Medtech-iQ Tāmaki Makaurau (the project)

The University of Auckland is the home of world-leading expertise in the development of medical devices, digital health technologies and multi-disciplinary health technology research of international importance.

We are bringing together a community of researchers to work with our global and national networks of clinicians, industry partners, Māori partners, government, investors, health and social care organisations, including Pacific communities and patient groups, to strengthen the connectivity between communities, science, clinical translation, and commercialisation for sustainable growth and to build scale.

Our solutions-focused research and commitment to providing cutting-edge education for students, researchers and practitioners translate into new knowledge, medical technology products and a workforce able to forge successful careers in medical technology and related industries, that addresses challenges facing the global healthcare sector.

Vision

Our vision is to be a national leader for research and education in medical technologies, delivering real and lasting change to the health of New Zealanders, enabled by the unique population and geographic characteristics of Auckland and Aotearoa.

The University is a major contributor to the establishment of Medtech-iQ Tāmaki Makaurau, building on the University’s existing medtech specialisations. Medtech-iQ Tāmaki Makaurau is bringing together its capabilities and infrastructure for transdisciplinary, cross-sector and cultural collaboration in ways that grow medtech successes, attract talented researchers and students, and enhance the University’s reputation as a research powerhouse and medtech thought leader.

Medtech-iQ Tāmaki Makaurau is a strategic initiative of Taumata Teitei 2030 and Te Rautaki Tūāpapa Estate Strategy 2030, and in February 2023, the University approved an investment spanning five years to establish regional hub operations at the Auckland Bioengineering Institute (the host).

Medtech in Auckland

The Auckland region is already a major centre for research, education, and business in medical technologies. Most of the commercialisation and translation infrastructure needed to become a global medtech player is located here.

Over 130 medtech companies call Auckland home – that is over 50 percent of New Zealand’s sector, including industry leaders Fisher & Paykel Healthcare and Orion Health. Auckland-based universities have spun out thirty-three new medtech companies over the last ten years, demonstrating strengths in deep-tech innovation and commercialisation.

ABI is home to Cloud9, the country's only dedicated space to nurture medtech start-ups. Medtech-iQ Tāmaki Makaurau excels in medical device and digital health development, end-user design of products, clinical trials, experiences and spaces, and technology commercialisation.

2021

Concept

• Concept defined
• Steering committee formed
• Stakeholder support obtained

2022

Planning

• University business case endorsed
• Regional hub collaborating partners established
• Key stakeholder campaign
• Economic and strategic cases (national)

2023 onwards

Launch

• Establish Medtech-iQ operation at ABI and expanded Cloud 9
• Establish governance, reporting and communication framework
• Obtain support and representation from iwi and industry groups
• Build collaborating stakeholder groups
• Branding and marketing
• Auckland hub programmes and events
• Shared spaces operating

2028

Medtech-iQ Tāmaki Makaurau in Health Precinct at Grafton

• Medtech-iQ shift to new building on Grafton Campus is completed
• Medtech-iQ physical front door established at Grafton, including social spaces for meeting, eating and collaborating

Progress

We host regular Medtech-iQ Tāmaki Makaurau networking events with these partners to bring together and activate our local ecosystem. An operations team has been established and is hosted at the Auckland Bioengineering Institute – everyone is welcome to come and have a chat with our team and attend any of our events.

• University of Auckland
• AUT
• Tātaki Auckland Unlimited
• Te Whatu Ora Waitematā
• Te Whatu Ora Te Toka Tumai
• Callaghan Innovation
• Whānau Tahi
• Moana Connect
• NZGCP

Diana Siew
Strategic Relationship Manager, ABI
Email: diana.siew@auckland.ac.nz

Ella Dixon
Research Engagement Adviser, ABI
Email: ella.dixon@auckland.ac.nz