Four Tips for AUT MedTech Researchers from AusMedTech 2025

Earlier this month, Professor Andrew Lowe from AUT’s IBTec and Venture Programme Manager Cindy Luo from AUT Ventures attended AusMedTech 2025 in Sydney. The three-day event brought together researchers, clinicians, startups, investors, and industry leaders from across Australia and beyond.

Their focus was on advancing two AUT technologies entering pre-commercial development: NextBP, a novel method for non-invasive blood pressure monitoring, and EXGware, a suite of tools for improved bio-signal monitoring, such as ECG and EEG. Both were developed under MBIE grants and are being supported through the AUT Ventures commercialisation process.

Beyond progressing these projects, the event offered valuable insights for anyone working in MedTech research. Here are four key takeaways:

1. Understand your end users and design for them
   User-centred design featured prominently throughout the programme. Designing with the end user in mind, whether that’s the patient, clinician, or technician, is critical for real-world adoption and long-term success.
2. Make AI work in clinical settings
   From diagnostics to monitoring, AI continues to show strong potential. But for these tools to be effective, they must integrate into existing clinical workflows and infrastructure. It’s not just what the tech can do, but how easily it fits into practice.
3. Build strong partnerships but protect your core
   MedTech innovation depends on collaboration, but clarity is key. Key takeaways included:
   • Uneven partnerships often fail so be clear about what each party brings.
   • Avoid partnering on your core assets; it’s vital to protect what you’re known for.
4. Know the funding and regulatory landscape
   Understanding the regulatory and reimbursement environment is essential for market entry. Insights from the NSW Medical Devices Fund and Australia’s reimbursement framework were especially relevant as IBTec prepares for the next phase of development.

“Attending the AusMedTech conference and the pre-conference workshop on Australia's reimbursement process gave valuable insights about med-tech sector dynamics,” said Professor Andrew Lowe.  “This will help guide our approach to spinout. I’m grateful to AUT Ventures and KiwiNet for funding this opportunity.”

“It was a well-organised event, full of experienced and forward-thinking speakers in the sector. The insights gained have also reinforced the important role of AI and wearables in providing better health outcomes.” said Cindy Luo.

This opportunity was supported through KiwiNet’s Pre-Seed Accelerator Funding, accessed via AUT Ventures.

Have a project with MedTech potential?

Touch base with AUT Ventures ventures@aut.ac.nz to explore how they can support your work and help turn ideas into impact.