Innovation Central Adelaide joined clinicians, engineers, researchers, and industry leaders to tackle one of medtech’s most pressing questions: how do we build testing approaches for 3D-printed medical devices that are trusted, practical, and ready for real-world adoption?
On April 17, Innovation Central Adelaide (ICA) took part in the 3D Printed Medical Device Seminar, hosted by Flinders University and the Flinders Factory of the Future, and organised by Rami Al-Dirini and the team at the Medical Device Research Institute (MDRI).
With ICA Director Dr Kathryn Anderson unavailable on the day, Technology Advisor Richard Dodsworth stepped in to facilitate a 60-minute structured group discussion bringing together researchers, clinicians, engineers, and industry representatives around a shared challenge that sits at the heart of Australia’s medtech ambitions.
The session worked through six carefully sequenced questions, taking participants from the surface of the challenge to its depth: the devices they work with and what a good test needs to tell them; where current standards fall short; how they view biomimetic testing; what a future testing approach should include; and critically, who is still missing from this conversation. Every perspective in the room was captured.
These insights matter. Australia has significant potential in the 3D-printed medical device space, but realising that potential depends on establishing testing frameworks that regulators, clinicians, and manufacturers can all trust. Structured, inclusive conversations like this one are what turn a workshop into a genuine catalyst for change.
Richard also highlighted the collaborative platform available through ICA and through its intersection with the Medical Device Partnering Program (MDPP), Factory of the Future, and the Australian National Fabrication Facility (ANFF) — partnering with innovators, researchers, and industry to drive the digital transformation of technologies from concept to real-world impact.
Thank you to Rami Al-Dirini and the MDRI team for bringing this event to life, and for including ICA in the conversation. We look forward to continuing to work together to advance this important field.
