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Join Medtech-iQ Aotearoa at the Digital Health Festival 2026!
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.
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.
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
Find more conference information here.
Delegation Information
Location: Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre. 1 Convention Centre Pl, South Wharf VIC 3006, Australia.
Dates: Tuesday 19th May 2026 – Thursday 21stMay 2026
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
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.
The Opportunity for Researchers and Clinicians
Applications are open to researchers and clinicians across Aotearoa New Zealand who are working on a medical technology project funded by the Te Titoki Mataora Research Acceleration Project (RAP). Researchers and clinicians can access funded delegate positions with the opportunity to showcase and pitch your work during the programme.
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
*Flights and accommodation costs, up to $1,800 NZD will be funded as above.
Other researchers and clinicians are invited to be part of this delegation but will need to fund themselves.
Exhibition and pitch opportunities:
- 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.
- 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.
Apply here: Digital Health Festival 2026 - Researcher Expression of Interest – Fill out form
Applications close 20 February 2026
The Opportunity for Start-ups
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.
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
Note: Delegate positions are open to all New Zealand MedTech start-ups but please see fee structure below.
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 companies, where the research groups have received RAP funding and who have not raised any funding - $0 (no cost)
- Early-stage University spin-out companies, where the research groups have received RAP funding and have had their first successful funding round - $1,900 NZD
- All other start-up companies - $3,800.00 NZD
Associated travel costs will need to be covered by the start-up.
Apply here: Digital Health Festival 2026 - Start-up Expression of Interest – Fill out form
Applications close 20 February 2026
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