Global medical technology company Stryker has opened its Australian research and development (R&D) lab in Brisbane, Queensland as part of a partnership with the Innovative Manufacturing Cooperative Research Centre (IMCRC).
Located in Brisbane’s Herston Health Precinct, a collaborative community of health facilities, medical research institutes, universities, and organisations, the R&D lab will focus on digital, robotics, enabling technology and advanced manufacturing research.
The lab established with the support of the Queensland Government, the University of Queensland, Queensland University of Technology and Metro North Hospital and Health Service to accelerate the translation of research within Australia’s medical technology ecosystem.
Stryker’s investment in the R&D Lab stems from its five-year, collaborative research project with IMCRC, RMIT University, St Vincent’s Hospital, University of Technology Sydney, University of Sydney and University of Melbourne.
The IMCRC project, which commenced in 2017, combined 3D printing, robotic surgery and advanced manufacturing to create patient-specific bone implants to treat bone cancers and tumours.
CEO and managing director of IMCRC, David Chuter, congratulated Stryker on the opening of its lab and recognised its ongoing contribution to Australia’s medtech manufacturing ecosystem.
“As a company at the forefront of medical technology, Stryker’s expanded presence in Australia will generate significant opportunities for researchers, universities and local industry, creating skilled jobs and pathways for collaboration,” Chuter said.
“IMCRC is delighted that, following our successful collaborative R&D partnership, Stryker has invested in this landmark R&D facility and deepened their commitment to medical research innovation in Australia.”
Maurice Ben-Mayor, president of Stryker South Pacific, said Stryker’s project with IMCRC demonstrated the importance of collaborative, open R&D and helped shape their current approach to innovation.
“We are delighted to take our next steps in Australia and support its future as a world leader in medtech with the opening of our R&D lab.
“With its world-class research institutions and highly skilled workforce, Australia has the capabilities Stryker needs to develop and produce the next generation of innovative medical technology,” Ben-Mayor said.
“By supporting the establishment of meaningful partnerships between research institutions and industry, and by providing the right incentives and framework, we can deliver critical, globally relevant innovations that lead to local medical manufacturing opportunities,” Chuter added.
“We must continue to attract more globally leading businesses like Stryker to invest in Australia and utilise our world-class research and innovation expertise, especially where this can enhance our manufacturing capabilities,” he said.