Deadline: 09-Jun-2026
The Medical Devices Fund Programme in New South Wales provides competitive funding to support the development and commercialisation of innovative medical devices that improve healthcare outcomes. Grants range from AUD 500,000 to AUD 5 million and support projects from prototype development to clinical testing and market translation, with a strong focus on feasibility, clinical impact, and NSW-based innovation.
Overview of the Programme
The Medical Devices Fund Programme is a government-backed initiative designed to accelerate health technology innovation in New South Wales (NSW), Australia.
It supports the translation of medical device innovations from early development stages into clinically validated and commercially viable healthcare solutions.
The programme is competitive and merit-based, targeting innovations that improve:
- Patient care outcomes
- Healthcare system efficiency
- Cost-effectiveness of treatment
- Clinical and operational performance
Key Objectives
The programme aims to:
- Improve healthcare delivery through medical device innovation
- Support translation of research into clinical practice
- Encourage commercialisation of viable medical technologies
- Strengthen NSW’s health innovation ecosystem
- Deliver economic, social, and environmental benefits
- Improve patient outcomes through cost-effective solutions
Who Can Apply? (Eligibility Criteria)
Eligible applicants include:
- NSW-based hospitals
- Universities and research institutes
- Start-ups and SMEs
- Organisations with legal and financial capacity to commercialise medical devices
Mandatory Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must:
- Be based primarily in New South Wales
- Hold rights to commercialise the medical device
- Demonstrate financial viability
- Meet the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) definition of a medical device
- Show at least Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 3 or higher
- Demonstrate government funding is essential for project success
Funding Details
The programme provides:
- Total funding pool: AUD 8.2 million
- Grant range per project: AUD 500,000 to AUD 5,000,000
Funding Scope
Funding can support:
- Device development and prototyping
- Clinical testing and validation
- Early-stage commercialisation
- Translation of research into healthcare solutions
- Product refinement and feasibility studies
Restrictions
Funding cannot be used for:
- Land acquisition
- Infrastructure unrelated to device development
- Non-medical or unrelated research activities
Project Expectations
Successful projects must demonstrate:
- Clinical relevance and feasibility
- Strong commercialisation pathway
- Integration potential into healthcare systems
- Evidence of innovation and technical readiness
- Clear benefit to patient outcomes
- Economic and operational efficiency improvements
Application Process
The programme follows a multi-stage competitive process:
Stage 1: Preliminary Application
- Submitted electronically
- Assessed for eligibility and project quality
- Screening for feasibility and innovation strength
Stage 2: Full Application (Invitation Only)
- Detailed technical and financial submission
- Expanded project design and clinical validation plan
- Commercialisation strategy
Stage 3: Assessment & Review
- Evaluation by Expert Panel
- Input from clinical, technical, and financial reviewers
- Possible applicant interviews
- Final recommendation to NSW Health
Final Decision Categories
- Investable
- Potentially investable
- Not investable
Assessment Criteria
Applications are evaluated based on:
- Clinical impact and patient benefit
- Innovation and technological readiness
- Commercial viability
- Strength of development and testing plan
- Financial sustainability
- Alignment with NSW healthcare priorities
Why This Programme Matters
This funding initiative is important because it:
- Accelerates medical device innovation in Australia
- Bridges the gap between research and real-world healthcare use
- Supports start-ups and research institutions in scaling innovation
- Improves patient outcomes through advanced medical technology
- Strengthens NSW’s health and biotech ecosystem
- Encourages cost-effective and scalable healthcare solutions
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting projects below TRL 3
- Weak commercialisation or market pathway
- Lack of NSW-based operational focus
- Insufficient clinical validation plan
- Overlooking regulatory requirements (TGA compliance)
- Poor financial justification for funding request
Tips for a Strong Application
- Clearly demonstrate clinical need and patient impact
- Provide a realistic commercialisation roadmap
- Ensure strong TRL evidence and technical maturity
- Highlight scalability within healthcare systems
- Show clear alignment with NSW health priorities
- Include strong clinical and industry partnerships
FAQ
1. What is the funding range?
Between AUD 500,000 and AUD 5 million per project.
2. Who can apply?
NSW-based hospitals, universities, SMEs, start-ups, and research institutes.
3. What TRL level is required?
At least Technology Readiness Level 3.
4. Can funding be used outside NSW?
No, most project activities must be based in New South Wales.
5. What types of projects are supported?
Medical device development, prototyping, clinical testing, and commercialisation.
6. Is commercialisation required?
Yes, applicants must demonstrate a viable commercial pathway.
7. How is the application assessed?
Through a competitive expert panel review process with staged evaluation.
Conclusion
The Medical Devices Fund Programme is a major innovation initiative supporting the development and commercialisation of medical technologies in New South Wales. By funding high-potential medical device projects, it strengthens healthcare innovation, improves patient outcomes, and accelerates the translation of research into real-world clinical impact.
For more information, visit NSW Government.
