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Applications are open for the Digital Health Festival delegation 2026!

December 18, 2025
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Join Medtech-iQ Aotearoa at the Digital Health Festival 2026!

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Medtech-iQ Aotearoa, powered by Te Tītoki Mataora | MedTech Research Translator, is inviting researchers, clinicians and start-ups to be part of our delegation to the Digital Health Festival 2026 – a leading industry conference in Melbourne, Australia.

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This two-day festival brings together the national health innovation ecosystem with 400+ speakers, 350+ exhibitors and 8000+ attendees. The Medtech-iQ Aotearoa delegation is an opportunity for New Zealand innovators to connect and learn from international leaders, build Trans-Tasman collaborations and position your work on the international stage.

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As a delegate, you can gain access to key opportunities: exhibit your research or start-up on the New Zealand pavilion, pitch your research in a competition with Monash University, and network with health innovators

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Find more conference information here.

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Delegation Information

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Location: Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre. 1 Convention Centre Pl, South Wharf VIC 3006, Australia.  

Dates: Tuesday 19th May 2026 – Thursday 21stMay 2026

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‍Draft programme:

  • Tuesday 19th May
    • MedTech Without Borders: Monash University / Medtech-iQ Aotearoa pitch competition. Time TBC
  • Wednesday 20th May
    • Digital Health Festival Conference Day 1. All day
    • 6x start-up exhibition opportunities available with New Zealand pavilion
  • Thursday 21st May
    • Digital Health Festival Conference Day 2. All day
    • 6x research exhibition opportunities available with New Zealand pavilion

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MedTech Without Borders is a Trans-Tasman pitch competition hosted in partnership with Monash University. Three selected projects from each country will present a 5-minute pitch to an expert panel, competing for recognition and cross-border opportunities. This event is also an opportunity for all delegates to network with the Melbourne research translation ecosystem.

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The Opportunity for Researchers and Clinicians

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Applications are open to researchers and clinicians across Aotearoa New Zealand who are working on a medical technology project. Researchers and clinicians can access funded delegate positions with the opportunity to showcase and pitch your work during the programme.

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A funded delegate position includes:

  • New Zealand to Melbourne return economy flights *
  • 2x nights' accommodation (19th - 21st May)
  • 1x general admission conference ticket to the 2-day Digital Health Festival
  • Return transport to Monash University on the 19th May

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*Flights and accommodation costs, up to $1,800 NZD will be funded as above.

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Exhibition and pitch opportunities:

  1. The Digital Health Festival includes a significant exhibition hall with a range of digital health companies, including the New Zealand pavilion. There are 6 exhibition opportunties available to researchers on the 21st May (DHF Day 2). Please note your interest in exhibiting on the application form.
  2. The MedTech Without Borders event is a pitch competition for 3 NZ projects and 3 AUS projects. Please note your interest in pitching on the application form.

Further information will be provided closer to the time if you have indicated your interest in these opportunities.

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Apply here: Digital Health Festival 2026 - Researcher Expression of Interest – Fill out form

Applications close 20 February 2026

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The Opportunity for Start-ups

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Applications are open to New Zealand MedTech start-up companies who would like to exhibit on the New Zealand pavilion at the Digital Health Festival.

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A delegate position includes:

  • 1-day exhibition space on the New Zealand pavilion alongside leading digital health companies.
    • A complete stand is provided with your branded graphic on the back
    • There is room for you to bring a laptop, device, or other material to showcase your company
  • 2x general admission conference tickets to the 2-day Digital Health Festival
  • Return transport to Monash University on 19th May

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Price

For companies to exhibit on the New Zealand pavilion, there is a small fee depending on the stage of your company:

  • Early-stage university spin-out companies who have not raised any funding - $0 (no cost)
  • Early-stage University spin-out companies who have had their first successful funding round - $1,667.00 NZD
  • All other start-up companies - $3,333.00 NZD

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Apply here: Digital Health Festival 2026 - Start-up Expression of Interest – Fill out form

Applications close 20 February 2026

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