MedTech researchers enter innovation partnership with medical device firm Signature Orthopaedics

Leading MedTech researchers at the University of Melbourne and RMIT University are partnering with medical device company Signature Orthopaedics, the only manufacturer of implantable orthopaedic devices in Australia, to establish collaborative R&D in clinical and technological innovation to create new medical implants.

The three-way strategic partnership connects research excellence in biomedical engineering, health, medicine, technology development and design with one of Australia’s most innovative MedTech enterprises.

Signature Orthopaedics CEO Declan Brazil said “Together, we will develop a clinical test bed for new materials, designs and methods in orthopaedic implants and devices and connect our joint talent to amplify scientific and industry leadership across Australia’s growing MedTech sector,”

“This partnership’s goal is to bring to market new and personalised medical implant technologies that can improve health outcomes and quality of life.”

University of Melbourne Professor Peter Lee from the Department of Biomedical Engineering said these projects would demonstrate how university researchers and students can collaborate on research that directly impacts people’s lives.

“The advantages of working directly with implant manufacturers such as Signature Orthopaedics and with clinicians from hospitals at the early stages of the project are immense,”

“It enables us to identify the project's ‘pain points’ early and develop solutions to overcome them. Unlike the traditional idea of prototyping when technology is nearly finalised, this partnership will accelerate our research for clinical applications benefiting patients."  Professor Lee said.

The collaboration further establishes Melbourne as a growing Medtech innovation, teaching and commercialisation centre.