Global medical technology group Stryker will establish its first Australian research and development (R&D) facility in Queensland, thanks to support from the Queensland Government, QUT and The University of Queensland.
President of Stryker South Pacific Maurice Ben-Mayor said he was proud of Stryker's new partnership and grateful for the opportunity to drive forward medical technology innovation together.
The new R&D Lab will be located at the Herston Health Precinct in inner Brisbane.
"With a thriving ecosystem of world-class research, science and health sector capability, Queensland was a clear choice for Stryker to further expand its Australian presence," Mr Ben-Mayor said.
"Stryker has led innovation in medical technology for 80 years. In pursuit of our mission to make healthcare better, we invest significantly in R&D and innovation globally.
"As a result of our partnership in Queensland, I look forward to directing some of Stryker's R&D investment towards Australia."
Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) and ARC Laureate Fellow Professor Christopher Barner-Kowollik welcomed the announcement and said QUT researchers and Stryker would continue to partner on projects with great synergies to all parties.
"QUT has long been recognised as an international leader in robotics and biomedical engineering, with two orthopaedic surgeons in our engineering faculty," Professor Barner-Kowollik said.
"We have a long-standing relationship with Stryker in developing robotic device technologies.
"We recognise engineering technology and robotics will drive key changes in medicine in the next few decades and we look forward to the continued opportunities our researchers will have in working on real-world projects with Stryker as a partner."
Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development Steven Miles said attracting multinational companies like Stryker to Queensland was part of the state's economic recovery plan.
"Stryker is a Fortune 500 company recognised internationally for their high-quality medical products, equipment, services and innovative approach to R&D," he said.
"Our focus is on creating jobs and strengthening high growth industries by attracting leading private investors like Stryker.
"Stryker's Brisbane facility will focus on cutting edge advance research into data science, robotics, disease and infection control and advanced manufacturing research."
Queensland Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Yvette D'Ath said Stryker's R&D Lab would make a positive impact on Queensland patients at the Herston Health Precinct.
"Stryker's presence and collaboration with Metro North Health, and the Herston Biofabrication Institute, will give Queenslanders early access to new and emerging technologies," Ms D'Ath said.
"The facility combines 3D printing, robotic surgery and advanced manufacturing to explore the creation of customised bone implants for bone cancer patients.
"These implants are designed and fabricated to a patient's unique individual geometric bone defect, offering a clinically superior alternative to mass-produced implants."
The R&D Lab is expected to create jobs for more than 32 highly skilled professionals over five years.
Pictured at top: Queensland Deputy Premier Steven Miles, Dr Michael Wagels (Clinical Director of the Herston Biofabrication Institute), UQ Vice-Chancellor Professor Deborah Terry, QUT Vice-Chancellor Professor Margaret Sheil.
