Innovation Catalyst Program
Accelerating the journey of promising medical technologies, from concept to clinic
Program overview
The Innovation Catalyst Program at the Tyree Institute of Health Engineering (IHealthE) is designed to accelerate the journey of promising medical technologies from concept to clinic. This flagship program provides tailored translational support, connecting MedTech innovators with the multi-disciplinary expertise required to develop solutions that transform healthcare practice and delivery. By advancing cost-effective, patient-centred innovations, the Catalyst Innovation Program plays a vital role in our vision to be a global leader in health technology translation.
Key Dates (2026)
Application closing dates:
- 2nd April 2026
- 31st July 2026
- 30th November 2026
Applications received after the closing dates will automatically be considered for the next intake, ensuring every promising idea has the opportunity to progress through the program.
Not sure if your project fits? Reach out to our team at IHealthE@unsw.edu.au to discuss your idea before submitting.
Your guide to the Innovation Catalyst Program
Apply Now
To be considered for the next intake, complete the EOI form below.
Program structure
The Innovation Catalyst Program runs three intakes each year, with up to 25 project applications, or 'Sparks', accepted per intake - or when we reach the maximum number of 25 submissions for each intake.
All applications received will automatically be considered for our next intake, ensuring every promising idea has the opportunity to progress through the program.
Selected teams will progress to the 'Excite' phase where we offer support across one of five work packages:
Who should apply?
We welcome applications from MedTech innovators with strong clinical involvement, ideally with a clinician as part of the core team. If you have an idea that addresses an important unmet clinical need, the Innovation Catalyst Program can help you move it forward. Have a look at our 2026 Innovation Catalyst Program Overview for more information on what a successful applicant demonstrates.
Why apply?
All applicants who submit an EOI will be provided with an assessment of commercial potential and key barriers to successful translation. Successful applicants will receive at least:
- One work package delivered by our team of experts without any fees or the need to share intellectual property.
- Access to our co-working spaces within the Prince of Wales Hospital campus for the duration of the project.
- Access to our group of MedTech mentors for the duration of the project.
Kraken Coding founder John Shanks joined IHealthE’s Innovation Catalyst Program in 2024 to support the development of Clinical Branches, a clinical decision support platform helping healthcare professionals access evidence-based guidance at the point of care. Since then, Kraken Coding has secured a $1.93 million NSW Medical Devices Fund grant to further develop the platform.
The support went straight at those gaps: stakeholder identification, a regulatory strategy for the ML component, an IP protection strategy, and help with a major grant application. Two years on, the IHealthE advisors still provide feedback.
John Shanks
Kraken Coding (Founder)
More from our Catalyst teams
Reem Almasri - Sevren
Prof Lynne Bilston - OptoSleep
Michael Cartmill - SmarTex Compression Therapies
George Zhang - CerviVue
FAQ
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Any individual or team who is trying to find or is developing a solution to a healthcare unmet need should apply. Applicants must be able to demonstrate they have detailed knowledge of the relevant clinical environment and its key stakeholders.
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Our expertise and capabilities are in medical devices and software-based solutions. We currently don’t have capacity to support drugs, biologics, or process improvements.
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A team is not a requirement for applications. Having the right people on the team at the various stages of the healthcare innovation journey is crucial to success. So if you already have them, that’s a bonus.
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Yes, but remember we want you to be committed to the project so your best application will likely be an unmet need you have been thinking about for a while.
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IHealthE will not take equity as part of its support.
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All information provided will be treated commercial in confidence. The review panel will be held to strict conflict of interest disclosure. We don’t expect you to provide confidential information during the application process. Confidentiality agreements can be signed by both parties if requested.
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IHealthE will not assert IP rights as part of the Innovation Catalyst Program, however, joint work with collaborative parties (e.g. UNSW researchers, other clinicians) that could result in co-creation of intellectual property has to be assessed and agreed to by the program participants. Emergent IP will be monitored by the Program Manager of IHealthE with a view to IP protection if and when necessary. We are committed to fair and equitable management of IP. Equitable management of IP will depend on a range of factors including the maturity of the solution being developed, sources of funding, employment relationships and inventive contribution. We aim to provide clear and personalised advice on guidelines and best practices to ensure appropriate pathways for effective protection of IP based on the circumstances.
Strategy & Innovation Team
There are a number of ways to start your innovation process with Tyree IHealthE. Fill in a request for a consultation using this short form and one of our team will be in touch.
Dr Ian Goon | COO & Head of Strategy and Innovation
Scott Hebenton | Strategy and Innovation Project Officer
Claire Bridges | Clinical Engagement Project Officer
Prof Peter Spencer | Professor of Practice
Prof John Parker | Professor of Practice