22-23 October 2025 | ICC Sydney
MedTech Conference Program 2025
The MedTech Conference is shaping up to be the most dynamic program on the MedTech calendar, covering key areas in reimbursement, regulatory, industry growth, clinical trials, and much more.
The program is subject to changes.
Registration Open
Join the premier event for MedTech Professionals
8:45am - 8:55am
Plenary
Introduction
Warren Bingham is a prominent figure in the medical devices, biotechnology and digital health sectors, known for his leadership and innovative contributions. He is the Founder and Executive Chairman of MedTech International, Global Vice President of ARIA Research, Executive Chairman of OmnisOva, Chairman of Agscent, and MTAA Board member. With over 30 years of experience in the medical devices sector, Warren specializes in guiding organizations towards innovation and success, particularly in medical devices and biotechnologies, excelling in global strategic execution, commercialization, and board fulfillment. In addition to his professional endeavors, Warren is deeply committed to philanthropy and community engagement. He serves as an Ambassador for the Vinnies CEO Sleepout and Diabetes Australia, contributes as a member of the Springboard Enterprises LifeSciences Council, and coaches for the Cerebral Palsy Alliance’s Accelerator, Remarkable and Taronga HATCH accelerator. Warren actively participates in initiatives aimed at driving positive change and making a tangible difference in people’s lives. Among Warren’s notable contributions to the healthcare industry is his role in establishing the Australian subsidiary of Given Imaging Ltd in 2001. Under his leadership, Given Imaging pioneered PillCam® technology, revolutionizing the visualization of the GI tract with its ingestible pill-sized camera. Warren’s strategic initiatives also led to the successful inclusion of Capsule Endoscopy on Australia’s Medicare Benefits Scheme in 2004. During his tenure on the global management team from 2000, Given Imaging experienced exponential growth, evolving from a start-up to a multinational, publicly traded company with revenues surpassing $250 million by 2013. In February 2014, Covidien acquired Given Imaging for approximately $1 billion. Warren’s exceptional leadership and contributions have garnered widespread recognition over the years. He was a finalist in the 2016 Australian Institute of Management’s ‘Excellence in Leadership Awards’ and was acknowledged by AusBiotech in 2018 for his ‘Outstanding Contribution to AusMedtech’. In 2019, Warren was named an Adjunct Fellow at Macquarie University and received the prestigious Medical Technology Association of Australia (MTAA) Outstanding Achievement Award in 2021 for his remarkable contributions to industry development, patient outcomes, and leadership. Warren’s unwavering passion, dedication, and visionary leadership continue to inspire positive change, drive innovation, and leave a lasting impact on the world
Official Welcome to Country
8.55am -9.15am
Plenary
Session 1 - Welcome, Official Opening, and MTAA Member Milestones
Ian is CEO of MTAA and has 18 years’ experience in CEO roles in the health sector, including commercial organisations and medical professional associations.
Ian is also a non-executive director of Red Nose, a well-respected not-for-profit organisation that is dedicated to saving the lives of babies and children.
Ian holds an MBA from Macquarie University and a Bachelor of Economics from the Australian National University, and he is a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Join TGA’s Tracey Duffy and MTAA’s Ian Burgess as they reflect on Australia’s regulatory reform agenda, share key insights from the recent Regulatory Summit, and explore how industry can build capability.
Tracey Duffy is the First Assistant Secretary of the Medical Devices and Product Quality Division in the Therapeutic Goods Administration – the TGA. Tracey has held a number of senior roles in the Commonwealth Department of Health. She is a member of the International Medical Device Regulators Forum (IMDRF) Management Committee and Chair of the Medical Device Single Audit Program (MDSAP).
Ian is CEO of MTAA and has 18 years’ experience in CEO roles in the health sector, including commercial organisations and medical professional associations.
Ian is also a non-executive director of Red Nose, a well-respected not-for-profit organisation that is dedicated to saving the lives of babies and children.
Ian holds an MBA from Macquarie University and a Bachelor of Economics from the Australian National University, and he is a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Digital health is transforming how care is delivered, yet the lack of a clear and sustainable reimbursement pathway for digital health solutions remains a significant barrier to uptake in Australia. This session, ‘Unpacking the Elephant in the Region of Digital Health’, presents the findings and recommendations from the Digital Health Reimbursement Report, providing vital insights into how a nationally consistent reimbursement framework may close this gap for all Australians.
Hear from HealthConsult on the report findings and recommendations. Followed by a panel of experts who will explore the implications for Australia —how reimbursement uncertainty affects clinical adoption, patient access and product development — and discuss practical pathways toward reform. This is an essential conversation for MedTech leaders seeking to understand how reimbursement policy reform can unlock the full potential of digital health solutions for Australia.
Joe founded HealthConsult with Lisa Fodero in March 2006. With over 41 years of experience in the health sector and 600 projects successfully delivered, Joe has an unparalleled track record of delivering results for clients across the health sector. He has been instrumental in the development and roll-out of activity-based costing and funding methods in Australian health services. He has applied activity-based funding, costing and price-setting principles across the public and private sectors to just about every category of health services (including admitted patients, outpatients, mental health, alcohol and drugs, diagnostic services, post-acute and other community-based care, dental care, palliative care, community pharmacy, emergency services, and disability support services).
Dr Toby Hodgson is senior manager for digital health policy at the Medical Technology Association of Australia (MTAA). He is committed to collaborating with stakeholders to deliver on the promise of digital health in Australia. Toby is a digital health professional with extensive experience within both the public and private healthcare sectors. With time spent in both research and industry, he has a well-rounded understanding of the digital health space.
With over 15 years of diverse and global experience in the health and medical technology, agriculture, academia, capital investment and retail sectors, Alex is an entrepreneurial professional with expertise in end-to-end early-stage commercialisation strategy and assessing innovation opportunities. He is passionate about connecting talented people and developing innovative ideas that promote sustainable practice and social impact through shared value creation. As Director of Non-Dilutive Investments Programs & Portfolio, Alex leverages his diverse background to support impact-driven ventures grounded in cutting-edge science and technology, helping them navigate funding opportunities and strategic partnerships that drive meaningful healthcare outcomes through ANDHealth’s programs’ lens of venture capital investment. Alex holds an MBA (Leadership & Enterprise) from the University of Sydney, and maintains a strong relationship with the University in mentoring entrepreneurial undergraduate and postgraduate students.
Arif Fahim is part of Abbott’s Asia Pacific Regional Leadership team for the Medical Devices Division and holds overall functional responsibilities for the Health Economics & Reimbursement (HE&R) capability in the region. In addition, Arif also leads the HE&R global taskforce on Early Value Assessment at Abbott.
He has extensive experience in implementing health economics strategies which includes working across multi-country HTA and reimbursement system requirements to facilitate market access for a wide range of technologies, including several first-in-class technologies, in the APAC region. He currently serves as Chair of the Market Access Committee at APACMed. Prior to this, he was the Chair of the Digital Health Reimbursement Committee at APACMed, Vice Chair of the India WG and Chair of the Health Economics, Pricing and Reimbursement Sub-group at AdvaMed. Arif holds an MBA from INSEAD, a Master’s degree from the University of Durham, UK, and is trained in HTA and Health Economics, from the Centre of Health Economics, University of York, UK.
Helen has a BA in Statistics and Computer Science with 20+ years of commercial expertise in FMCG, digital innovation, MedTech, BioTech and digital health. As Cardihab CEO, Helen’s focus is to deliver innovative solutions that leverage the capabilities of technology and data to improve outcomes for patients and healthcare professionals. Helen is a strong advocate for evidence-based digital health innovations that support the growth of the Australian digital health ecosystem.
Colleen Brooks is a Principal Consultant at HealthConsult, specialising in digital health strategy, evaluation, and implementation. She has extensive international and Australian experience, including leadership roles in Singapore and Saudi Arabia, and has contributed to national initiatives such as digital health assessment frameworks and interoperability policy reviews. With a background in pharmacy and health economics, Colleen brings both clinical and technical expertise to her work with governments, health services, and industry. Her consulting experience spans reimbursement models, digital therapeutics, interoperability, and large-scale transformation projects, enabling clients to navigate regulatory, funding, and implementation challenges across the health system.
Andrew Wiltshire serves as Head of Healthcare Public Policy for Amazon Web Services Asia Pacific, where he leads strategic healthcare policy initiatives and stakeholder engagement across the region. With nearly four decades of healthcare experience, he brings deep expertise in digital health transformation, healthcare policy development, and government relations.
Previously, as Senior Director of Market Access and Public Affairs at Medtronic Australasia, Andrew shaped significant healthcare policy reforms and led major industry negotiations. He currently serves on the Boards of ARCS Australia and Hearts4Heart, chairs the MTAA Digital Health Advisory Group and the APACMed Health Data Committee and is recognised as a thought leader in healthcare policy and digital transformation.
Andrew holds an MBA from the University of New England and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, combining his clinical background as a Registered Nurse with extensive executive experience in the medical technology sector.
10.45am-11.15am
Morning tea in the Expo
Melanie is a recognised leader in design, technology, and social innovation, named one of the Top 100 Women of Influence by The Australian Financial Review. She leads transformative initiatives at Nous Group and is pursuing a PhD focused on improving emergency care experiences for young people through human-centred design. A sought-after speaker and award-winning changemaker, Melanie has presented on global stages including Google’s APAC UX Design Summit, TEDxSydney, and the Vogue Codes Summit.
Melanie is a recognised leader in design, technology, and social innovation, named one of the Top 100 Women of Influence by The Australian Financial Review. She leads transformative initiatives at Nous Group and is pursuing a PhD focused on improving emergency care experiences for young people through human-centred design. A sought-after speaker and award-winning changemaker, Melanie has presented on global stages including Google’s APAC UX Design Summit, TEDxSydney, and the Vogue Codes Summit.
Senator the Honourable Anne Ruston, Shadow Minister for Health and Aged Care, Shadow Minister for Disability and the National Disability Insurance Scheme, Shadow Minister for Sport and the Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the Senate, Senator for South Australia.
Senator the Honourable Anne Ruston, Shadow Minister for Health and Aged Care, Shadow Minister for Disability and the National Disability Insurance Scheme, Shadow Minister for Sport and the Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the Senate, Senator for South Australia
Senator the Hon Anne Ruston has been a Senator for South Australia since September 2012. She is currently the Shadow Minister for Health and Aged Care, Shadow Minister for Disability and the National Disability Insurance Scheme, Shadow Minister for Sport and the Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the Senate.
Prior to becoming a Senator, Anne held several senior positions in government and the private sector, including as the inaugural chief executive of the National Wine Centre. She was also a primary producer and irrigator, owning and operating the largest commercial rose garden in Australia.
Following her election to the Senate, Senator Ruston was appointed Assistant Minister of Agriculture and Water Resources in September 2015. She was subsequently appointed as Assistant Minister for International Development and the Pacific in August 2018. Prior to the 2022 election, Senator Ruston was a Cabinet Minister, holding the positions of Minister for Families and Social Services, Minister for Women’s Safety and Manager of Government Business in the Senate for three years.
Born and raised in Renmark, on the River Murray in South Australia, Anne continues to have a strong connection with the Riverland community. She is passionate about regional South Australia and is the only SA Senator who maintains a regional electorate office.
Liz joined Medtronic in November 2019 and is currently Vice President & Managing Director, ANZ. Liz is an experienced and strategic commercial leader with more than 25 years of sales and marketing experience in the healthcare industry. Liz is committed to commercial excellence and is passionate about developing people and designing inclusion programs to build talent and drive organisational success. She is a a long-standing member of the MTAA board and was elected Chair of the MTAA board in 2024. She is active at Abundium and Chief Executive Women’s organizations.
1.10pm-2.10pm
Lunch in the Expo
The Prescribed List (PL) reforms announced in the Federal Budget of FY22 have now officially come to an end and the Memorandum of Understanding between the Government and MTAA also expires on 30 June 2026. The PL remains an important instrument for privately insured patient access to medical devices but it comes under political pressure and is subject to ongoing changes that affect industry and other stakeholders. Join us for an open discussion with two of the key Department leaders ultimately responsible for the management of the PL about the place of the PL today in the current health policy environment, potential future directions and options to solve existing problems. Within the framework of existing government policy, the Department will give us an inside look into their perspective on the PL and address some of the knotty questions raised by industry. This is a unique opportunity for open dialogue with the Department outside of any immediate major reform process.
Mr Avi Rebera is currently the Assistant Secretary for the Medical Services and Devices Assessment Branch, which is part of the Technology Assessment and Access Division within the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing. Mr Rebera has been with the Department since 2013 and has led various branches across corporate and regulatory functions, including within the Therapeutic Goods Administration. Prior to his current role Avi was the Assistant Secretary for the Office of Drug Control and Gene Technology Policy and Governance (GTPG). Before joining the public service Avi spent over 20 years in the private sector.
Paul has been Director of Policy for the Medical Technology Association of Australia since 2019. His responsibilities include leadership on reimbursement issues and digital health. He has over 20 years experience in the pharmaceutical and medical device industries in Australia and the United States with roles including policy, government relations, public affairs, pricing, reimbursement, commercialisation and consulting.
Doug Symonds is the Senior Manager – Private Reimbursement at Medtronic. As a leader in the Healthcare Economics, Policy & Reimbursement team at Medtronic, Doug is focused on partnering collaboratively with healthcare stakeholders to demonstrate the value of medical technology and its contribution to improving outcomes. He currently serves as Chair of the MTAA Reimbursement Committee and Reimbursement Forum and was honoured with the MTAA Outstanding Achievement Award in 2022. Doug has over 20 years of experience in the Australian healthcare system across public health, private health insurance and the medical device industry; and prior to joining Medtronic, held analytical and business roles within the private health insurance industry and began his career in public health surveillance with NSW Area Health.
Presented in collaboration with MedTech Compass and IDE Group
The BBFH Challenge Final will be held as part of this year’s MTAA Conference, providing a platform for leading innovators to present their solutions to industry challenges. Delivered in collaboration with MedTech Compass and IDE Group, the Building Better Futures for Health 2025 Challenge offers a hands-on opportunity for Australia’s emerging innovators to navigate the journey from concept to commercialisation.
Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity to support these early stage MedTech entrepreneurs, where finalists pitch their innovations to a panel of judges and the winner takes home up to $40,000 in IDE’s support to bring their MedTech product idea to reality. Winners will also receive a one-year membership to MTAA’s MedTech Compass Initiative.
3.10pm-3.30pm
Afternoon tea in the Expo
3.30pm-4.20pm
Plenary
Dr Mark Phillips, Chief Clinical Officer at Annalise.ai, leads the integration of clinical expertise into the development and implementation of AI-driven diagnostic tools to improve the accuracy and efficiency of medical imaging interpretations. With over 20 years of experience in medical research, innovation, and the commercialisation of new technology into clinical practice, Mark has made significant contributions to the medtech field. With global experience across Teva Pharmaceuticals, ResMed, Cochlear and Medtronic, Mark’s deep clinical leadership and research experience position him at the forefront of AI integration into clinical practice, driving the evolution of medical diagnostics.
Carla, a former mechanical engineer with international product development experience, founded Sento Solutions, a team of specialised Usability and Human Factors Engineers dedicated to helping start-ups in MedTech and Digital health. As the only company in Australia exclusively offering these services, Sento has become an industry leader, contributing to over 40 successful medical device and SaMD developments. As Managing Director, Carla oversees client relationships, industry partnerships, accelerator collaborations, and mentoring programs. Her and her uniquely skilled team excel in user research, usability study facilitation, and deep regulatory knowledge to accelerate a product’s path to market and help start-ups meet rigorous regulatory requirements. Carla also sits on Swinburne’s Centre for Design & Innovation advisory committee and enjoys mentoring STEM women, teaching spin classes, and leveraging her qualifications as a French Pastry Chef.
Petra is a recognised leader in deep-tech innovation and commercialisation, currently serving as CEO of Quantum Australia. With over 25 years of international experience across advanced technology sectors including life sciences, she is spearheading the development of a nationally coordinated quantum ecosystem—positioning Australia as a global player in quantum innovation. Her focus is on translating complex quantum research into real-world applications—particularly in areas with strong medtech potential such as diagnostics, imaging, secure health data, and advanced drug discovery. She works across academia, startups, investors, industry, and government to unlock the transformative potential of breakthrough science for healthcare and beyond. Petra’s cross-sector background spans startups, global corporations, venture capital, and public policy. As former CEO of Cicada Innovations, she helped build one of the world’s leading deep-tech incubators, supporting hundreds of science-based ventures across health and life sciences. She launched Australia’s first startup PhD internship program and national accelerator initiatives backing over 30 IP-rich companies. She has curated Australia’s first Biohackathon, built the country’s largest early-stage deep-tech VC portfolio, and supported global clinical research organisations expanding into new markets. Passionate about innovation at the intersection of science and medicine, Petra is committed to enabling the next generation of medtech and quantum leaders.
Presented in collaboration with MedTech Compass and IDE Group
The BBFH Challenge Final will be held as part of this year’s MTAA Conference, providing a platform for leading innovators to present their solutions to industry challenges. Delivered in collaboration with MedTech Compass and IDE Group, the Building Better Futures for Health 2025 Challenge offers a hands-on opportunity for Australia’s emerging innovators to navigate the journey from concept to commercialisation.
Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity to support these early stage MedTech entrepreneurs, where finalists pitch their innovations to a panel of judges and the winner takes home up to $40,000 in IDE’s support to bring their MedTech product idea to reality. Winners will also receive a one-year membership to MTAA’s MedTech Compass Initiative.
The Investor Hypothetical challenges the way we think about how MedTech start-ups are funded, scaled, and exited. The session walks through the life cycle of a MedTech company, from idea to public listing or trade sale, using live pitches, real funding milestones, and mock investor scenarios.
Designed as an interactive alternative to traditional panels, the goal is to unpack the real-world decisions — and dilemmas — that founders, investors, and advisors face at each stage: from MVP to raising capital, navigating term sheets, and preparing for exit. We want to demystify what makes a venture ‘investable’, highlight the tensions between innovation and investor risk appetite, and examine whether our current system sets Australian companies up for long-term success — or offshore exit.
Participants will include start-ups, incubators, angel and venture capital investors, strategic acquirers, and public market experts from Australia and the Asia-Pacific region. It will be high-energy, interactive, and designed to spark candid insights into what it takes to fund and scale successful MedTech ventures.
Executive leader and company director in the medical device industry, with a proven record across Asia Pacific and Emerging Markets. Over 30 years’ experience, including 24 years at Stryker as President Asia, VP Marketing Emerging Markets, and Managing Director AUS/NZ. Active participant on global leadership teams in strategy, business development, portfolio management, compliance, marketing, and robotics. Built high performing, multicultural teams throughout Asia Pacific; known for effective senior executive development through talent selection, training, and engagement. Direct management experience spans China, Korea, Australia, New Zealand, India, and Southeast Asia.
Ian is a successful entrepreneur with global commercial experience across industries. He is Co-Founder and Executive Chairman of REX Ortho, with a focus on reducing bone fracture re-operation rates, as well as Co-Founder and Executive Chairman of Respiradigm, with a focus on preventing asthma in children. Ian is an Entrepreneur-in-Residence at INSEAD – the world’s leading business school for Entrepreneurs. Previously, Ian has served on boards of listed and unlisted public companies and on boards of private companies. He has helped to craft many strategic initiatives including multiple licensing deals, spin-outs, private and public fund-raising initiatives, two IPO’s and an asset sale. Ian has lived and worked in London, Milan, Gothenburg, Melbourne and Perth and has worked on significant projects in the USA, Asia and Japan.
Richard is Director of Dale Advisers, a licensed boutique that provides strategy and funding solutions to businesses seeking to grow using their innovative technology. His hobby is Sydney Angels, which he co-founded in 2008 and continues to serve as an elected member of its management committee. Richard often plays a lead role in Sydney Angels syndicates doing DD and investing in medtech startups. Richard is also Partner for NSW Universities for Campus Plus, where he advises and assists universities and researchers with commercialisation of research, especially spinouts. Richard has over 30 years of professional experience in venture capital, management consulting, and R&D engineering. Past roles include: • GP and IC of Sydney Angels Sidecar Funds 1 and 2, both $10M ESVCLPs; • Commercialisation Australia and COMET business adviser; • Investment Director, Amwin Innovation Fund, a $42M early-stage IIF; • Senior Associate, Booz.Allen & Hamilton Strategy Practice • Management Consultant, KPMG (London) • Investment Consultant, Electra Innvotech Fund (London) • Engineer with two entrepreneurial technology firms in Perth in 1980s, one a spinout that listed, the other a startup that was acquired. Richard has a Bachelor of Engineering (Mech) Hons 1 from the University of WA, and an MBA from London Business School.
Experienced medical technology professional with a demonstrated history of developing and commercialising products across a broad range of therapeutic and diagnostic fields. Working at the intersection of MedTech research and engineering, clinical trials, capital raising and efficient commercialisation strategy with a particular focus on bringing cutting edge Australian technologies to the global market. Entrepreneurial professional with a Bachelor of Science (BSc) majoring in Neuroscience from Macquarie University
Tara has built her 20+ year career commercialising biomedical innovations at the intersection of wearable sensors, digital technologies, and AI, combining deep technical expertise with the commercial capability to scale innovative healthcare solutions. As the CEO of Baymatob, she leads the development of AI-enabled monitoring and early-warning systems focused on improving maternal and fetal health outcomes. With a proven track record of scaling MedTech companies, she has successfully raised private capital, navigated complex regulatory landscapes, and brought innovative healthcare technologies to market. Tara is also a passionate advocate for women’s health, health equity, and increasing female representation in STEM and leadership. In addition, she lectures at UTS, where she developed and teaches the Biomedical Industry Frameworks course.
Manny leads Macquarie Capital’s healthcare coverage in ANZ and Asia, he joined Macquarie in 2004 and has over 20 years of corporate advisory experience, including 2 years in London. Manny has advised key healthcare clients in mergers, acquisitions and corporate advisory in Australia, Europe and Asia and has participated in many significant and complex transactions in all aspects of corporate finance and equity capital markets.
Stuart supports the Medical Technology Association of Australia (MTAA) with delivering the Clinical Translation and Commercialisation – Medtech (CTC-M) Program on behalf of MTPConnect as part of a broader industry development and technology commercialisation initiative at the MTAA. He is passionate about growing Australia’s medical device innovation ecosystem toward the goal of improved patient outcomes across research translation, rapid growth start-ups and our nascent sovereign manufacturing capability by enhancing connections with global medical device companies and disciplined investors. He brings to this role a blend of equity capital market, including venture capital and private equity, strategic insights, innovation consulting, product development and entrepreneurial experiences.
5.20pm-5.25pm
Plenary
Closing Remarks
Warren Bingham is a prominent figure in the medical devices, biotechnology and digital health sectors, known for his leadership and innovative contributions. He is the Founder and Executive Chairman of MedTech International, Global Vice President of ARIA Research, Executive Chairman of OmnisOva, Chairman of Agscent, and MTAA Board member. With over 30 years of experience in the medical devices sector, Warren specializes in guiding organizations towards innovation and success, particularly in medical devices and biotechnologies, excelling in global strategic execution, commercialization, and board fulfillment. In addition to his professional endeavors, Warren is deeply committed to philanthropy and community engagement. He serves as an Ambassador for the Vinnies CEO Sleepout and Diabetes Australia, contributes as a member of the Springboard Enterprises LifeSciences Council, and coaches for the Cerebral Palsy Alliance’s Accelerator, Remarkable and Taronga HATCH accelerator. Warren actively participates in initiatives aimed at driving positive change and making a tangible difference in people’s lives. Among Warren’s notable contributions to the healthcare industry is his role in establishing the Australian subsidiary of Given Imaging Ltd in 2001. Under his leadership, Given Imaging pioneered PillCam® technology, revolutionizing the visualization of the GI tract with its ingestible pill-sized camera. Warren’s strategic initiatives also led to the successful inclusion of Capsule Endoscopy on Australia’s Medicare Benefits Scheme in 2004. During his tenure on the global management team from 2000, Given Imaging experienced exponential growth, evolving from a start-up to a multinational, publicly traded company with revenues surpassing $250 million by 2013. In February 2014, Covidien acquired Given Imaging for approximately $1 billion. Warren’s exceptional leadership and contributions have garnered widespread recognition over the years. He was a finalist in the 2016 Australian Institute of Management’s ‘Excellence in Leadership Awards’ and was acknowledged by AusBiotech in 2018 for his ‘Outstanding Contribution to AusMedtech’. In 2019, Warren was named an Adjunct Fellow at Macquarie University and received the prestigious Medical Technology Association of Australia (MTAA) Outstanding Achievement Award in 2021 for his remarkable contributions to industry development, patient outcomes, and leadership. Warren’s unwavering passion, dedication, and visionary leadership continue to inspire positive change, drive innovation, and leave a lasting impact on the world
5.30pm-7.30pm
Plenary
Welcome Reception | Pre-dinner drinks
5:30pm-7:30pm
5:30pm-7:00pm
7.20pm-7.25pm
Entertainment - Acoustic Duo featuring Justine Eltakchi
MTAA MedTech Industry Award Finalists Announcement
Building Better Futures for Health 2025 Challenge Winner Announcement
7.30pm-11.00pm
MTAA MedTech Industry Awards Dinner
This prestigious event celebrates the outstanding achievements and innovations within Australia’s dynamic medical technology industry.
Attendees will have the opportunity to connect with industry leaders, recognise excellence across various categories, and enjoy an inspiring evening that highlights the contributions shaping the future of MedTech.
Award-winning comedian, TV favourite and social media sensation, Mel Buttle is one of Australia’s most loved performers. From The Great Australian Bake Off to Taskmaster Australia and her viral “Mum” character, Mel brings wit, warmth and laughter to every stage.
8.00am
Registration opens | Coffee Cart Open
8.30am-8.40am
Plenary
Day 2 Welcome
Warren Bingham is a prominent figure in the medical devices, biotechnology and digital health sectors, known for his leadership and innovative contributions. He is the Founder and Executive Chairman of MedTech International, Global Vice President of ARIA Research, Executive Chairman of OmnisOva, Chairman of Agscent, and MTAA Board member. With over 30 years of experience in the medical devices sector, Warren specializes in guiding organizations towards innovation and success, particularly in medical devices and biotechnologies, excelling in global strategic execution, commercialization, and board fulfillment. In addition to his professional endeavors, Warren is deeply committed to philanthropy and community engagement. He serves as an Ambassador for the Vinnies CEO Sleepout and Diabetes Australia, contributes as a member of the Springboard Enterprises LifeSciences Council, and coaches for the Cerebral Palsy Alliance’s Accelerator, Remarkable and Taronga HATCH accelerator. Warren actively participates in initiatives aimed at driving positive change and making a tangible difference in people’s lives. Among Warren’s notable contributions to the healthcare industry is his role in establishing the Australian subsidiary of Given Imaging Ltd in 2001. Under his leadership, Given Imaging pioneered PillCam® technology, revolutionizing the visualization of the GI tract with its ingestible pill-sized camera. Warren’s strategic initiatives also led to the successful inclusion of Capsule Endoscopy on Australia’s Medicare Benefits Scheme in 2004. During his tenure on the global management team from 2000, Given Imaging experienced exponential growth, evolving from a start-up to a multinational, publicly traded company with revenues surpassing $250 million by 2013. In February 2014, Covidien acquired Given Imaging for approximately $1 billion. Warren’s exceptional leadership and contributions have garnered widespread recognition over the years. He was a finalist in the 2016 Australian Institute of Management’s ‘Excellence in Leadership Awards’ and was acknowledged by AusBiotech in 2018 for his ‘Outstanding Contribution to AusMedtech’. In 2019, Warren was named an Adjunct Fellow at Macquarie University and received the prestigious Medical Technology Association of Australia (MTAA) Outstanding Achievement Award in 2021 for his remarkable contributions to industry development, patient outcomes, and leadership. Warren’s unwavering passion, dedication, and visionary leadership continue to inspire positive change, drive innovation, and leave a lasting impact on the world
Women’s health has long been underrepresented in research, innovation, and healthcare delivery creating a Women’s Health Gap. But momentum is building, with new policies, funding, and innovation reshaping the landscape both here in Australia and across the globe. This session explores what women’s health really means, why it matters, and where the MedTech sector has a unique opportunity to lead change.
Robyn Norton AO FAHMS is one of the two Founding Directors of The George Institute for Global Health, Professor of Public Health at UNSW Sydney and Emeritus Professor of Global Health at Imperial College London. Robyn co-established The George Institute’s Global Women’s Health Program in 2018 and more recently the Centre for Sex and Gender Equity in Health and Medicine, a partnership with the Australian Human Rights Institute at UNSW and Deakin University. Robyn co-chairs the Business Translation Working Group of the Centre, which works with the business community to support the consideration sex and gender in the development of health and medical products. Robyn is a member of the Women in MedTech Committee of the MTAA, a member of the National Women’s Health Advisory Council and chairs the advisory board of Franklin Women, a social enterprise that connects individuals and organisations committed to creating a health and medical research sector where women thrive. Robyn is also a member of Chief Executive Women and a non-executive director on the board of the Black Dog Institute.
Bilal Somra is the Country Lead for Organon Australia and New Zealand, having returned to the region after a successful tenure as the Country Lead for Organon Malaysia. With a strong background in the pharmaceutical industry, Bilal has held various leadership roles at MSD, including Executive Director of Global Commercial Alliances and Business Development Director for the Asia Pacific region. His career is marked by significant contributions to Organon’s growth, particularly during its separation from MSD. His leadership is driven by a commitment to innovation and his passion for making a positive impact in the healthcare sector.
Dina Titkova works in the intersection of innovation and entrepreneurship with over 15 years’ experience spanning partnerships, and venture development across Australia and Europe. At UNSW Founders, she leads a dynamic team delivering the university’s flagship startup incubators and accelerator programs. A strong advocate for health equity and innovation, Dina is focused on advancing women’s health through entrepreneurship and translating research into real-world impact. In 2023, she launched Australia’s first Women’s Health Accelerator in partnership with Virtus Health and The George Institute for Global Health. The program supported over a dozen startups and helped secure investment for four ventures tackling critical women’s health challenges.
Professor Zoe Wainer has previously held roles as the Director of Clinical Governance and Head of Public Health at Bupa Australia and New Zealand, and Chair of the Board of Dental Health Services Victoria. Zoe also has deep expertise and a continued advocacy focus on the importance of sex and gender differences across health from basic research, quality and safety, clinical guidelines and health systems implications. Professor Wainer has expertise in health system innovation and design, through her work at local, state, national and international levels in value based health care. Zoe also has experience in Global health having worked with multiple regional neighbors in areas of non communicable disease control, safe and appropriate use of pain relief (in partnership with the United Nations Office of Drugs and Crime and the Australian Mission to Vienna), cardiothoracic surgery and tobacco control.
Rozalina Sarkezians – Founder & Managing Director, Health Industry Hub Rozalina is the first female founder of industry media, masterfully merging her unique clinical practice experience, scientific acumen, and healthcare industry expertise of 20+ years to deliver media content that leaves a lasting impression. Driven by a bold vision of reimagining healthcare across the entire patient journey, Rozalina launched Health Industry Hub in 2019 – the only one-stop-hub uniting the diversity of Pharma, MedTech, Diagnostics and Biotech sectors to inspire meaningful change.
9.25am-9.35am
Plenary
The current edition of the Medical Technology Industry Code of Practice – Edition 13 – is being updated to ensure it remains fit-for-purpose and consistent with the relevant laws and regulations in Australia. This session will provide an overview of the planned changes and outline the next steps.
Omar Ali Khan is the Policy and Code of Practice Manager at MTAA, where he plays a role in shaping health policy frameworks and monitoring compliance with the Medical Technology Industry Code of Practice. Omar has been with MTAA since April 2023. This year, he has helped conduct a first-of-its-kind review of recent Prescribed List applications, which was intended to gain deeper insights into the Medical Device and Human Tissue Advisory Committee’s decision making, and has also helped to lead a root-and-branch review the Medical Technology Industry Code of Practice.
As innovation in medical technology accelerates, health systems around the world face growing pressure to make timely, evidence-based decisions about access and reimbursement. Yet traditional health technology assessment (HTA) frameworks often struggle to keep pace – particularly in their ability to incorporate real-world data (RWD) and real-world evidence (RWE).
This session will explore how smarter, more adaptive approaches to evidence generation and evaluation can unlock faster, fairer access to medical technologies. Through a series of short presentations and a panel discussion, MedTech leaders will examine:
– The current barriers to RWE adoption in HTA and payer decision-making.
– Emerging frameworks that expand the definition of value to include social and system-level outcomes.
– Real-world examples of how clinical registry data and collaborative evidence models have supported successful reimbursement decisions in Australia (and beyond).
Attendees will gain practical insights into what both policymakers and industry can do to align on evidence expectations, build trust in evolving data sources, and together create a future-ready HTA ecosystem that delivers better outcomes for Australian patients.
A.Prof Colman Taylor is a healthcare reimbursement and policy expert with over a decade of experience spanning government, industry and academia. He is Chief Vision Officer of HTANALYSTS, where he has provided strategic oversight on more than 500 projects across Australia and the Asia Pacific, supporting local start-ups through to global pharmaceutical, digital health and medical device companies. Colman has contributed to over 100 reimbursement submissions, economic models and market access strategies, as well as cost and burden of illness studies and clinical guidelines. He actively contributes to policy development through his roles on industry committees with Medicines Australia, the Medical Technology Association of Australia (MTAA), and Pathology Technology Australia. His policy work has addressed areas such as rare disease therapies and genomics. Colman is past-President of ISPOR Australia and an Associate Professor at the University of NSW. He has published widely in leading journals, presented at international conferences, and remains active in advancing evidence-based approaches to health technology assessment, reimbursement and health policy.
Ameera Abdullah is a senior Market Access and Policy Leader with over a decade of experience driving healthcare access and reimbursement strategies across Asia-Pacific. As Regional Market Access & Reimbursement Lead at Philips and Vice Chair of the APACMed Digital Health Market Access Committee, she drives strategies and shapes policies for value-based healthcare, innovative financing models, and real-world evidence generation to support sustainable innovation. With leadership experience spanning government, consulting, and industry—Ameera is recognized as a thought leader in HTA, influencing how MedTech and pharmaceutical innovations are evaluated, funded, and adopted across health systems. Ameera is committed to building a collaborative ecosystem to deliver people-centered, equitable and high-value health care.
Warren Bingham is a prominent figure in the medical devices, biotechnology and digital health sectors, known for his leadership and innovative contributions. He is the Founder and Executive Chairman of MedTech International, Global Vice President of ARIA Research, Executive Chairman of OmnisOva, Chairman of Agscent, and MTAA Board member. With over 30 years of experience in the medical devices sector, Warren specializes in guiding organizations towards innovation and success, particularly in medical devices and biotechnologies, excelling in global strategic execution, commercialization, and board fulfillment. In addition to his professional endeavors, Warren is deeply committed to philanthropy and community engagement. He serves as an Ambassador for the Vinnies CEO Sleepout and Diabetes Australia, contributes as a member of the Springboard Enterprises LifeSciences Council, and coaches for the Cerebral Palsy Alliance’s Accelerator, Remarkable and Taronga HATCH accelerator. Warren actively participates in initiatives aimed at driving positive change and making a tangible difference in people’s lives. Among Warren’s notable contributions to the healthcare industry is his role in establishing the Australian subsidiary of Given Imaging Ltd in 2001. Under his leadership, Given Imaging pioneered PillCam® technology, revolutionizing the visualization of the GI tract with its ingestible pill-sized camera. Warren’s strategic initiatives also led to the successful inclusion of Capsule Endoscopy on Australia’s Medicare Benefits Scheme in 2004. During his tenure on the global management team from 2000, Given Imaging experienced exponential growth, evolving from a start-up to a multinational, publicly traded company with revenues surpassing $250 million by 2013. In February 2014, Covidien acquired Given Imaging for approximately $1 billion. Warren’s exceptional leadership and contributions have garnered widespread recognition over the years. He was a finalist in the 2016 Australian Institute of Management’s ‘Excellence in Leadership Awards’ and was acknowledged by AusBiotech in 2018 for his ‘Outstanding Contribution to AusMedtech’. In 2019, Warren was named an Adjunct Fellow at Macquarie University and received the prestigious Medical Technology Association of Australia (MTAA) Outstanding Achievement Award in 2021 for his remarkable contributions to industry development, patient outcomes, and leadership. Warren’s unwavering passion, dedication, and visionary leadership continue to inspire positive change, drive innovation, and leave a lasting impact on the world
Polo is a seasoned government and public affairs leader with 18 + years of experience across Australia, New Zealand, the UK, and APAC. Proven ability to shape health policy, influence reform, and build cross-sector coalitions that drive systemic change. Currently at Edwards Lifesciences Polo leads the Government Affairs and Market Access function within ANZ. His responsibilities extend to all HTA submissions, field economics within hospital, government relations with stakeholders and patient advocacy. Polo has worked for and with Governments across State and Federal throughout my career across a range of sectors, including within the medical technology sector. Prior to Edwards Lifesciences he was at the Medical Technology Association of Australia, the Transport Workers Union, the UK Home Office and several NSW Government Minister’s. He holds a Masters, Public Policy and Administration, from the London School of Economics, and degrees in Arts/Law from the University of NSW.
Omar Ali Khan is the Policy and Code of Practice Manager at MTAA, where he plays a role in shaping health policy frameworks and monitoring compliance with the Medical Technology Industry Code of Practice. Omar has been with MTAA since April 2023. This year, he has helped conduct a first-of-its-kind review of recent Prescribed List applications, which was intended to gain deeper insights into the Medical Device and Human Tissue Advisory Committee’s decision making, and has also helped to lead a root-and-branch review the Medical Technology Industry Code of Practice.
10.40am-11.00am
Morning tea in the Expo
The rapid rise in MedTech, digital health technologies and wearable devices is reshaping healthcare. Yet most of these innovations still operate in silos, requiring their own proprietary apps to capture and share patient data. For clinicians, it means an unmanageable system where accessing a patient’s information could involve navigating dozens, if not hundreds, of platforms. For patients, it risks fragmenting their care experience.
This is where the MedTech industry has an opportunity to move beyond the “digital health problem” and instead showcase how partnership with patient advocacy and consumer groups can accelerate meaningful change. Diabetes is a powerful example: more than 1.5 million Australians live with the condition, supported by Diabetes Australia, an organisation representing over 300,000 members. Diabetes Australia is directly investing in MedTech innovation to ensure the development of solutions that respond to real patient needs and empower clinicians.
Vidya from NetHealth has recognised the challenge of fragmented data and developed integrative technology that reduces the burden of multiple apps, an innovation now entering the Australian healthcare system. Complementing this, Prof Brinkworth leads Diabetes Australia funded research that ensures patient voices and lived experiences are embedded in shaping the future of care. Dr Dorota Pawlak from Breakthrough T1D will also share how her organisation has successfully collaborated with industry to ensure that patients are not only heard but also able to use and benefit from the latest MedTech innovations.
This panel will explore the accelerating pace of technology, the challenges clinicians face in managing disparate systems, and the benefits that arise when industry, patient advocacy, and research communities collaborate. By working together, we can advance healthcare innovation and deliver better, integrated solutions for people living with diabetes in Australia and globally.
Professor Brinkworth is an international leader in diabetes and health research with over 25 years’ experience in leading the development, evaluation and translation of evidence-based diet and lifestyle programs and technology enabled solutions for the management of chronic conditions including diabetes. Professor Brinkworth has extensive scientific and business experience across academia, government, and industry in driving strategic research portfolios, business outcomes and collaborative partnerships both in Australia and internationally. He has received $12 million AUD in research funding; published 100 scientific papers and successfully translated research outcomes into accessible, cost-effective, self-management solutions for obesity and diabetes management in partnership with the publishing, digital health, health service and food industries. Professor Brinkworth is the Director of Research at Diabetes Australia and adjunct professor at RMIT University and the Universities of Sydney and South Australia. His passion is to foster partnership across the research, health service and industry sectors to develop and translate multidisciplinary, practical evidence-based solutions that can reduce the impact of diabetes on people, health systems and society.
Dorota Pawlak, PhD is Chief Scientific Officer at Breakthrough T1D (formerly JDRF) and Director of the Type 1 Diabetes Clinical Research Network (T1DCRN). She focuses on developing strategic approaches and programs towards finding cures, treatments and preventing type 1 diabetes. She is also responsible for developing and nurturing international and research partnerships with the government, non-profit and commercial organizations globally and nationally. Dr Pawlak previously managed the federally funded 30M Islet Transplantation Program. In 2012 she established, developed and now leads the Type 1 Diabetes Clinical Research Network with over 100M investment portfolio in T1D research and health policy. She is also responsible for international partnerships with world-leading government, non-government, foundation and commercial organisations. Her passion is to drive positive, collaborative solutions with the sharp lens on transforming the lives of individuals living with type 1 diabetes. Dr Pawlak graduated with PhD in diabetes research from the University of Sydney and completed her postdoctoral training at Harvard Medical School. She later joined the faculty at Boston Children’s Hospital where she focused on obesity and diabetes research.
Vidya Nallamad – CEO, Net-Health Vidya Nallamad is the Chief Executive Officer of Net-Health, a healthcare technology company dedicated to transforming patient care through digital innovation. With over two decades of experience in software, healthcare, and project leadership, Vidya combines technical expertise with a deeply personal mission. Her journey to founding and leading Net-Health was inspired by her father’s health challenges. When her father began to lose vision in his left eye, it was only through timely medical intervention and close monitoring that he avoided hospitalisation. This experience revealed to Vidya the critical role of accessible, real-time healthcare solutions — and inspired her to build software that empowers both patients and providers to act quickly and effectively. Under her leadership, Net-Health has developed solutions that bridge the gap between clinicians and patients, ensuring better outcomes and timely care. Vidya’s vision is not only to innovate but to humanise healthcare technology, ensuring that behind every product is the potential to change lives.
Warren Bingham is a prominent figure in the medical devices, biotechnology and digital health sectors, known for his leadership and innovative contributions. He is the Founder and Executive Chairman of MedTech International, Global Vice President of ARIA Research, Executive Chairman of OmnisOva, Chairman of Agscent, and MTAA Board member. With over 30 years of experience in the medical devices sector, Warren specializes in guiding organizations towards innovation and success, particularly in medical devices and biotechnologies, excelling in global strategic execution, commercialization, and board fulfillment. In addition to his professional endeavors, Warren is deeply committed to philanthropy and community engagement. He serves as an Ambassador for the Vinnies CEO Sleepout and Diabetes Australia, contributes as a member of the Springboard Enterprises LifeSciences Council, and coaches for the Cerebral Palsy Alliance’s Accelerator, Remarkable and Taronga HATCH accelerator. Warren actively participates in initiatives aimed at driving positive change and making a tangible difference in people’s lives. Among Warren’s notable contributions to the healthcare industry is his role in establishing the Australian subsidiary of Given Imaging Ltd in 2001. Under his leadership, Given Imaging pioneered PillCam® technology, revolutionizing the visualization of the GI tract with its ingestible pill-sized camera. Warren’s strategic initiatives also led to the successful inclusion of Capsule Endoscopy on Australia’s Medicare Benefits Scheme in 2004. During his tenure on the global management team from 2000, Given Imaging experienced exponential growth, evolving from a start-up to a multinational, publicly traded company with revenues surpassing $250 million by 2013. In February 2014, Covidien acquired Given Imaging for approximately $1 billion. Warren’s exceptional leadership and contributions have garnered widespread recognition over the years. He was a finalist in the 2016 Australian Institute of Management’s ‘Excellence in Leadership Awards’ and was acknowledged by AusBiotech in 2018 for his ‘Outstanding Contribution to AusMedtech’. In 2019, Warren was named an Adjunct Fellow at Macquarie University and received the prestigious Medical Technology Association of Australia (MTAA) Outstanding Achievement Award in 2021 for his remarkable contributions to industry development, patient outcomes, and leadership. Warren’s unwavering passion, dedication, and visionary leadership continue to inspire positive change, drive innovation, and leave a lasting impact on the world.
11.45am-11.55pm
Plenary
Rebecca is a highly experienced professional with expertise in human resources, industrial relations, training and facilitation, leadership development, and coaching. In 2009, she founded her own successful human resources and training consultancy, providing practical, effective people solutions tailored to the needs of small and medium-sized businesses. Over the years, she has partnered with a diverse range of clients across sectors including not-for-profit, public and private health, education, medical devices, building and construction, manufacturing, hospitality, and aged and community care. Rebecca’s work spans all aspects of human resources — from compliance, legislative and regulatory support to the development and implementation of strategies that help organisations grow and foster collaborative, high-performing cultures.
In an increasingly dynamic and globally competitive Clinical Investigations environment, Australia is investing heavily in a range of initiatives designed to attract more medtech studies. These include the National One Stop Shop to streamline study start up and completion times, expanding patient recruitment pathway through tele-trial networks and leverage Austrade’s capability to support local Clinical Investigators with their efforts to attract more and more studies to Australia. Come hear a range of industry and advocacy perspectives on how MTAA and colleagues can support your internal clinical study attraction and advocacy efforts.
Director, NOSS & Clinical Trials Policy, Health Modelling and Partnerships Evaluation Branch, Health Economics and Research Division Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care Linda Cristine joined the department in October 2024 and is leading delivery of the National One Stop Shop for health and medical research. She has been a senior executive in the Victorian and NSW’s departments of Health and Human Services. Prior to joining the department Linda was the Director of Medical Research for the Victoria. Her background is research and evaluation. She has a Masters of Bioethics, an Executive Master of Public Administration, and a BA in Communications. Linda was a lecturer in Health Policy and Planning at Sydney University, teaching post-graduate students in health planning, research and evaluation. She has also worked at the University of Western Sydney as a lecturer and tutor and been a regular guest lecturer at the World Health Organisation Collaborating Centre for Environmental Health at Western Sydney University and guest lecturer at Monash and Melbourne Universities, being valued as a key industry partner. Most recently Linda led the Victorian government’s health and medical research strategies in the Victorian health department and the Department of Jobs, Precincts, Industry and Regions. She has overseen the reform of clinical trial policy in Victoria and worked with her state and territory colleagues through the Intergovernmental Policy Reform Group on national clinical trial reforms.
Michael Swarbrick, PhD is an Assistant Director in the Clinical Policy Section of the Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Aging. Michael is currently collaborating with state/territory governments and government agencies to develop quality standards and an accreditation scheme for Human Research Ethics Committees (HRECs) and their Host Institutions. This project is one of the key upcoming reforms to Australia’s health and medical research sector. Prior to joining the department, Michael was a biomedical researcher for 20 years, working in the field of aging-related diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, obesity, and osteoporosis. He conducted research at the University of Western Australia, University of California (San Francisco and Davis), and the Garvan, Westmead and ANZAC Institutes in Sydney, Australia.
Deborah is currently the Australasian Executive Director of Business Development for Avania, a leading global MedTech CRO. Prior to this Deborah was the Managing Director and Founder of Five Corners, a boutique CRO which merged with Avania in 2018. Deborah trained as a registered nurse in the UK and has incorporated her skills to provide effective clinical trial execution and field clinical support for international and Australasian clients. She provides regulatory guidance and has been responsible for the successful reimbursement approval of a number of novel and innovative technologies through both MSAC and Prostheses Listing. She now combines her many years of experience in proving strategic guidance for clients on their journey of medical device development from inception to commercialisation and remains passionate about streamlining the regulatory and clinical processes to bring new technologies to patients. Deborah is the current chair of the MTAA Clinical Investigation Forum and attends the MTAA IPC on behalf of this group. Deborah also serves on the CTIQ Exec Committee.
In the 22 years that Milena Bliss has worked at Austrade, she has held a variety of roles, including Business Development Manager in Auckland, Trade and Investment Adviser and now Associate Director – Medtech Lead at Austrade based in Sydney. Milena’s work focuses on assisting Australian medtech, devices and diagnostics exporters with overseas market expansion. She has assisted scale-ups and experienced exporters with market growth strategies across North America, Europe and Asia. Her previous career experience has been an asset to understanding the challenges faced by exporters, as she encountered many of these in her capacity as: procurement specialist for the Auckland District Health Board, IT portfolio contract manager with AMP Life Insurance, and IT contract negotiator for a global outsourcing systems integrator – EDS/Hewlett Packard. Milena holds an European university degree in International Economic Relations with excellence. She has also written a research paper on Austrade (as part of her last year at university) and Diploma Paper on the subject of: ‘Australia’s leading role in international opal trade’.
Adam Bicego serves as the Medical and Surgical Country Business Leader for Solventum Australia, the healthcare spinoff of 3M. With over two decades of senior leadership experience, Adam brings a strong track record of driving innovation and strategic growth. He holds a Bachelor of Economics from Macquarie University, is a qualified Chartered Accountant, and earned his MBA from the Australian Graduate School of Management. Adam is a passionate advocate for clinical evidence generation and routinely engages Solventum’s world-class medical affairs team with clinicians nationally to develop case studies, case series, and RCTs using Solventum’s cutting-edge product portfolio. Progressive Solventum investment in clinical research has translated into real-world, life-saving practice changes and measurable health system improvements. Adam believes Australia holds a unique competitive edge in producing globally recognised clinical evidence and continues to champion its role on the international stage.
Manoj is a Partner in L.E.K’s healthcare practice based in Melbourne. He brings deep experience in the pharma/medtech development lifecycle, having led a national research centre developing early-stage immunotherapies, building academia-pharma partnerships to commercialise attractive technologies, and working with MedTech and pharma clients on strategic growth initiatives. Recent projects include: Multiple commercial due diligences of an Australian clinical research organisation for a financial sponsor Multiple growth strategy projects for Australian clinical research organisations Development of multiple editions of a public report for MTPConnect on the value of clinical trials in Australia, and on skills gaps across the medtech and pharma ecosystem in Australia Manoj holds a Ph.D. in Physics from Vanderbilt University (USA) and a MBA from Melbourne Business School.
In an increasingly competitive MedTech landscape, the ability to attract, retain, and support top talent has never been more critical. This session explores strategies to build high-performing teams by aligning talent acquisition with organisational purpose and culture, and by fostering environments that prioritise workforce resilience and mental wellbeing. Industry leaders and workforce experts will discuss how to future-proof your organisation through employee engagement, psychological safety, and proactive mental fitness programs that drive retention and performance.
Elizabeth Pettit has over 32 years of experience in the recruitment industry, with the past 20 years dedicated exclusively to the medtech sector. She brings deep industry knowledge and a proven track record of helping medtech companies identify, attract, hire, and retain high-performing talent in a competitive market. Elizabeth’s expertise lies not just in recruitment, but in delivering actionable insights that align talent strategies with business goals. She works closely with organisations to understand their unique challenges and provides data-driven, practical solutions that drive long-term value. Her approach combines a deep understanding of medtech industry dynamics with a commitment to quality, transparency, and long-term partnership. Known for her strategic thinking and hands-on experience, Elizabeth has supported a wide range of organisations—from high-growth startups to established global players—in building high-impact teams. Her passion is helping companies achieve growth by securing the right people and creating cultures that support performance and retention. Elizabeth’s mission is to empower medtech companies with the insight and talent they need to lead, innovate, and grow.
Colleen Brooks is a Principal Consultant at HealthConsult, specialising in digital health strategy, evaluation, and implementation. She has extensive international and Australian experience, including leadership roles in Singapore and Saudi Arabia, and has contributed to national initiatives such as digital health assessment frameworks and interoperability policy reviews. With a background in pharmacy and health economics, Colleen brings both clinical and technical expertise to her work with governments, health services, and industry. Her consulting experience spans reimbursement models, digital therapeutics, interoperability, and large-scale transformation projects, enabling clients to navigate regulatory, funding, and implementation challenges across the health system.
Jada Hobson is an experienced leader in the Medical Device sector, with a proven track record of driving growth, building resilient teams, and shaping market access strategies. As Country Director for Nevro, she has overseen the launch of groundbreaking neuromodulation therapies and has led initiatives to strengthen physician engagement and expand access to innovative treatments for chronic pain. Jada also serves on the Board of the Medical Technology Association of Australia, where she contributes to advancing policy, reimbursement, and advocacy efforts that shape the future of MedTech. With a strong background in building resilient and high-performing commercial teams, she is committed to fostering leadership, talent development, and sales excellence across the industry. Jada’s insights bridge strategy, workforce resilience, and patient-centric innovation, and is a strong advocate for sustainable growth in the MedTech landscape.
12.55pm-1.40pm
Lunch in the Expo
This session aims to raise awareness amongst MedTech suppliers regarding the evolving landscape of modern slavery regulation in NSW, particularly its implications for healthcare. It will highlight the human impact of modern slavery, the evolving regulations to address modern slavery in healthcare and provide guidance on how suppliers engage meaningfully with public entities in addressing these issues.
Esty Marcu is the Director of the Modern Slavery Unit at the University of Sydney, where she leads the University’s strategic response to modern slavery and advances academic excellence in business and human rights. She lectures at the University of Sydney Business School on creating shared value, business and human rights, and enhancing ESG performance. Esty also serves as Co-Chair of Electronics Watch, an independent, not-for-profit organisation that supports public sector buyers in safeguarding the rights of workers in global electronics supply chains through worker-driven monitoring and collaborative action.
Laura Giassetti is the Remediation Services Manager and Program Manager for Domus 8.7, an agency of the Australian Catholic Antislavery Network (ACAN). Laura is a CPI accredited CSR Lead Auditor and ethical sourcing expert with over a decade of experience in implementing social compliance programs across retail and global supply chains. She has extensive practical expertise in farm and factory auditing and supplier engagement across Australia, Europe, South America, Africa, and the Asia-Pacific region. Laura currently is one of the Remediation Services Manager at Domus 8.7, providing advice, remediation and prevention services in response to modern slavery. Her work focuses on strengthening organisational responses and building worker centric and collaborative frameworks. At ACAN, Laura supports all ACAN members with their supplier engagement strategy, using meaningful data to improve working conditions. She leads development and implementation of Rota, a platform with 500+ integrated data points for over 170,000 suppliers, combining Sedex, social audits and worker voice surveys to strengthen remediation, due diligence, enable worker insights, and inform targeted risk management.
Pravin Siriwardena leads the Medical Technology Association of Australia’s (MTAA) policy activities on Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) and procurement, shaping national and international dialogue on the future of environmentally and socially responsible healthcare. As MTAA’s global representative to the Global Medical Technology Alliance (GMTA) Sustainability Committee, Pravin plays a key role in advocating for harmonised approaches to ESG policy activities across MedTech and has presented on how ESG issues impact the Australian MedTech ecosystem at major MedTech forums spanning Australia, Asia Pacific, and Europe. In 2023, Pravin led the development of MTAA’s flagship advocacy initiative, the Value of MedTech Report, which was launched at Parliament House by the Federal Minister for Health, highlighting the sector’s economic and societal contributions. Pravin holds a Master of Public Health from the University of Melbourne and a Bachelor of Medical Science from the University of Sydney. He is currently pursuing a Master of Business Administration at the University of Sydney, further strengthening his strategic and leadership capabilities in the health policy space
2.25pm-2.35pm
Plenary
Join Smartways CEO Joe Taylor for a dynamic lightning talk exploring the latest innovation developed by Smartways that gives device companies real-time visibility of their kits within the hospital ecosystem. Attendees will get a glimpse of our purpose built tool aimed at accelerating kit returns and reducing waste in the time and effort spent.
This session will explore how Australia’s healthcare sector is responding to climate change through strategic policy initiatives under the National Health and Climate Strategy.
Sue MacLeman BPharm LLM MMktg FTSE GAICD Sue MacLeman has more than 30 years’ experience as a pharmaceutical, biotechnology and medical technology executive having held senior roles in health administration, corporate, medical, commercial and business development. Sue has also served as CEO and Board member of several ASX, AIM and NASDAQ listed companies in the healthtech sector. She is a Non Executive Director on public, private and not for profit boards and is appointed to several academic , industry and government advisory boards and committees. Her broad commercial and technical experience is underpinned by a Bachelor of Pharmacy from the University of Queensland, a Master of Laws from Deakin University and a Master of Marketing from Melbourne Business School . She is also a member of the Commonwealth Govn National Research Infrastructure Advisory Group, NSW Govn Innovation and Productivity Council, Fellow and Non Executive Director of the Australian Academy of Technology and Engineering (ATSE) and Fellow/Graduate of Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD).
Professor Madeleine Skellern is Director of the National Health, Sustainability and Climate Unit within the Interim Australian Centre for Disease Control, operating as part of the Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing. She is also Adjunct Professor at the University of Sydney School of Public Health. Professor Skellern led development of Australia’s first National Health and Climate Strategy, published in December 2023, and is currently leading the Strategy’s implementation.
Sema Whittle is a sustainability leader with over two decades of experience driving responsible business transformation across the health and financial sectors. She has held senior leadership and non-executive director roles advancing ESG strategy, climate risk management and responsible business governance. As Head of ESG at Stryker South Pacific, she leads initiatives that embed ESG priorities into strategy, operations, and reporting. She also chairs the MTAA Sustainability Forum, fostering industry collaboration on climate and health. Sema holds a Bachelor of Accounting, a Masters of Management, a Certificate in Climate Policy and is completing a Masters of Climate Change at the Australian National University.
James Doyle is Senior Director, Trauma, Foot & Ankle and Spine at Stryker South Pacific, where he leads key divisions and has been a member of the Leadership Team for 15 years. Throughout his career, James has held senior roles in Commercial, Public Affairs, Regulatory, and Customer Experience, partnering with clinical teams, government stakeholders, and customers to deliver innovative service and technology solutions. His leadership has contributed to multiple Australian and international customer service awards. In 2020, James was seconded to the Medical Technology Association of Australia (MTAA) to support the government’s COVID-19 Taskforce, securing vital medical supplies such as ventilators, testing kits, and PPE for Australia. He led efforts to source overseas supplies and coordinated local manufacturing collaborations, including the production of ventilators and testing swabs. James also played a pivotal role in delivering an Australian-built pandemic response bed. In November 2024, James was elected to the MTAA Board, representing the medical technology industry nationally. The MTAA works with government and stakeholders to advance safe, effective medical technologies, support policy and regulatory reform, and promote medtech innovation for improved patient outcomes and healthcare delivery3.25pm-3.55pm
Afternoon tea in the Expo
The current reform work by the Department of Health, Ageing and Disability to address private hospital viability is significant for the future of private healthcare and may significantly impact coverage of medical devices. This session will follow the expected release by the Department of proposals to improve private hospital viability and stakeholder responses to these. MTAA has invited the Department to give a short overview of the key issues to be addressed, proposals being considered and next steps in the process of government deliberation. This will be followed by a discussion with panelists including representatives from hospitals, insurers, clinicians and industry of the relative pros and cons of the proposals under consideration and what this might mean for medical device access and purchasing.
Dr Katharine Bassett is a visionary and values-driven leader with a track record of executive impact across health and social sectors. She brings deep expertise in policy, strategy, reform, and advocacy, developed through senior roles spanning government, national peak bodies, and consulting. Her leadership is grounded in evidence, equity, and inclusion, with a consistent focus on improving outcomes for vulnerable populations. Currently Director of Health Policy at Catholic Health Australia, Katharine leads national health advocacy and reform initiatives, with a focus on equity, financial sustainability, and access to care. Previously, she directed research and reform strategy at the Australian Medical Association and delivered high-impact policy and organisational transformation projects as a consultant with KPMG. Katharine holds a PhD in clinical immunology and genomics from the Australian National University (ANU), where she is also a visiting lecturer, and serves as an Executive Director across several boards.
Ben Harris is the Director of Policy and Research at Private Healthcare Australia. He is an economist by training, and has worked across government, professional associations and academia.
Ben Harris is the Director of Policy and Research at Private Healthcare Australia. He is an economist by training, and has worked across government, professional associations and academia.
Dr Michael Bonning is the immediate past president of the Australian Medical Association (NSW) and the current Chair of Public Health for the Federal AMA. Michael has a background in medtech in Australia and the United States and runs a private practice in Sydney. He is currently working on MSAC applications to support early diagnosis and management for the national lung cancer screening program. With the AMA, he has worked on the proposal for an independent private health system authority to oversee the sustainability and innovation of the sector which will support doctors to deliver the best possible care to the community.
James Downie is Managing Director of Cove Solutions and has more than 20 years’ experience in health and aged care across Australia, the Middle East and Europe. He was previously CEO of the Independent Health and Aged Care Pricing Authority (IHACPA), where he led the national rollout of Activity Based Funding for Australia’s public hospitals. James has also advised governments in North America, Europe and the Middle East on health financing and reform. At Cove Solutions, James supports clients to design and implement costing, pricing and funding models, helping them navigate the complex stakeholder and inter-jurisdictional environments of large social service systems. His technical expertise in costing and pricing allows him to advise health organisations on improving efficiency, strengthening sustainability and adapting their business models to meet financial and policy challenges. Drawing on his international and domestic experience, James brings both technical depth and strategic insight, offering practical solutions that support governments and providers to deliver sustainable reform.
One genetic test at age 22 changed her life and launched her into two decades of advocacy that’s shifted national policy, improved access to genomic medicine, and made healthcare more human. Krystal is the founder of Humanise Health, a consultancy that bridges the gap between industry, government, and community to deliver impact at scale. Her advocacy has helped drive national and global campaigns, led to reforms, and supported the push to ban genetic discrimination in life insurance. She’s advised decision makers, co-designed patient training programs, supported market access projects and shaped med tech strategies with a sharp focus on patient-led innovation. Krystal’s voice cuts through because it comes from lived experience having undergone multiple preventative and reconstructive surgeries, she knows what’s at stake when systems don’t listen. At the intersection of science, policy, and storytelling, Krystal is redefining what modern advocacy looks like. She’s passionate about ensuring that technology and research don’t just stay in labs or reports, but reach the real people they’re built for.
James Doyle is Senior Director, Trauma, Foot & Ankle and Spine at Stryker South Pacific, where he leads key divisions and has been a member of the Leadership Team for 15 years. Throughout his career, James has held senior roles in Commercial, Public Affairs, Regulatory, and Customer Experience, partnering with clinical teams, government stakeholders, and customers to deliver innovative service and technology solutions. His leadership has contributed to multiple Australian and international customer service awards. In 2020, James was seconded to the Medical Technology Association of Australia (MTAA) to support the government’s COVID-19 Taskforce, securing vital medical supplies such as ventilators, testing kits, and PPE for Australia. He led efforts to source overseas supplies and coordinated local manufacturing collaborations, including the production of ventilators and testing swabs. James also played a pivotal role in delivering an Australian-built pandemic response bed. In November 2024, James was elected to the MTAA Board, representing the medical technology industry nationally. The MTAA works with government and stakeholders to advance safe, effective medical technologies, support policy and regulatory reform, and promote medtech innovation for improved patient outcomes and healthcare delivery4.55pm-5.05pm
Plenary
Closing Remarks and Invitation to Closing Reception
Warren Bingham is a prominent figure in the medical devices, biotechnology and digital health sectors, known for his leadership and innovative contributions. He is the Founder and Executive Chairman of MedTech International, Global Vice President of ARIA Research, Executive Chairman of OmnisOva, Chairman of Agscent, and MTAA Board member. With over 30 years of experience in the medical devices sector, Warren specializes in guiding organizations towards innovation and success, particularly in medical devices and biotechnologies, excelling in global strategic execution, commercialization, and board fulfillment. In addition to his professional endeavors, Warren is deeply committed to philanthropy and community engagement. He serves as an Ambassador for the Vinnies CEO Sleepout and Diabetes Australia, contributes as a member of the Springboard Enterprises LifeSciences Council, and coaches for the Cerebral Palsy Alliance’s Accelerator, Remarkable and Taronga HATCH accelerator. Warren actively participates in initiatives aimed at driving positive change and making a tangible difference in people’s lives. Among Warren’s notable contributions to the healthcare industry is his role in establishing the Australian subsidiary of Given Imaging Ltd in 2001. Under his leadership, Given Imaging pioneered PillCam® technology, revolutionizing the visualization of the GI tract with its ingestible pill-sized camera. Warren’s strategic initiatives also led to the successful inclusion of Capsule Endoscopy on Australia’s Medicare Benefits Scheme in 2004. During his tenure on the global management team from 2000, Given Imaging experienced exponential growth, evolving from a start-up to a multinational, publicly traded company with revenues surpassing $250 million by 2013. In February 2014, Covidien acquired Given Imaging for approximately $1 billion. Warren’s exceptional leadership and contributions have garnered widespread recognition over the years. He was a finalist in the 2016 Australian Institute of Management’s ‘Excellence in Leadership Awards’ and was acknowledged by AusBiotech in 2018 for his ‘Outstanding Contribution to AusMedtech’. In 2019, Warren was named an Adjunct Fellow at Macquarie University and received the prestigious Medical Technology Association of Australia (MTAA) Outstanding Achievement Award in 2021 for his remarkable contributions to industry development, patient outcomes, and leadership. Warren’s unwavering passion, dedication, and visionary leadership continue to inspire positive change, drive innovation, and leave a lasting impact on the world
5.05pm-6.30pm
Closing reception
PhD Student Poster People’s Choice Award Winner Announcement
Exhibitor Giveaway Winner Announcement