Australia’s University of Wollongong has recently signed a strategic collaboration in Visakhapatnam (Vizag), India.
The collaboration will bring its expertise in 3D bioprinting techniques to AMTZ, India’s first integrated medical devices manufacturing zone.
The Agreement
According to a recent press release, the signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) will be establishing several initiatives on research and training.
Included in the collaborative research initiatives being pursued by both the University and AMTZ is a project to develop a scan and printing package to produce 3D printed ears.
This will be coupled with innovative programs to support widespread deployment of the technology in India and Australia.
Joint training initiatives will primarily focus on 3D biofabrication.
Who are involved?
The University’s Translational Research Initiative for Cellular Engineering and Printing (TRICEP) will provide critical input into both research and training initiatives.
TRICEP houses world-leading research infrastructure to develop innovative technologies in 3D bioprinting.
These include printer manufacturing, biomaterials, and bioinks.
The team from the University was led by Distinguished Professor Gordon Wallace, AO, who is Director of the ARC Centre of Excellence for Electromaterials Science.
The Distinguished Professor is an internationally renowned researcher in the field of electromaterials science.
He is particularly known for his innovative use of nanotechnology in conjunction with organic conductors to create new materials for energy conversion and storage, as well as medical bionics.
As a research-intensive university with internationally renowned expertise in this field, the University is very proud to be part of this exciting new precinct that will put India on the global map of high end medical equipment production,
In addition, not only will this precinct make health care products more affordable and accessible in India but also across the world.
Other members of the visiting delegation include representatives from Austrade and Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
The MOU would provide avenues for further collaboration in research, teaching and manufacturing between the University and AMTZ.
Andhra Pradesh Medtech Zone
Andhra Pradesh Medtech Zone (AMTZ) is India’s first integrated medical devices manufacturing zone under the Government of Andhra Pradesh.
It is being created in order to provide a one-stop solution covering common scientific, manufacturing and commercial facilities for medical device manufacturers and innovators.
OpenGov Asia recently reported on Australian and Indian universities collaborate for Asian Smart Cities Network.
La Trobe University, together with the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IIT Kanpur) and the Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani (BITS Pilani), launched the Asian Smart Cities Research and Innovation Network (ASCRIN).
The aim of the large-scale initiative is to build a critical mass of resources, know-how and targeted research strength from the three universities.