The Australian Medtech Manufacturing Alliance (AMMA) is being established in Victoria to boost opportunities for medtech manufacturers to supply healthcare services, expanding on the groundwork laid by the Australian Medtech Manufacturing Centre with a new, connected program.
The AMMA seeks to create a connected program to promote the sale of locally-made medtech products, as revealed in a media release.
The initiative builds on the work of the Australian Medtech Manufacturing Centre, with the goal of increasing procurement from domestic suppliers.
The Alliance is being formed in collaboration with prominent industry bodies, including BioMelbourne Network, AusBiotech, MTPConnect, and the Australian Manufacturing Technology Institute Limited (AMTIL).
It also has the backing of the Industry Capability Network Victoria, with seed funding from the Victorian Government.
One of the primary goals of the AMMA is to advocate for Victorian small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) medtech manufacturers, addressing key challenges within the sector.
By focusing on improving procurement practices, the Alliance aims to increase the proportion of homegrown medtech products used within Australia’s healthcare system.
Karen Parr, CEO of BioMelbourne Network and leader of the Alliance, emphasised the importance of the initiative in strengthening Australia’s medtech industry.
“Australia is home to world-class medtech innovators and manufacturers. Increasing awareness of these companies and growing local content in health will support Australian health services to continue to deliver world-leading care and strengthen our country’s sovereign capabilities,” Parr said.
“The Victorian pilot aims to demonstrate the potential of this ambitious and important solutions-focused Alliance, and work as a stepping stone to empower the national agenda.”
The Victorian Government has welcomed the initiative, with Minister for Jobs and Industry Natalie Hutchins highlighting the state’s leadership in medtech innovation.
“Victoria is the national leader for medtech innovation. A thriving and sustainable medtech sector is essential to ensuring Victoria can continue to deliver world-leading health care now and into the future,” Hutchins said.
A critical element of the Alliance’s work will be the development of an SME capability uplift program.
This program, created in partnership with other organisations, will help local medtech companies identify and pursue opportunities in the Australian market, which has lacked a clear mechanism to support domestic medtech manufacturers.
The AMMA is inviting Victorian medtech companies currently manufacturing and selling locally or globally, as well as contract manufacturing and development firms, to participate in the Alliance.
For more information or to become an Alliance supporter, interested parties can contact the BioMelbourne Network at info@biomelbourne.org.
