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Collaboration

UK-Taiwan Innovation in MedTech

Co-organized by ITRI and British Office Taipei, the UK-Taiwan Innovation in Medical Devices & MedTech Showcase & B2B Meeting was held in Hsinchu Biomedical Science Park in March to discuss current trends in medical and biomedical research and possible business collaboration. Positive and continuous alignments are encouraged in high-end biomedical industrial development between Taiwan and UK.

Apart from Taiwan representatives from related industries, a number of UK leading biomedical manufacturers such as Deltex Medical, GP Commissioning Solutions, NAVICONIX, and Oxford Endovascular also participated to share their latest innovations in the fields of material development, precise medication, and biomedical devices. Speakers presented on such topics as Wearable Cardiac Output Monitoring, Strategies for IT Industry Breaking into the High-Tech Medical Devices Sector, Intraoperative Fluid Management Utilizing the Oesophageal Doppler Monitor (ODM), Skin Ulcer Care and 3D Cameras, and Genetic Fusion: Merging British and Taiwanese Excellence in Molecular Diagnostics.

The UK government will invest US$36 billion between 2016 and 2021 in science and innovation, with life sciences as one of the most important sectors. The UK aims to develop new technologies and grow as an exporting nation in the global market. Damion Potter, the Acting Representative from British Office Taipei, stated that it is exciting to see Taiwan has President Tsai Ing-Wen’s 5+2 initiatives, which have marked medical devices as a core sector to grow Taiwan’s economy. He commented that Taiwan is clearly a world leader when it comes to ICT products and innovations, and the healthcare systems in Taiwan and UK face similar challenges; therefore it is expected that this collaboration in medtech will help patients to have a healthier life.

“The connection between UK and Taiwan is pretty close, especially in the field of biotechnology, smart city and smart manufacturing,” said Dr. Pei-Zen Chang, ITRI’s Executive Vice President. He noted that ITRI has long been devoted to the research of biomedical technology and medical devices. The development of Doppler ultrasound for wearable cardiac output monitoring is one example. “In order to explore diverse business opportunities, we are looking forward to having bilateral collaborations that help both sides to capture potential marketing solutions together,” added Dr. Chang.

With an aim to enhance cooperation in commercial and research development in the great Asian market, UK companies also want to reach business partners in Taiwan with procurement and ICT manufacturing specialty. It is anticipated that continuous promotion of advanced biomedical research will underpin the connection between Taiwan and UK manufacturers and suppliers, and the creation of sustainable and diverse medical technology services.