The South Australian Government has witnessed Flinders University sign a Memorandum of Understanding with Singapore’s Nanyang Technological University (NTU) to create an international node of the successful Medical Devices Partnership Program (MDPP).
The MDPP-Partnership 2025 aims to build additional research and development partnerships between Singapore and Australia, through the commercialisation of research among agencies, academic institutions and the private sector.
Through the partnership, the South Australian MDPP will benefit from Singaporean research capability and the availability of commercialisation finance; while Singapore’s medical devices commercialisation cycle will be advanced through process improvements and the speedy approvals process for clinical trials in South Australia.
Background
The MOU signing in Singapore is part of a week-long business mission that also includes Malaysia and Myanmar. It forms part of a wider program of engagement with South East Asia.
The MDPP supports the development of cutting-edge medical devices through collaborations between researchers, industry, users and government. The program provides a mechanism for the development of prototypes and proof of concepts, and assists with the commercialisation of potential Australian medical device products. More: http://www.flinders.edu.au/mdpp/
NTU ranks fourth in Asia and has strong international research partnerships with top institutions in the US, Europe and Asia, such as MIT, Stanford University, Caltech, Carnegie Mellon University; Cambridge University, Imperial College; and Peking University, Tsinghua University.
Quotes attributable to Trade Minister Martin Hamilton-Smith
This is a very pleasing development to increase research and development collaborations in the medical devices space, for which South Australia is already recognised for its expertise and world-class manufacturing potential.
This is a growing sector for South Australia which will benefit both the state and Flinders University through improved research capability and the exchange of knowledge and skills with Singapore.
Quotes attributable to Flinders University VC Colin Stirling
I am delighted that Flinders University is forging this new partnership with Nanyang Technical University to expand our Medical Device Partnering Program into Singapore.
Flinders University has established a long record of delivering real impact through successful commercialisation of medical devices. This new partnership with NTU will expand our capacity to deliver life-changing medical technologies across the Asia Pacific region.