'MedTech's Got Talent' challenge launches third round of seed funding and training for Victoria's emerging medical technology entrepreneurs

MELBOURNE, Australia - Oct. 14, 2016 - PRLog -- STC Australia (the Small Technologies Cluster) is pleased to announce the 2016 round of MedTech's Got Talent, Australia's largest medical technology accelerator program. This unique program identifies and refines high-potential medical technology concepts that are emerging from innovative students, faculty and staff associated with Victoria's world-class universities, research institutes and hospitals.

In its third year, MedTech's Got Talent will aid entrepreneurs in pitching a product or business concept, developing a go-to-market strategy and initiating commercialisation activities. Participants vie for over $140,000 in cash plus other critical support, like mentoring from Australia's leading commercialisation and technology experts.

"The calibre of participants in previous rounds of 'MedTech's Got Talent' has been outstanding and we're expecting great things from the 2016 intake. It's exciting to see the strength of Victoria's home-grown talent. Our 2015 Grand Prize winners, Eyenemia, are already making big strides with their anaemia screening tool," said Dr Buzz Palmer, CEO of STC.

"Victoria is home to more than a third of ASX-listed medtech companies, and focussed events like MedTech's Got Talent give our startups and entrepreneurs the platform they need to attract more investment and grow. Medical technology and Pharmaceuticals is one of six key growth sectors in the Andrews Labor Government's Back to Work Plan and will be targeted to drive growth and create jobs into the future," said Philip Dalidakis, MP, Victorian Minister for Small Business, Innovation & Trade.

The 2016 round is now open, with early-bird applicants who lodge before 28 October able to receive in-depth feedback on their application, prior to the 11 November deadline. For more information, or to apply, please visit our website.

Here's how it works:

• Applicants submit an Executive Summary by the deadline, 11 November 2016.
• The top 30 applicants are invited to pitch at the Rapid Fire Round (23 November) where 12 semi-finalists will advance to The Finals gala pitch event.
• At The Finals (13 December), five finalists are selected and each receive $20,000 plus valuable service prizes and enter a 6-week, intensive Accelerated Technology Roadmapping program.
• The Grand Prize winner, receiving an additional $40,000, will be selected at the closed-door Investor Boardroom Pitch (16 February).

To be eligible, applications must be must be championed by a student, faculty or staff member (or have been within the last 5 years) of a Victorian university, research institute or hospital, or a recent graduate (within 5 years) from any university and currently residing in Victoria.

The 2016 MedTech's Got Talent Challenge is only possible thanks to generous support of the Victorian Government.