22-23 October 2025 | ICC Sydney
MedTech Conference Program
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.

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.
9.15am-10.00am
Plenary
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.
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.
10.00am-10.45am
Plenary
A presentation of the key findings and recommendations of the Digital Health Reimbursement review and recommendations followed by a panel discussion.

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).
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
11.20am-12.20pm
Plenary
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.
12.25pm-1.05pm
Plenary
Ministerial Address by Senator the Hon Anne Ruston, Shadow Minister for Health and Aged Care
1.10pm-2.10pm
Lunch in the Expo
2.10pm-2.40pm
Plenary
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.
2.10pm-3.10pm
Concurrent
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.

3.40pm - 4.20pm
Concurrent
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.
4.20pm-5.20pm
Plenary
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.
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.
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.
Toggle Content
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

8.40am-9.25am
Plenary
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.
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.
9.40am-10.40am
Plenary
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.
10.40am-11.00am
Morning tea in the Expo
11.00am-11.45am
Plenary
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.
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
12.10pm-12.55pm
Plenary
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.
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.
12.00pm-12.55pm
Concurrent
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.
12.55pm-1.40pm
Lunch in the Expo
1.40pm-2.25pm
Plenary
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.
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.

2.40pm-3.25pm
Plenary
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.
3.25pm-3.55pm
Afternoon tea in the Expo
3.55pm-4.55pm
Plenary
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.
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.
4.55pm-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