month med-tech company HeartLab turns six before its founder turns 25.

Students are being transported to virtual parties and bathrooms to practise saying no to vaping, using a new technology that fills “the void” of addiction aid for schools. A pilot virtual reality (VR) programme at five New Zealand schools has seen 52% of participants report they were less inclined to pick up a vape afterwards.

The latest KiwiNet Award finalists have been announced including local MedTech start-ups and researchers.

Medtech startup Toku Eyes is hoping to raise between US$15 million and US$20m ($24m and $32m) in a Series B round under way as it rolls out its first product.

This company is doing everything right in the view of the judges and stands on the threshold of world changing success.

In 40 pages, the report quantifies the healthtech sector and its key markets, investment, and business spending. Over 230 companies are collected here, with in-depth profiles on the highest-earning companies and the most exciting start-ups .

New Zealand is no stranger to health tech innovation – from co-discovering the molecular structure of DNA to inventing the disposable syringe.

It’s an inspiring time for New Zealand’s MedTech industry both at home and on the global stage.

Medtech startup Avasa is raising US $7.5M in Series A round

The developer of the world's smallest brain implant, Kitea Health, says it not only alerts parents when pressure is building in their child's brain, but will take the pressure off families living in constant fear of a serious medical event.

More than 40 percent of New Zealand women have problems with incontinence, according to new research. Otago University Professor Jean Hay-Smith, co-author of the research which was published in The New Zealand Medical Journal on Friday, said the social stigma of incontinence meant many women were not getting the help they needed.

In a world-first, start-up Kitea Health has successfully implanted a chip under an Auckland patient’s skull that will monitor fluid pressure - part of a trial that will expand to 20 patients. The startup is now seeking $20m in a Series A raise, which will help fund a wider trial involving 150 patients across NZ and the US, with the goal of gaining FDA approval in around a couple of years.

Over the last 10 years Ōtepoti-Dunedin has seen significant growth and investment contributing to the establishment and scaling up of businesses. From startups, health tech to game development, these are the Dunedin sectors to watch.

Kings Birthday Honours 2024, a new Knight Companion in MedTech

Chemical engineer Sandra Grau-Bartual backed herself as the best person to lead her startup and is learning to be a founder along the way. Even though she knew it was the right move, it was still a scary one, she says. As a chemical engineer, not a businessperson, she worried she wouldn’t actually enjoy the role of CEO. With no idea where to start, she turned to a mentor, who reminded her that it’s normal for most founders to not know what to do. It’s a message Grau-Bartual now wants to normalise for others making the jump from academic research to startup founder.

Junofem's Femfit pelvic floor trainer has been rated almost five stars by popular London-based women's lifestyle magazine 'Women & Home'.

Callaghan says the government backed programme has created 35 deep tech ventures to date