Kia ora from the HealthTech Activator team
Welcome to the March edition of the HealthTech Activator (HTA) Monthly Wrap.
As Aotearoa’s dedicated healthtech commercialisation support programme, we are proud to stand alongside the innovators, researchers, and supporters shaping the future of healthtech. This month, we bring you important updates on the HTA’s future, celebrate visionary leaders making an impact in the sector, and highlight essential resources to support your journey.
Continuing Support for HealthTech Innovators
The HTA will transition to the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) in 2026 following Callaghan Innovation’s disestablishment and continues to operate with ongoing funding. This decision ensures uninterrupted support for New Zealand’s healthtech innovators, offering expertise in areas such as reimbursement, clinical and market validation, regulatory strategy, and capital planning.
For those already engaged with HTA, it’s business as usual, and for those considering support, now is a great time to connect.
Bringing health technologies to market requires persistence, expert guidance, and the right resources. HTA remains fully operational, committed to helping innovators develop safe, effective, and commercially viable solutions.
Clinical Validation Resources: Essential for HealthTech Success
Clinical validation is a crucial milestone for any healthtech innovation seeking to gain traction in the market.
Whether you're aiming for regulatory approval, building investor confidence, or ensuring widespread adoption, robust clinical validation is key. The HTA offers a detailed resource to guide you through every step of the clinical validation process - from defining your evidence requirements to designing impactful studies. This comprehensive guide provides practical insights to help you strengthen your strategy, ensuring that your innovation meets the necessary standards for success in both regulatory environments and the marketplace.
To learn more and stay updated on available resources visit HealthTech Activator.
Join us for a comprehensive workshop designed to enhance your understanding of the clinical investigation process HealthTech Activator - Clinical Investigation Process for Medical Devices Workshop.
Celebrating Leadership in HealthTech – 2025 Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year
Aotearoa is shaped by extraordinary individuals whose leadership and vision drive meaningful change. The Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year Awards celebrate those making a lasting impact, and we congratulate this year’s winners and finalists for their dedication to improving lives across the country.
A special tribute goes to Professor Bev Lawton ONZM (Ngāti Porou), a champion for women’s health. As the founder and director of Te Tātai Hauora o Hine, her groundbreaking work in cervical cancer screening, maternal health, and Māori health equity has transformed healthcare outcomes. Her advocacy was instrumental in New Zealand becoming the first high-income country to introduce HPV self-testing as the primary cervical screening method—an achievement that will benefit countless wāhine across Aotearoa.
A special mention also goes to Professor Simon Malpas, co-founder and CEO of Kitea Health, an HTA-associated company, who was named a finalist for the 2025 Spark New Zealand Innovator of the Year award. This award recognises individuals whose innovations have made a significant impact over the past year, serving as role models and driving meaningful progress for New Zealanders.
Simon’s nomination is a testament to his visionary leadership and unwavering dedication to innovation, built on decades of research at the Auckland Bioengineering Institute, The University of Auckland, and his contributions to the life science sector - most recently through his work at Kitea Health.
These awards highlight the power of innovation, determination, and compassion. From healthcare and science to social justice and the arts, past and present honourees continue to inspire change, paving the way for a healthier and more equitable future. Ngā mihi nui to all who have been recognised - New Zealand is proud to celebrate your contributions.
As the healthtech sector continues to evolve, the HTA remains committed to supporting innovators in bringing life-changing solutions to market. We look forward to seeing what the future holds and wish you an inspiring and productive month ahead.
