AusMedtech 2026 Wrap: Landmark event showcases WA’s strength in medical innovation

AusMedtech 2026 wrapped up last week in Perth on 21 May, bringing together researchers, industry leaders, clinicians and policymakers from across Australia’s medical technology sector for three days of discussion, connection and collaboration.

The team from the Office of Medical Research and Innovation (OMRI) participated in the conference as part of the Western Australian delegation, playing an active role across the conference through presentations, stakeholder engagement and a strong presence on the exhibition floor.

Key highlights from AusMedtech 2026 included:

• Strong engagement with stakeholders across industry, health services, research and government
• OMRI contributions to conference sessions and sector briefings, including presentations from senior leaders
• Showcasing Western Australia’s strengths in biomedical research, manufacturing and commercialisation
• Opportunities to strengthen national and international collaboration

Across the three days, the OMRI team connected with a broad range of stakeholders, providing valuable opportunities to exchange ideas, discuss shared challenges, and explore collaboration across the medical technology and health innovation sectors.

OMRI contributed to the conference program through key presentations and briefings. Adam James, Director of Innovation at the Department of Health, presented on Western Australia’s innovation ecosystem, while Stacey Waters, Executive Director, also contributed to conference discussions highlighting the State’s strategic approach to research and innovation.

Adam also participated in a biomedical sector briefing hosted by Invest and Trade WA for international delegates.

The briefing featured a fireside chat facilitated by Sonja Montague-Mackay, Executive Director of Investment Attraction at the Department of Energy and Economic Diversification, alongside Professor Kevin Pfleger, Director of Biomedical Health and Innovation at The University of Western Australia.

The discussion highlighted Western Australia’s strengths in biomedical research, manufacturing and commercialisation, as well as opportunities for global collaboration across the State’s growing health and medical life sciences sector.

Discussions throughout the event reflected strong interest in Western Australia’s research capabilities, infrastructure and investment landscape, and reinforced the importance of cross-sector collaboration in supporting the translation of research into real-world health outcomes.

The WA Government booth served as a central hub throughout the conference, attracting strong and consistent engagement from delegates keen to learn more about Western Australia’s health and medical research and innovation ecosystem, funding opportunities and strategic priorities.

Hosting AusMedtech 2026 in Perth provided a valuable opportunity to strengthen national and international connections and showcase Western Australia’s capabilities in medical technology and research. The relationships and insights gained during the event will continue to inform OMRI’s work and support ongoing collaboration across the sector.