BIODESIGN
INNOVATION SUMMIT
_ MAY 18TH I 08:00 - 16:00 I UWA
The inaugural Biodesign Innovation Summit brought together leaders from healthcare, investment, research, government, and the startup ecosystem for a day of keynotes, panels, and honest conversation about what's working, what's next, and what Australia's role looks like on a global stage.
Designed as a full-day experience, the Summit created space for meaningful connection throughout. Guests joined from across Australia and internationally for a day of shared learning, conversation, and celebration.
THE SUMMIT SPEAKERS
Leading experts, researchers and innovators in the global biodesign community.
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THE SUMMIT PROGRAM
08:00 - 09:00
Registration & Coffee
09:00 - 09:15
Welcome to Country
Robyn Collard, Whadjuk Ballardong Yorga Elder
09:15 - 09:30
Minister’s Address
Minister Stephen Dawson MLC, Minister for Science and Innovation; Medical Research
Introduced by Prof Anna Nowak, UWA Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research)
09:30 - 10:30
Keynote Speech followed by Fireside Chat
Keynote:
A personal story of entrepreneurship that led to co-founding the global Biodesign movement
Prof Josh Makower, co-Founder and Director of Stanford Biodesign
Fireside Chat:
Reflections on the founder’s journey
Josh joined by Perth Biodesign co-Founders Dr Intan Oldakowska and Dr Matt Oldakowski
10:30 - 11:00
Morning Coffee Break & Networking
11:00 - 11:40
Global Needs-Driven Innovation: Hot Topics
Different perspectives on hot topics of the medtech industry around the world
Chair:
Prof Megha Agarwal, Stanford Biodesign Associate Director – New Initiatives, India Program
Panel:
Dr Martina Mariano, COO of Singular Health and Perth Biodesign Alumna (2017)
Dr Nick Pachuda, COO of Peptilogics and General Partner of Neovate Capital Partners
Adj/Prof John Kilmartin, University of Galway and ARC Hub for HealthTech
Peter Traianou, President & CEO of Emerging Health Connections and Chairman of VeinTech
11:40 - 12:40
Alumni Innovation Showcase
Snapshot of a decade of Biodesign innovation in Western Australia
Chair:
Oliver Bazzani, Director of Perth Biodesign and co-Director of Biodesign Australia
Speakers:
Laurence (Lola) Malloch, Co-Founder of EchoNova and Perth Biodesign Alumna (2025)
Joanna Morris, Co-Founder and CEO of Matilda Health and Perth Biodesign Alumna (2022)
Dr Nipanjana Patra, Co-Founder and CEO, Pretect Devices and Perth Biodesign Alumna (2021)
Dr Julian Shapley, COO of VitalTrace and Entrepreneur in Residence of Biodesign Australia
12:40 - 13:40
Networking Lunch
13:40 - 14:20
Building the Machine
What it takes to grow a health innovation ecosystem
Chair:
Prof Sharath Sriram, Chief Scientist of Western Australia
Panel:
A/Prof Peter Carr, University of Galway and Chair of the Scientific Advisory Board of VeinTech
Dr Jennifer Hoffmann, Executive Director, New England Medical Innovation Center
Dr Nikhilesh Bappoo, Co-Founder and CEO of VeinTech and Perth Biodesign Alumnus (2019)
Prof Lauren Goldie, UWA Pro Vice-Chancellor (Health and Medical Research)
14:20 - 15:10
Global Biodesign
The impact of Biodesign on ecosystems around the world
Chair:
Prof Anurag Mairal, Director, Global Translation and Outreach at Stanford Biodesign
Speakers:
Dr Ee Lim Tan, Singapore Biodesign Senior Assistant Programme Director
Dr Sinéad Walsh, Programme Director BioInnovate Innovators’ Initiative, BioInnovate Ireland
Prof David Grayden, Director of Biodesign Melbourne and co-Director of Biodesign Australia
Prof Kevin Pfleger, Chair of Perth Biodesign and Biodesign Australia
15:10 - 15:15
Closing Reflections
Prof Kevin Pfleger, Chair of Perth Biodesign and Biodesign Australia
15:15 - 16:00
Networking Sundowner
10TH ANNIVERSARY
GALA DINNER
_ MAY 18TH I 18:00 - 22:00 I FRASER’S
Set against the backdrop of Kings Park, this special evening brought together a curated group of leaders, partners and alumni to celebrate a decade of innovation, collaboration and impact. Guests were welcomed with a reception and drinks on arrival, followed by a seated three-course dinner, accompanied by a live jazz performance.
The evening brought together national and international innovators, clinicians, academics and investors who have shaped, and are shaping, the future of healthcare globally.
Designed as both a celebration and a moment of connection, the Gala Dinner offered a relaxed and elegant setting to engage with the Biodesign community, and our national and international guests.
ECOSYSTEM
EVENTS
_ MAY 19TH - MAY 21ST I VARIOUS TIMES & LOCATIONS
GLOBAL EXPERT
OFFICE HOURS
_ May 19TH I 08:30 - 11:00
A fast-paced 90-minute session designed to spark meaningful connections between startups, mentors and investors.
Startups had the opportunity to pitch and engage in a series of short, focused 1:1 conversations, gaining feedback, exploring opportunities and building international relationships.
Public
Talk
_ May 19TH I 11:00 - 12:00
"Scaling Health Technology Innovation from Australia to the Indo-Pacific: Lessons from Global Biodesign".
A Gledden Lecture exploring how academic, clinical and industry partnerships accelerate translation of health technologies into real-world impact, exemplified by initiatives to address the serious unmet need of rheumatic heart disease in India.
The lecture, supported by a Gledden Mobility Grant from UWA’s Institute of Advanced Studies, was followed by a networking lunch, sponsored by the Bridge and BridgeTech Programs.
AUSMEDTECH
2026
_ May 19TH - 21ST
AusMedtech is Australia’s leading medtech conference, bringing together innovators, researchers, clinicians, investors and government partners to explore the opportunities and challenges shaping the future of medtech.
The event welcomed the community at Crown Towers in Perth, Western Australia for three days of insights, collaboration and conversation that moved the sector forward, with a record-breaking attendance of over 550 people.
OUR PARTNERS
With thanks to our partners
Perth Biodesign acknowledges the Whadjuk people of the Noongar Nation as the Traditional Custodians of the Perth metropolitan area and surrounding lands in Western Australia, and we pay our respects to Elders past and present.
