NSW Medical Devices Fund (MDF) – Round 14

Purpose and Program Overview

The NSW Health Medical Devices Fund (MDF) is a competitive grants program administered by the NSW Government through the Office for Health and Medical Research (OHMR). The program is designed to bridge the funding gap that often exists between early-stage research and the commercial maturity required to attract substantial private investment. By providing direct financial support, the MDF enables eligible entities to advance innovative medical devices and technologies from concept through to commercialisation within the New South Wales health system.

Round 14 of the program makes available a total funding pool of up to $8.2 million. Individual grants range from $500,000 to $5,000,000 (excluding GST), enabling recipients to undertake substantive project activities across the medical device product life cycle. The program supports a multi-stage application process, with preliminary applications assessed before shortlisted applicants are invited to submit a full application.

The Medical Devices Fund plays a strategic role in driving local innovation, supporting NSW-based entities to bring cost-effective, patient-improving technologies to market. The program aligns with the NSW Health Research and Innovation Strategy and reinforces the state’s commitment to growing its health technology sector. Round 14 specifically encourages applications addressing Women’s Health, Aboriginal Health, and projects led by Female Entrepreneurs, while remaining open to all eligible applicants regardless of their focus area.

Key Grant Details

• Funding Range: $500,000 – $5,000,000 per application (excluding GST)
• Total Funding Pool: Up to $8.2 million across all successful applicants in Round 14
• Application Open Date: 5 May 2026
• Preliminary Application Close Date: 9 June 2026, 5:00 PM AEST
• Full Application: By invitation only (following shortlisting of preliminary applications)
• Eligible Industries and Entity Types: Medical devices industry, universities, public and private hospitals, medical research institutes, other public sector research organisations, commercial enterprises, and individuals
• Co-contribution: No mandatory co-contribution specified; however, applicants must demonstrate that private or alternative funding is insufficient to proceed without government support
• Location Applicability: New South Wales only — applicants must be headquartered in NSW or agree to relocate to NSW during the application process; the majority of project activities must occur in NSW
• Administering Agency: NSW Health — Office for Health and Medical Research (OHMR)

Priority Sectors

Round 14 explicitly encourages applications aligned with the following NSW Health Research and Innovation Strategy priorities:

• Women’s Health
• Aboriginal Health
• Projects led by Female Entrepreneurs

Applications that do not address these priorities remain eligible. The program is open to a broad range of medical device and health technology projects, provided they meet the overall objectives of improving patient outcomes and contributing to the NSW Health system.

Funding Scope

• Minimum Grant Amount: $500,000 (excl. GST) per application
• Maximum Grant Amount: $5,000,000 (excl. GST) per application
• Total Program Pool: Up to $8.2 million for Round 14
• Funding Streams: The program does not specify separate funding streams or categories (e.g. feasibility, capital works). All eligible project activities across the medical device product life cycle are supported within the single funding envelope
• Project Timeline: Project duration and eligible activity periods are not prescribed on a fixed basis; the funding agreement will specify reporting and accountability obligations for the duration of the funded term
• Minimum Technology Readiness Level: Projects must be at a minimum of Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 3 at the time of application

Eligibility Criteria

All applications undergo an eligibility check. Applications that do not satisfy all criteria will not be assessed. To be eligible, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• The application must relate to a medical device or technology that satisfies the statutory definition of a medical device at the time of submission.
• Applicants that are commercial entities must be financially viable companies or commercial enterprises headquartered in NSW (or willing to relocate to NSW), hold an active Australian Business Number (ABN), have an annual turnover of less than $25 million, and operate as a recognised legal entity.
• Individual applicants must be based in NSW and agree to form an appropriate legal entity so that the NSW Government can enter into a binding funding agreement.
• NSW public research organisations must apply through their technology transfer office or via the CEO or equivalent authorised representative.
• Applicants must hold the intellectual property (IP) or possess the rights to commercialise the medical device or technology in question.
• The project must be at a minimum of Technology Readiness Level 3 at the time of application.
• The majority of project activities must be undertaken in NSW.
• Applicants must demonstrate that adequate funding for the full project cannot be sourced from alternative channels, and that the project would not proceed at the proposed scale in NSW without government support.

Who Cannot Apply

• International companies or Australian subsidiaries of international companies
• Subsidiaries of Australian companies (the parent organisation must apply and satisfy eligibility criteria)
• Australian Government agencies
• Any entity that does not satisfy the eligibility criteria listed above

Eligible Activities and Expenses

The program funds activities that contribute to the objectives of the MDF. Eligible activities include, but are not limited to:

• Device development, including proof-of-concept studies, prototyping, and piloting
• Manufacturing samples for product trials
• Clinical assessment and evaluation activities
• Locating and engaging with relevant national and international trials and research
• Business planning, market assessments, and product assessments
• Intellectual property management and associated legal activities
• Commercialisation activities
• Capital raising support activities

Ineligible Activities and Expenses

The following costs and activities are excluded from funding under this program:

• Acquisition of land and buildings
• Capital works and general infrastructure costs
• Any costs directly related to research (as distinct from commercialisation)
• PhD stipends
• Visa, relocation, and dependent costs
• Insurance and mobile phones
• Fees for international students or associated student liabilities
• Donations, gifts, fines, and penalty payments

Assessment Process

The NSW Medical Devices Fund operates as a competitive grants program. Applications are not automatically entitled to funding; all eligible submissions are assessed and ranked by an Expert Panel before recommendations are made for Ministerial approval.

Assessment Stages

• Stage 1 — Eligibility Check: All submitted applications are assessed for compliance with eligibility criteria. Non-compliant applications are not progressed.
• Stage 2 — Preliminary Application Review: Technical experts provide advice to the Expert Panel on the quality and eligibility of each application. The Panel determines which applications proceed to full application.
• Stage 3 — Full Application Review: Invited applicants submit a full application. Further review may include a presentation or interview, by invitation only.
• Stage 4 — Funding Recommendation: The Expert Panel ranks eligible full applications and provides recommendations on suitability for funding to NSW Health officials.
• Stage 5 — Decision and Notification: NSW Health officials make a final recommendation for Ministerial approval. All applicants are notified of the outcome.
• Stage 6 — Funding Agreement: Successful applicants execute a funding agreement with NSW Health specifying obligations, reporting requirements, and conditions for the return of unspent funds.

Key Assessment Criteria

• Impact on health outcomes
• Economic, social, and/or environmental impact for NSW
• Impact on clinical practice
• Innovation
• Commercialisation pathway
• Demonstrated funding need
• Team expertise and capability

Recent Program Updates

• Current Round: Round 14 (2026) is currently open, with preliminary applications accepted from 5 May 2026.
• Application Deadline: Preliminary applications close 9 June 2026 at 5:00 PM AEST. Full applications are by invitation only.
• Information Session: An information session for Round 14 was scheduled during May 2026, providing applicants with an overview of the program and guidance on what constitutes a strong application. Details are available via the OHMR Medical Devices Fund portal at medicalresearch.nsw.gov.au.
• Updated Program Guidelines: The Program Guidelines 2026 (updated May 2026) are available for download from the official NSW Government grants page. Applicants should refer to the current guidelines as they supersede any prior versions.
• Recent Recipients: Recent funded projects under the MDF include Aria Research Pty Ltd ($2,000,000), Inventia Life Science Pty Ltd ($3,469,000), LevTech Lifesciences Pty Ltd ($2,077,961), Medlogical Innovations ($2,500,000), and SDIP Innovations Pty Ltd ($4,065,000).

Application Tips

• Confirm Eligibility Early: Review all eligibility criteria in the Program Guidelines 2026 before commencing the application. Applications that fail any eligibility requirement will not be assessed, regardless of project merit.
• Prepare Documentation in Advance: The required supporting documentation — including financial statements, IP evidence, technical and clinical feasibility evidence, and the Business Model Canvas — involves significant preparation time. Applicants should begin collating these materials well before the closing date.
• Produce a Compelling 3-Minute Pitch Video: The pitch video is a mandatory component of the preliminary application. It should clearly articulate the problem being solved, the target patient population, the health system impact, market dynamics, the business model, and how the requested funds will advance commercialisation.
• Align with Program Priorities: Applications addressing Women’s Health, Aboriginal Health, or led by Female Entrepreneurs will receive prioritised consideration in Round 14. Where relevant, applicants should clearly demonstrate this alignment in their submission.
• Demonstrate Funding Need: Applicants must show that the project could not proceed at the proposed scale without government support. Generic statements are insufficient; evidence of funding gaps and the limitations of available alternatives should be specific and substantiated.
• Attend the Information Session: The Round 14 information session, held during May 2026, provided detailed guidance on the application process and what successful submissions look like. The recording or summary, if available via the OHMR portal, is a valuable resource.
• Submit Before the Deadline: Applications must be submitted electronically to MOH-OHMRGrants@health.nsw.gov.au by 5:00 PM AEST on 9 June 2026. Note the 20MB file size limit and ensure files are named correctly as per the guidelines.
• Seek Expert Advice: Given the competitive nature and complexity of the application requirements, applicants are encouraged to engage a qualified grant specialist to assist with eligibility assessment, document preparation, and application strategy.

Where to Get Help

Consider engaging a grant specialist for this application. Pattens Group offers personalised eligibility assessments and expert assistance in preparing strong, compliant, and competitive grant applications. With over 35 years of experience in the Australian grants landscape and a 100% success rate, Pattens Group is well-positioned to assist organisations seeking to maximise their chances of success under the NSW Medical Devices Fund Round 14. Contact Pattens Group today to discuss your eligibility and receive guidance tailored to your project and organisational profile. For official guidelines, application forms, templates, and further program information, visit the NSW Government Medical Devices Fund page and the OHMR portal.