In a spectacular showcase of healthcare innovation, the Perth Biodesign 2024 Showcase highlighted five pioneering teams presenting their solutions to some of healthcare's most pressing challenges. The sold-out final event, hosted at Perth Council House, brought together program participants, alumni, industry leaders, investors, and special guests from across Australia and overseas, demonstrating the growing strength of Western Australia's biomedical innovation ecosystem.
This year's cohort embraced the rigorous Biodesign methodology, moving from clinical immersion and needs finding through to solution development and implementation planning. The teams tackled significant healthcare challenges: including improving cascade testing for Familial Hypercholesterolemia, enhancing breastfeeding success rates, and preventing avoidable heart failure hospitalisations.
CardioSure emerged as the judges' choice winner with their innovative solution for early detection of heart failure decompensation. Their concept for a personal handheld device, which allows patients to monitor subtle signs of decompensation at home, impressed the distinguished panel of judges including Prof Fiona Wood AO, Peter Traianou, and Dr Intan Oldakowska.
The Flagship Course teams were:
❤️ CardioSure
A way to detect early signs of heart failure decompensation in patients in the community to prevent avoidable hospital admissions.
🤱 Velora
A way to measure milk intake in breastfed infants to increase breastfeeding rates during the first 6 months of life.
🌐 Vitryx
A way to facilitate communication between Familial Hypercholesterolemia care providers, patients and their at-risk family members in order to increase the uptake of cascade testing.
Learn more about the teams here.
The event also showcased the future of biomedical engineering in Western Australia, with UWA Biomedical Engineering Capstone teams presenting alongside the flagship program participants. The ISO-BED team addressed the critical need for improved pathogen isolation in space-limited hospitals, while HaemoPatch, which was named the UWA Capstone winner, presented their innovative solution for faster blood pressure monitoring in emergency departments.
"The calibre of innovation we've witnessed this year reflects the maturing of Western Australia's medical technology ecosystem", said Perth Biodesign Co-Director Oliver Bazzani. "These teams have demonstrated how the intersection of clinical insight, engineering excellence, and commercial acumen can create solutions that have the potential to truly transform patient care", added fellow Co-Director, Chloe Goodred.
A highlight of the evening was the recognition of Perth Biodesign co-founders Matt Oldakowski and Intan Oldakowska for their transformative contribution to Western Australia's healthcare innovation ecosystem. As they step into advisory roles to focus on their own medtech companies, Earflo and RexOrtho, their legacy continues through the program's growing impact and success.
The success of the 2024 program wouldn't have been possible without the dedication of our expert mentors who guided teams through each phase of the Biodesign process, and our inspiring speakers who shared their invaluable insights and experiences. Their commitment to nurturing the next generation of healthcare innovators has been instrumental.
Perth Biodesign is administered by The University of Western Australia and supported by a strong network of partners including the Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation, WA Department of Health, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, Adarsh Australia, City of Joondalup, WAHTN, Curtin University, and the Perron Institute. Special thanks to the City of Perth for their continued support as venue partners.
As they conclude another successful year, Perth Biodesign continues to strengthen its position as the heart of biomedical innovation in Western Australia. The program has now trained over 500 people. These alumni have created over 30 new technologies, raised over $40 million, and include leaders across Government, health, startups, scale-ups, and ASX-listed companies.
Looking to the future, Perth Biodesign is on the lookout for expressions of interest for the 2025 programs. If you’re inspired to connect further, express interest in these programs, or refer someone who could benefit from being part of Perth Biodesign, explore your options here!
In particular, please get in touch if you are a:
Clinician
Engineer
Data Scientist
Researcher
Individual with a Business / Startup background
Individual or organisation passionate about healthcare innovation!
