AusMedtech 2026 Program Highlights
This year’s program presents a thoughtfully curated two-day conference dedicated to the Medtech industry. Featuring insights from leading industry experts and a range of interactive sessions, attendees can expect a comprehensive and highly valuable experience.
FIRESIDE CHAT - The story behind a breakthrough stent
Wednesday 20 May | 9:00 am - 9:30 am
Every successful medtech innovation has a story behind it - and some begin right here in Western Australia.
In this opening fireside chat, moderated by Prof. Shirley Jansen, Dr Michael Lawrence Brown and David Hartley reflect on the journey of founding and commercialising a breakthrough cardiovascular stent, born from local research, clinical insight and entrepreneurial ambition. From identifying an unmet clinical need to delivering real-world patient impact, the conversation traces the pivotal moments that transformed an idea into a commercial success.
Through reflection on challenges faced, lessons learned and breakthroughs achieved, this discussion sets the tone for the conference - celebrating Australia’s capacity to translate world-class research into globally relevant medtech innovation, and highlighting what is possible when science, clinicians and commercial expertise come together with purpose.
| |
|
|
|
Chair: Prof. Shirley Jansen Director Heart and Vascular Research Institute, Harry Perkins Institute for Medical Research, Perth WA |
Emeritus Prof. Michael Lawrence Brown Retired Vascular Surgeon and Innovator |
David Hartley Retired Radiographer and Director of an Endovascular Device Development Facility |
Western Australia: powering medtech innovation
Wednesday 20 May | 9:30 am - 10:10 am
Western Australia is fast emerging as a powerhouse for innovation. This dynamic panel celebrates WA’s growing ecosystem and the breadth of services, grants, funds and support programs available to help companies innovate, commercialise and scale. Panellists will highlight key state funding opportunities, research and clinical capabilities, co-investment pathways and industry services, sharing practical insights on how to access and leverage WA’s strengths. Designed to inspire startups, SMEs and industry partners, this session showcases how Western Australia is enabling bold ideas, accelerating development and supporting global success.
|
Chair: Prof. Sharath Sriram |
Prof. Kevin Pfleger |
Deepti Shukla |
Stacey Waters |
Innovation from the west: WA success stories
Wednesday 20 May | 10:40 am - 11:25 am
Western Australia is delivering standout success stories across the entire innovation pipeline. This panel brings together leaders behind some of WA innovations that have progressed from research and discovery through clinical development, commercialisation and global markets.
Panellists will share real-world journeys, lessons learned and the critical enablers that helped turn ideas into impact — including collaboration, funding, translation pathways and industry partnerships. Celebrating WA’s growing track record of innovation, this session offers inspiration and practical insights for companies at every stage looking to build, scale and succeed from Western Australia.
|
Chair: Tracey Wilkinson |
Nikhilesh Bappoo |
Rolee Kumar |
Kate Lewkowski |
KEYNOTE - Biodesign: need-based innovation in theory and practice
Wednesday 20 May | 12:20 pm - 12:45 pm
This keynote introduces the fundamentals of the Biodesign methodology and explores how it has been applied at Stanford and globally to deliver meaningful clinical and commercial impact. Drawing on real-world examples, the presentation highlights how a structured, needs-driven approach can lead to innovative solutions for unmet clinical challenges. The session then pivots to personal case studies from the speaker’s career, illustrating how Biodesign principles have been used in practice to identify critical healthcare needs and translate them into impactful medtech innovation.
Chair: Dr. Dell Kingsford Smith, VP, Medical Affairs, Market Access & Government Affairs, Cochlear
|
Speaker: Dr Josh Makower |
KEYNOTE - Emily Amos
Thursday 21 May | 9:00 am - 9:30 am
Emily was appointed Managing Director of Wesfarmers Health in April 2022, following Wesfarmers’ acquisition of Australian Pharmaceutical Industries Limited in 2022.
Emily has extensive health and retail sector experience gained through time in various executive roles of Bupa Australia and New Zealand, Woolworths Australia and Sainsbury’s United Kingdom.
Prior to joining Wesfarmers, Emily was the Managing Director Bupa Health Insurance and before that, Managing Director of Bupa Health Services. Emily is also a former non-executive director of Adore Beauty. During her time at Woolworths Emily held the role of Finance Director at Endeavour Drinks Group, and, held senior executive roles across Finance, data and digital. Emily is a member of Chief Executive Women and is the Chair of the Sisterhood Foundation
Chair: Dr. James Campbell, Chair, AusBiotech
|
Speaker: Emily Amos Managing Director, Health at Wesfarmers |
KEYNOTE - Medtech dealmaker: a story from the trenches
Thursday 21 May | 5:00 pm - 5:30 pm
Renee Ryan has over 30 years of medtech experience across three career stages: Investment Banker, Venture Investor and CEO. We will go on the journey of her career - the hundreds of deals, the lessons learned and the common themes throughout. Finally, we will take a look ahead and share in the excitement of what the future holds.
Chair: Dr. Liz Dallimore, CEO & Managing Director, Argenica Therapeutics Ltd
| Speaker: Renee Ryan Co-founder & CEO, PinPrint, Independent Board Member, RefleXion Medical (Audit Committee) Independent Board Member, Neuropace (NPCE) (Audit and Comp Committee) |
Secure your place for this year's program
AusMedtech 2026 tickets are available – make sure you secure your place at the reduced early bird rates.
