The Melbourne-based ‘Actuator’ is one of Australia’s premier MedTech commercialisation initiatives.

The Actuator has partnered with hospitals across Victoria to drive clinically-led innovations and provide a pathway for hospital entrepreneurs and startups to access the Actuator accelerator and MedTech’s Got Talent programs.

Northern Health Research Lead Peter Brooks, said this will be a very exciting program for NH Researchers.

“Our researchers will be able to learn ‘worlds best practice’ in innovation, entrepreneurship, commercialisation and be able to be involved in educational and start up funding programs offered by Actuator over the next 2 years,” he said.

The project consists of three programs: educational workshops, commercialisation bootcamps and hackathons for up to 450 hospital students, clinicians and staff; a pre-seed accelerator program for up-to 35 entrepreneurs; and the Actuator accelerator program for up to 40 startups. Other hospitals involved in the program are Peter Mac, Epworth, Ballarat Health Service, St. Vincent’s Hospital, Centre for Eye Research Australia (CERA) and Western Health.

The Actuator will also provide a gateway for clinical professionals to become integrated into a healthcare-focused angel network.

Featured image, from left to right: Prof Buzz Palmer CEO Actuator/  Laura Anderson Chair Launch VIC / Minister Innovation and Digital Economy Philip Dalidakis  / Peter Brooks NH Research Lead / Michelle Gallaher Social Science CEO / and Dr Kate Cornick Launch Vic CEO