Kia ora
Welcome to the September Edition of the HTA Monthly Wrap.
From startup success stories and global recognition to new leadership in digital health and practical tools for quality compliance, September has been a month of progress and impact.
Health New Zealand has taken a major step in system-wide innovation with the appointment of an AI lead, tasked with delivering one innovation project per month through to early 2026. This marks a more structured approach to embedding technology in health services and opens the door to greater collaboration with innovators.
At the same time, government reforms are reshaping New Zealand’s research and commercialisation landscape. As part of these changes, the HealthTech Activator will transition into the New Zealand Institute for Advanced Technology (NZIAT), ensuring continuity of services while positioning healthtech alongside other breakthrough fields such as AI, quantum, and advanced manufacturing.
Looking ahead, October brings a series of capability-building events: an Introduction to ISO 13485 webinar (7 Oct), a Health Economics workshop (9 Oct, Christchurch), and a Commercial Planning & Strategy workshop (14 Oct, Auckland). Full details can be found in the HTA Events section below and on the HTA website.
The government has also announced support for New Zealand’s Digital Twin collaboration, a cross-sector initiative linking industry, research, and government. Led by the University of Auckland’s Bioengineering Institute in partnership with the University of Texas Oden Institute, PHF Science, and the Bioeconomy Science Institute, the NZ–US programme will accelerate the use of advanced modelling. Digital Twin technology creates virtual models of physical systems and has significant potential in healthcare, from simulating patient pathways to modelling disease spread and stress-testing hospital infrastructure. Backing this collaboration signals a commitment to advanced digital tools that complement healthtech innovation and strengthen system resilience.
HTA Resource Spotlight: Directory
The HTA Directory is a national platform designed to connect New Zealand’s healthtech ecosystem. It brings together companies, clinicians, researchers, and investors, making it easier to find the right partners and collaborators at every stage of the innovation journey. Whether you’re seeking clinical input, research expertise, or investment connections, the Directory helps you navigate the sector and build the relationships that support growth and success.
