We’re excited to invite you to the Australian Medtech Manufacturing Alliance’s (AMMA) first virtual forum: Building the foundation for Better Health Made Here.

Launched under the leadership of BioMelbourne Network in October 2024, AMMA is a national industry-led group. AMMA is dedicated to addressing the critical challenges facing local SME medtech manufacturers, with a focus on enhancing procurement pathways and increasing the share of locally-made medtech in Australia’s healthcare system.

In this forum, AMMA will set out its 2025–26 strategic direction and outline practical ways the Alliance is working to support and grow the local medtech sector, focusing on accelerating access to local health procurement opportunities

The virtual forum will close with a briefing from MTPConnect on the recently opened Pathway to Market – Capability Uplift Program designed to support local SME medtech manufacturers to position themselves competitively for local health procurement opportunities.

What awaits you at the event

Attendees will gain insights into the priorities and initiatives shaping AMMA’s work over the coming year, including: 

• Strategic goals and focus areas for 2025–26 

• Opportunities for industry and health service collaboration 

• Key capability uplift activities designed to empower local manufacturers 

• Updates on current AMMA projects and advocacy efforts 

 

Who should attend?

We warmly invite representatives from industry, health services, government and the broader medtech ecosystem who are invested in advancing Australia’s medtech manufacturing sector and strengthening local health outcomes. 

This is your opportunity to connect, align, and help shape a stronger future for Australian-made health solutions. 

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EVENT DETAILS

Date: Wednesday 21 May 2025

Time (AEST): 3:00-4:00pm

Live stream: Zoom Webinar

Speakers:

Karen Parr, CEO, BioMelbourne Network 

Sarah King-Smith, BioMelbourne Network

More speakers TBC

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Registration (virtual): Members and Non-members, free of charge.

Unsure if your organisation is a member? Check our member directory.

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Karen Parr 

CEO, BioMelbourne Network 

Karen Parr brings almost 20 years’ experience in science policy, strategy, communications and engagement for government and industry bodies in Australia, New Zealand and the UK. 

Karen is recognised for her ability to navigate complex stakeholder environments, forge trusted strategic partnerships and drive meaningful change within local, national and international environments. 

She has worked extensively on public policy impacting life science companies, including opportunities and challenges traversing capital attraction, tax incentives, clinical trials, regulation and commercialisation of medical research. She established Australia’s Cell and Gene Catalyst and developed and launched research reports that resulted in increased global investment in Victoria and Australia. 

Before joining BioMelbourne Network in June 2024, Karen was the Director of Policy and Communications at AusBiotech. 

 

Dr. Sarah King-Smith  

Strategic Lead, Australian Medtech Manufacturing Alliance  

 With over 15 years’ experience in medical research, innovation, and commercialisation, Sarah has mastered the fine art of turning complex scientific problems into actionable solutions. A seasoned leader in genomics, glycoproteomics, and digital health, Sarah has worked across clinical settings, start-ups, government agencies, and universities, helping to bridge the gap between cutting-edge research and real-world impact. 

A published researcher in leading journals, Sarah has spearheaded national diagnostic programs, led multi-million-dollar health technology initiatives, and helped shape policy to support industry growth. Through firsthand experience in building new products for health, she is well versed in the challenges in health procurement. Passionate about innovation, collaboration, and ensuring high-quality healthcare, Sarah believes that the best ideas come from great teamwork—and that no problem is too big to solve with enough data, determination, and a well-designed spreadsheet. 

Before joining BioMelbourne Network in February 2025, Sarah was the Manager of Sector Partnerships at the Australian Medtech Manufacturing Centre, an initiative of the Victorian Government. 

 

This is an event delivered by the Australian Medtech Manufacturing Alliance, in partnership with BioMelbourne Network.