MedTech Actuator Menzies Scholarships now open

/ News / By

Are you a researcher in MedTech, BioTech or HealthTech looking to explore entrepreneurship and commercialisation? Do you have a research project with market translation potential? Apply now for 2021 MedTech Actuator Menzies Scholarships!

After an outstanding pilot cohort, MedTech Actuator and Menzies Foundation are launching a second call for 2021 MedTech Actuator Menzies Scholarships. Applications are open now!

Together with MedTech Actuator, the Foundation aims to support high potential science entrepreneurs transition from institutional contexts and navigate the ‘funding and resource cliff’ between research and the development of investable enterprises. Ten researchers will each receive a tailored learning experience, access to exclusive industry events and a one-off, $1,000 stipend to explore entrepreneurship and commercialisation.

Scholarships are available to scientists in MedTech, BioTech or HealthTech or researchers who may be undertaking their honours, masters, PhD or PostDoc – or perhaps have recently started working in industry.

“Researchers make some of the most promising entrepreneurs – they are curious, natural problem solvers, humble and used to getting back on their feet after experiment failures.” – Dr Buzz Palmer, CEO MedTech Actuator

Scholarship recipients will be provided with unparalleled networking opportunities, leadership mentoring and insights into a career that fuses science, research, and entrepreneurship.

The three-month scholarship will run from October to December and can be undertaken remotely while studying and working. Valued over $10,000, scholars will have access to the MedTech Actuator knowledge hub, online workshops, a three-day intensive from November 15 – 17 and the MedTech Actuator Showcase on December 9.

“The MedTech Actuator Menzies Scholarship helped me improve my understanding of the MedTech industry, and I am already applying this new knowledge to our initiatives in women’s health technologies. I am extremely grateful to the MedTech Actuator and Menzies Foundation for providing me with this opportunity!”

– Ritesh Warty, MedTech Actuator Menzies Scholar

Scholarship recipients will learn alongside Australia’s best emerging entrepreneurs competing in the MedTech Actuator Origin pitch competition. In the final month of the scholarship, recipients will attend the MedTech Actuator Showcase and network with the largest names in global MedTech corporates, clinicians, ecosystem VIPs and investors.

Beyond these unique insights and opportunities, scholarship recipients will gain an extensive overview of entrepreneurship, the startup ecosystem and the commercialisation process. Topics will include business modelling, pitching, intellectual property, product development, branding, path-to-market, and more.

Key dates:

  • Applications open July 5 – August 20

  • Shortlisted candidates notified August 25

  • Video interviews September 9

  • Menzies Scholarship outcomes released September 15

  • Menzies Scholarship Lunches October

  • MedTech Actuator Origin intensive November 15 – 17

  • MedTech Actuator Showcase Gala December 9

    The MedTech Actuator Menzies Scholarship will support the scientific community’s commercialisation capacity by facilitating knowledge transfer from industry to scientists and researchers.

    If you are an academic or industry scientist or researcher – or you know one – you can find out more about the scholarship and apply here

    Related Posts

    Natasha Eskinja

    Digital Communications Coordinator

    Natasha is driven by a profound passion for both creativity and analytics, a synergy that fosters authentic storytelling in the digital realm with both innovation and integrity. 

    Throughout her career, she has consistently integrated the overarching marketing and communications narrative with the emotional connections of audiences. She is currently pursuing a Certificate in Society and the Individual from Flinders University, furthering her exploration of human behaviour and the critical importance of connectedness between organisations, individuals, and communities.

    LinkedIn | natasha.eskinja@menziesfoundation.org.au

    Sarah Jenkins

    Strategic Communications Manager

    Sarah has more than 18 years’ experience in communications and marketing leadership across a range of sectors.

    Communications strategy and organisational growth is a continuing theme in Sarah’s career. Most recently, she leads the development of a Leadership Movement, evaluated by Menzies Viral Co-efficient Model; a contribution to the NFP. 

    Sarah’s early career centred around best practice in marketing and communications which later culminated into the establishment of her very own agency. This work extensively spanned across PR, traditional media, event management, strategy, digital marketing, graphic design and business development consultancy. 

    In 2019, Sarah joined the lean and robust team at the Menzies Foundation. She has since crafted the Foundation’s narrative and communication strategy. The development of this strategic communications platform is essential for ‘movement building’ and requires a strong strategic, management and communication skills set. Sarah has brought so much to this important work, which sits at the forefront of communication practice. 

    Sarah continues to contribute to the NFP sector through her commitment to Purpose; as she reflects on her own leadership, builds her own leadership capability and contributes to the greater good. 

    LinkedIn | sarah.jenkins@menziesfoundation.org.au | 0401 880 071

    Rohan Martyres

    Director, Strategy and Partnerships

    Rohan has 15 years’ experience in facilitating cross-sector collaborations to address complex social and health challenges.  He has worked with the World Economic Forum in Australia, led an international conflict resolution field team in Nepal, and directed a 10-year £40m initiative to reduce health inequity in London.

    Most recently, Rohan was Major Grants Development Manager at the Ian Potter Foundation.  He refined the foundation’s major grants strategy, and co-developed a series of large scale initiatives, including joint philanthropic-government funding for a new national organization to support place-based approaches across Australia.

    Rohan has held several non-executive roles, including with an international NGO and with London Funders, the peak body of independent foundations in London.  He holds several qualifications including a graduate degree in innovation and strategy from the Judge Business School, University of Cambridge.

    When Rohan isn’t exploring Melbourne’s creeks with his partner and 6yo daughter, he’s working on his currently weak Australian accent (after 15 years in the UK).

    LinkedIn | rohan.martyres@menziesfoundation.org.au | 0404 505 954

    Trudy Morrison

    Operations Manager

    A marketing and communications specialist with over 20 years experience in government, corporate and consumer marketing, Trudy brings her adaptive and organisational project management skills to the Menzies Foundation team. 

    With a BA degree in Public Relations, Trudy began her career with the City of Melbourne and in magazine publishing, before moving into marketing communications consulting. She has worked in strategic marketing leadership roles with retail brands and enjoys juggling many projects and tasks simultaneously. Her skills were further enhanced when managing her own communications business representing industries across private education, financial services, aviation, government and the health industry. 

    Trudy is passionate about leadership and all people being encouraged to reach their full potential through research and educational initiatives and opportunities throughout Australia. A skilled and accomplished writer and editor Trudy is enthusiastic about bringing her variety of skills to the Menzies Foundation team. 

    LinkedIn | trudy.morrison@menziesfoundation.org.au | 0402 361 878

    Liz Gillies

    Chief Executive Officer

    Liz Gillies has had over 25 years experience in a range of fields focused on initiatives for social impact. She has held roles in multiple sectors and academia.

    In 2018, Liz was appointed CEO of the Menzies Foundation which aspires to build a leadership movement that supports Australians to pivot to purpose, build their leadership capability and contribute to the ‘greater good’.

    Liz joined the Melbourne Business School in 2009 and was instrumental in establishing the Asia Pacific Social Impact Centre (APSIC) and The Centre for Ethical Leadership. In November 2011 she was appointed as research fellow to lead a partnership focused on strategic philanthropy which culminated in the release of the reports: Philanthropy: Towards a Better Practice Model (2018) and the Philanthropy: The Continued Journey to Real Impact and better Practice (2021).

    Liz has extensive governance experience, having served on the Board of the Publish Galleries Association of Victoria, Social Firms Australia, Uniting Care Community Options, United Way Australia and the Development Committee of the Towards a Just Society Foundation. She is currently on the Philanthropy Reference Group of Barmal Bijiril and a Director of Philanthropy Australia.

    LinkedIn | liz.gillies@menziesfoundation.org.au | 0416 112 703

    Natasha Eskinja

    Digital Communications Coordinator

    Natasha is driven by a profound passion for both creativity and analytics, a synergy that fosters authentic storytelling in the digital realm with both innovation and integrity. 

    Throughout her career, she has consistently integrated the overarching marketing and communications narrative with the emotional connections of audiences. She is currently pursuing a Certificate in Society and the Individual from Flinders University, furthering her exploration of human behaviour and the critical importance of connectedness between organisations, individuals, and communities.

    natasha.eskinja@menziesfoundation.org.au