Experiential Training Courses for Medical Technology and Pharmaceutical Translation

Introduction. Medical technology and pharmaceutical innovation/translation is a highly complicated process requiring multidisciplinary teams to work together in a stringent regulatory environment. To boost the translation of biomedical research in Australia, a gap was identified in the course offerings to higher degree and postdoctoral innovators, as well as professionals in the ecosystem. Experiential training was identified as a need, ie. provision of real-life biomedical enterprise environments to develop confident, action-orientated, adaptable and impact-driven skills and mindsets.
Aims. To empower biomedical innovators to confidently take ownership of their invention, career path and ability to change the world. To support development of future leaders that will create successful Australian companies and patient benefits through the translation of Australia’s world-class medical research.
Methods. Experiential training courses, based on international best practice, have been adapted to suit local ecosystems across four states in Australia. Entrepreneurial Mindset Boot camps help participants to identify their vision for the future, and utilise their exceptional expertise and/or inventions to their advantage using lean methods. The Concept-to-Creation course assists innovators at company startup phase to test the market, form a team and develop a strong business model. SPARK Monash, Perth Biodesign and Adelaide Biodesign form multidisciplinary and cross-sector teams who undertake clinical engagement/immersion to identify unmet clinical needs, invent a new technology concept and shape the early stage business case. SPARK Global bioinnovation courses provide a 2 week hands-on experience of solving healthcare problems in international, multidisciplinary teams.
Results. Since 2017, over 300 participants have completed Accelerating Australia-supported courses nationally and internationally. Trainees have since won commercial grants, seed funding and placements in accelerator programs. Surveys suggest substantial mindset shifts, enhanced confidence and increased adaptability in participants of courses.
Discussion. A wide variety of integrated, experiential training courses were applied with great results in instilling both new translational skills and a can-do attitude in higher degree and postdoctoral innovators, along with professionals from the broader ecosystem.