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Speakers

Te Tītoki Mataora
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Dr Ainsleigh Cribb-Su’a

Director for Research and Evaluation at the National Hauora Coalition (NHC)

Dr Ainsleigh Cribb-Su’a (Ngāti Maniapoto) is the Director for Research and Evaluation at the National Hauora Coalition (NHC). Ainsleigh is a Consultant Clinical Psychologist with a background in Infant, Child and Adolescent Mental Health. Ainsleigh is the Deputy Chair of The NZ Psychologists Board and works in governance in the NGO sector. Previously an Adjunct Research Fellow of both AUT and Canterbury University, Ainsleigh's continued research interests relate to Māori maternal mental health and wellbeing, mental health e-therapies and tamariki infectious disease prevention and intervention. More recently, Ainsleigh’s research centre at the NHC, has engaged with Medtech-iQ to collaborate on designing research projects in the use of new technologies and AI in primary/community care.

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Professor Bev Lawton

Founder and Director of Te Tātai Hauora o Hine (the National Centre for Women’s Health Research Aotearoa, Te Herenga Waka Victoria University of Wellington)

Professor Bev Lawton ONZM (Ngāti Porou), is the founder/director of Te Tātai Hauora o Hine (the National Centre for Women’s Health Research Aotearoa, Te Herenga Waka Victoria University of Wellington) and a pioneering force in women’s health in Aotearoa. Named Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year (2025), she has driven critical advancements in cervical cancer screening, maternal health, and Indigenous health equity. Bev’s advocacy led to New Zealand’s historic shift to HPV self-testing as the primary method for cervical screening – making Aotearoa the first high-income country to do so. Bev previously worked as a general practitioner in Wellington for 17 years and co-founded the Wellington Menopause Clinic. These experiences led to an interest in research to address the many questions relevant to women’s health and inequities. Working closely with kaumātua, Bev builds strong relationships with communities, ensuring research is relevant and innovative, and grounded in Māori community engagement. Her research on women’s and children’s health has led to changes in policy and practice in Aotearoa and internationally. Bev was appointed an Officer of the NZ Order of Merit by the Queen for services to women’s health in 2005 and made a Distinguished Fellow of the Royal College of General Practitioners in 2017. She was awarded the Royal Australia and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists Māori Women’s Health Award in 2020; the 2021 Women of Influence Award (Innovation, Science and Health); The Beaven Medal by the Health Research Council in 2023; and The Maarire Goodall Award by Te Ohu Rata o Aotearoa in 2024.

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Dr Bruce Davey

CEO at ARANZ Medical

Bruce Davey has more than 35 years’ experience developing medical imaging systems including various radiology modalities and computer assisted surgery systems. For the last 20 years, as CEO of Christchurch-based ARANZ Medical, he has led the development of innovative solutions for imaging, documenting and reporting on wounds and other skin conditions coupled with expanding the company’s sales into varied global markets – ARANZ Medical’s products are employed in more than 40 countries. Bruce has a PhD in Electrical and Electronic engineering from the University of Canterbury.

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Byron van Vugt

Investment Manager at Movac

Byron is an Investment Manager at Movac, New Zealand’s most experienced and successful venture capital firm providing support to Kiwi founders & leaders to help accelerate the growth of their tech businesses. Movac's Emerge Fund which Byron spends significant time working within is specifically focused on early stage deep-tech investments and has made several MedTech investments to date. He holds a Master of Engineering in Bioengineering, a conjoint Bachelor of Engineering (in Mechanical Engineering) and Commerce (Majoring in Finance and Marketing), and is on the MedTech-iQ Tāmaki Makaurau Steering Committee and the RNZYS Finance and Risk Committee.

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Chandra Selvadurai

Managing Director Pharmaco (NZ & Australia)

Chandra Selvadurai leads the Trans-Tasman operations of Pharmaco, a company specialising in the sales, marketing, warehousing and distribution of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, dental, emergency care & healthcare products and services. The company started in 1967, is New Zealand owned, and entered the Australian market in 2003. It currently manages over 20,000 products on behalf of international organisations, supported by best-practice regulatory, compliance, quality assurance, sales & marketing, customer support, finance and administration services. Chandra has worked in the healthcare industry for over 30 years. He joined Pharmaco in 1994 after working with multi-national pharmaceutical and diagnostic companies. He has also worked in academia and research as a tutor, research associate and medical laboratory scientist in Australia and New Zealand. Chandra was appointed CEO of Pharmaco in 2013, and became the Managing Director in 2017. He serves as the Chairman of the board(s) of Te Titoki Mataora in New Zealand and of Agamatrix USA Inc. He is a passionate advocate about the need to bring exceptional, life-changing and life-enhancing healthcare products to New Zealand and Australia, and making a difference in people’s lives.

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Dr Cheng Kai (CK) Jin

Clinical Director for Health NZ's AI laboratory

Dr Cheng Kai (CK) Jin, a clinician by training, has taken an atypical path in medicine wishing to combine data science with healthcare. He has been working at this intersect for over the last 5 years, supporting the COVID-19 response within his last role. He is currently the clinical director for Health NZ's AI laboratory, responsible for safely introducing AI technologies at Health NZ. Dr Jin's unique perspective as both a clinician and data scientist enable him to navigate the complex challenges of healthcare AI adoption, addressing clinician concerns to ensuring patient safety and regulatory compliance. His experience spans predictive modelling, clinical decision support systems, generative AI and the development of frameworks for responsible AI use in healthcare settings.

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Dr Claude Aguergaray

Senior Research Fellow at the University of Auckland and Principal Investigator at Te Whai Ao - Dodd Walls Centre

Dr Claude Aguergaray is an academic researcher at the University of Auckland and a Principal Investigator at Te Whai Ao — Dodd-Walls Centre for Photonic and Quantum Technologies, where he leads one of its three core research pipelines. After completing a post-doctoral position at the University of Auckland (2008-2013), he joined ALPhANOV Research Centre in France, leading the fibre-laser development team. He returned to New Zealand in 2017 and established two research groups on novel fibre laser technologies and biosensors for cancer detection. With 20 years of experience in laser physics, light-matter interactions, and system development across academia and industry, Claude has delivered bespoke photonic solutions for widespread applications, resulting in several patents, four start-ups, and commercial products. He recently founded Probentis to commercialise a real-time prostate cancer diagnostic technology to improve clinical outcomes and reduce healthcare costs.

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Dr Diana Siew

Strategic Partnership Lead at the Auckland Bioengineering Institute

Dr Diana Siew is a co-founder of the Consortium for Medical Device Technologies (CMDT), the network driving New Zealand’s MedTech ecosystem. She leads national programmes including Te Tītoki Mataora and the Australia–New Zealand BioBridge, which support research translation and early-stage ventures through capability-building and targeted funding. Diana is a founding architect of MedTech-iQ Aotearoa, a national innovation hub to accelerate health technology development in New Zealand. With extensive experience in science strategy and implementation, she is committed to building strong partnerships and growing a pipeline of impactful health innovations. Diana is Strategic Partnership Lead at the Auckland Bioengineering Institute, University of Auckland.

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Eldon Tate

Co-founder and CEO of Inhibit Coatings

Eldon Tate, co-founder and CEO of Inhibit Coatings. Inhibit develops and produces antimicrobial polymers and coatings that protect people from microbial contamination and infections. Eldon developed the Inhibit technology while completing his PhD research at Victoria University of Wellington under Prof. Jim Johnston. Since then Inhibit has scaled up and developed antimicrobial polymers with a focus on producing antimicrobial polyurethanes for high-risk medical device applications.

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Hadyn Pomona

Te Hauora o Tūranganui-a-Kiwa (Turanga Health)

Ko Hikurangi te Maunga Ko Waiapu te Awa Ko Maraehara te Takiwa Ko Te Whanau a Karuwai te Hapu Ko Ngati Porou te Iwi Ko Hadyn Pomana toku ingoa Kei te mahi au mo Turanga Health Ko taku hiahia he awhina i nga tangata Mauri Ora!

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Hassan Altamimi

Advanced Cardiology Trainee at Albury Wadonga Health

Hassan Altamimi is currently an Advanced Cardiology Trainee at Albury Wadonga Health. Hassan is passionate about improving cardiology outcomes in disadvantaged communities, and led and executed the trial of our diagnostic device demonstrating its feasibility and impact. He has worked as an Advanced General Medical Registrar across Royal Melbourne Hospital, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Western Health and Prince Charles Hospital.

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Dr Helen Lunt

Clinical Associate Professor at the University of Otago

Helen has a breath of public health sector experience, having worked over several decades in a variety of clinical, academic and innovation roles.  She is a Christchurch-based physician and a Clinical Associate Professor at the University of Otago. Helen’s clinical role is in chronic disease management, with a focus on diabetes. She is on several national committees, including the recently relaunched Diabetes New Zealand Research Foundation.  She will discuss why you might want to keep diabetes front-of-mind, when considering innovation pathways that have the potential to reach a wide range of consumers and end-users.

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'Ilaisaane Lotomo’ua Falevai

PhD student at the University of Auckland

'Ilaisaane Lotomo’ua Falevai is a PhD student at the University of Auckland, where her research focuses on health technology within Indigenous communities. She has been awarded the prestigious University of Auckland Doctoral Scholarship for her work. Prior to her doctoral studies, she earned a master’s degree with First Class Honours from Auckland University of Technology (AUT). With over five years of experience in IT, she has worked in various roles, including Cyber Security Specialist, Information Security Analyst, and Technology Consultant. With a background in IT and health research, 'Ilaisaane is passionate about bridging cultural gaps in digital health and empowering Pacific peoples through inclusive technology design.

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Malaetogia Dr Jacinta Fa’alili-Fidow

General Manager and Co-founder of Moana Connect

Malaetogia Dr Jacinta has extensive leadership and management experience in health research, public health and Pacific wellbeing in New Zealand. Her work aims to bridge government, academia and Pacific communities to champion authentic positive change for Pacific. As the founding Managing Director of Moana Research, Jacinta empowers the importance of Pacific world-views, and the prominence of self-determination in all Moana Research work, including evaluation, research and advocacy. Jacinta has worked for Pacific health provider WestFono, as Manager Pacific Health Research with the Health Research Council, and as Senior Advisor, Pacific for the Public Health Group in the Ministry of Health. After the Ministry of Health, Jacinta was shoulder tapped to manage TAHA Pacific Maternal and Child Health Service at the University of Auckland. Having completed her Master of Public Health (Honours), Jacinta then completed a PhD at the Centre for Longitudinal Studies – Growing Up in New Zealand Study, investigating the concept of Resilience among Pacific families within the cohort.

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Dr James McKeage

Research Fellow at the Auckland Bioengineering Institute

James is a research fellow at the Auckland Bioengineering Institute, University of Auckland. His research focuses on novel techniques and devices for drug delivery, particularly needle-free jet injectors. James is leading the development of “multi-jet injection” which allows very large volumes to be delivered with an autoinjector-style device, allowing patients to self-administer treatments that currently require intravenous administration.

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Jesse Keith

Design Director at Vivid Origin

Jesse is a designer, innovator and product development specialist with over 20 years of industrial design and manufacturing experience across New Zealand, Australia, Singapore and Shanghai. As founder of Vivid Origin, he helps ambitious startups, brands and established manufactures develop and commercialise user-centric products from discovery to final manufacturing. Jesse has worked with deep-technology ventures, including medtech startups, and global teams to commercialise solutions ranging from niche, low-volume, high-value systems to mass-manufactured consumer products. His hands-on expertise accelerates the product development journey across sectors, ensuring creative ideas become market-ready realities.

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Jon Herries

Group Manager for New Technology & Innovation at Health NZ | Te Whatu Ora

Jon Herries is a digital health leader with a strong clinical foundation and over a decade of experience driving innovation at the intersection of healthcare, data, and technology. As Group Manager for New Technology & Innovation at Te Whatu Ora, he has led national initiatives including AI scribes, remote patient monitoring, and the COVID-19 digital response. Jon is a founding member of the National AI Expert Advisory Group and co-chair of Medtech-iQ Te Whanganui-a-Tara. His work blends strategic leadership with hands-on delivery, underpinned by a deep commitment to equity, ethics, and Te Ao Māori. With expertise spanning AI, data architecture, and digital transformation, Jon is passionate about building collaborative teams that deliver meaningful outcomes for patients and populations.

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Julie Dao

Founder of Sonorus

Dr Julie Dao is a scientist-innovator, Forbes 30-under-30 Nominee and founder of Sonorus. Sonorus is a start-up focusing on using body bioacoustics to diagnose rheumatic heart disease. Julie has recently completed her PhD under the supervision of Professor Stephen Nicholls and Dr Kristen Bubb at the Victorian Heart Hospital and Institute looking at novel therapeutics to combat the burden of cardiovascular disease. She currently works at the Monash Institute of Medical Engineering to lead their Stanford Biodesign teaching to support the development of new medical technologies that address unmet clinical needs. Julie also champions innovation for sustainable healthcare through Medical Pantry.

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Dr Kristina Lambrakis

Translational Research Lead at Victorian Heart Hospital, Monash Health and Victorian Heart Institute, Monash University

Dr Kristina Lambrakis is a clinical and health system researcher who works at the forefront of cardiovascular innovation, integrating randomised trials, big data, and artificial intelligence to improve clinical decision-making, patient outcomes and health system performance. Driven by creating real-world impact, she focusses on robust evidence generation and driving evidence into practice to address critical challenges in healthcare delivery.

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Lance Chia

Director Investment and Innovation Liverpool Innovation Precinct

Lance has over 40 years’ experience in the healthcare industry, 20 of which were in executive leadership roles with NYSE-listed multinational medical device companies. He is a past National President of the Australian Institute of Medical Scientists and was most recently the Director, Investment and Innovation at the Liverpool Innovation Precinct. He has Masters Degrees in Clinical Biochemistry, Business Administration and Commercial Law, is a Graduate Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and Chairs the boards of Navi Medical Technologies and Lenexa Medical. Lance currently serves on an Expert Advisory Group for the NSW Innovation and Productivity Council, is an Advisory Board Member for MedTech Research Translator in New Zealand, a member of the NSW Medical Devices Fund Assessment Sub-Group, was a Specialist Advisor for the Clinical Translation and Commercialisation MedTech grant program and mentors for numerous start-up accelerator programs.

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Lari Dkhar

Senior Investment Analyst at NZ Growth Capital Partners/NZGCP's Aspire NZ Seed Fund

Lari Dkhar is a Senior Investment Analyst at NZ Growth Capital Partners/NZGCP's Aspire NZ Seed Fund, which invests directly into early-stage Kiwi technology start-ups at proof of concept, seed, and early expansion stages. Additionally, Lari serves as the Module Lead for the Investment Readiness with TTM Commercial Translation team, to support Healthtech researchers preparing for commercialisation. She holds a Ph.D. in Biomedical science from AUT and a master’s degree on Medical Biochemistry & Molecular Biology from the University of Glasgow.

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Liz Hosking-Clement

Clinical Improvement Lead at Youthline

Liz is a comprehensive nurse with a career spanning clinical practice, operational management, and strategic service development. Currently serving as the Clinical Improvement Lead at Youthline Auckland, Liz works to implement best-practice, clinical governance frameworks and ensure young people receive effective, accessible, and culturally responsive support. With over a decade of experience in the health sector, Liz has held key leadership roles across various organisations, including Counties Manukau Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service, the National Hauora Coalition, Whakarongorau, and the University of Auckland.

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Matt Wilson

Head of Product Development at RespirAq

Matt Wilson is Head of Product Development at RespirAq, where he’s working to bring a novel respiratory technology from lab to market. With over a decade in medical tech, Matt is passionate about turning smart ideas into real-world products. His experience in developing medical products helps him to collaborate closely with founders and inventors to turn novel ideas and technologies into marketable medical products.

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Martin Witt

Research Manager at the Cancer Society

Martin has worked in a range of public health fields for over 35 years much of it in the field of cancer, during which time he has had a particular intertest in policy advocacy, tobacco control and the role of local government. More recently his interests have concentrated on how NGOs like the Cancer Society work in partnership to best respond to increasing cancer numbers and the rise in early onset cancers in adults under 50. As one of the Cancer Society’s research managers, Martin is focused on supporting the development of the organisation’s first research and innovation strategy.

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Nick Agahari

CEO and Founder of Australis Scientific

Nicky Agahari is the CEO and Founder Australis Scientific and Harvard Medical School Health Tech Fellow. Australis Scientific was the first spin-out venture from the Harvard Health Tech Fellowship and is developing a platform neuromodulation technology for the stimulation of peripheral nerves. Its first target is the posterior tibial nerve for the management of urinary incontinence. Australis Scientific received the New South Wales Health Medical Devices Fund in 2022, was the winner of the Harvard President's Innovation Challenge in 2023, and was recognized at the Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and the President of the United States of America Joe Biden at the White House in 2024 as part of the Australian State visit to the United States. Prior to founding Australis Scientific Nicky had an extensive career in the world's leading med-tech multinationals including Medtronic and Boston Scientific where he held P&L responsibilities across multiple portfolios including Urology / Pelvic Health, Neuromodulation, Structural Heart, and Endoscopy. Nicky has extended in-country commercialization experience through our Australia, New Zealand, South East Asia, Japan, Greater China, North America and Central America. Nicky holds a Bachelor of Medical Science (University of Sydney), MBA (Macquarie, Guanghua - Peking University & Sloan - MIT) and Health Tech Fellowship (Harvard Medical School).

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Professor Peter Hunter

Distinguished Professor at the Auckland Bioengineering Institute

Peter is a Distinguished Professor at the Auckland Bioengineering Institute, University of Auckland, New Zealand. His research interests are in modelling human physiology using anatomical and biophysically-based multiscale approaches that link molecular processes to tissue level phenotypes. He has helped to lead the international Physiome Project and, more recently, a new virtual human twin project at the ABI. He is an elected Fellow of the Royal Society (London and NZ), a recent Executive Chair of the World Council of Biomechanics and a recent Vice-President of the International Union of Physiological Sciences (IUPS). He was awarded a knight-hood in the King’s Birthday honours list in 2024.

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Rebecca Warr

IP and Commercialisation Manager at the University of Canterbury

Rebecca Warr has over 14 years’ experience in commercialisation and product development and is passionate about supporting entrepreneurs and playing a critical role in transforming innovative research into global impact. In her current role at the University of Canterbury, Rebecca leads the Technology Transfer team who are responsible for translating UC research beyond the University. Prior to this, she worked for a NZ-founded Biotech start-up.

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Robert Milsom

Health & MedTech Sector Lead - Business Advisor, NZTE 

Rob has worked in the Health & MedTech sector for over 20 years across the globe, from driving innovation & sales at Motex Healthcare, one of the world’s largest manufacturers of medical disposables, through to founding and leading Asia’s first medical equipment marketplace procurement platform, Medvine. The last 4 years Rob has been working with New Zealand HealthTech businesses who are landing and expanding into Australia and other global markets, as well as being the international lead across NZTE’s HealthTech One Global Team.

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Dr Robyn Whittaker

Director Evidence, Research and Clinical Trials at Te Whatu Ora | HealthNZ

Robyn Whittaker is a public health physician and currently Director Evidence, Research and Clinical Trials at Te Whatu Ora | HealthNZ. She is Chair National AI Expert Advisory Group and a member of the WHO expert group on Ethics & Governance of AI in Healthcare. She is adjunct Professor with the National Institute for Health Innovation, University of Auckland. Her research interests are in digital population health programmes. She is co-lead of the Clinical Translation module of Te Tītoki Mataora | MedTech Research Translator and Clinical Director of Medtech-iQ Tamaki Makaurau at the University of Auckland.

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Rochelle Style

Bioethicist and Independent Researcher

Rochelle is a consultant bioethicist and lawyer. She’s a member of the National AI & Algorithm Expert Advisory Group, providing advice on the use of AI tools within Health NZ. Rochelle is also an independent researcher and has published on the governance of AI in health services and ethical governance frameworks for health data research. Rochelle has also undertaken qualitative studies on the use of AI scribes and is currently involved in an HRC Grant for the co-development of an AI Aotearoa Evaluation Framework. She is a previous member of the NEAC, the Northern A HDEC and the CCDHB’s Clinical Ethics Advisory Group. As a previous partner in the law firm Bell Gully, she represented Pharmac in public law litigation.

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Dr Shirley Keown

Research & Development and Quality Manager at Te Hauora o Tūranganui-a-Kiwa (Turanga Health)

Dr Shirley Keown (Rongowhakaata) – is the Research & Development and Quality Manager at Te Hauora o Tūranganui-a-Kiwa (Turanga Health), Shirley has a clinical background as a registered nurse and has served Turanga Health and the Turanganui a Kiwa community for over 20 years. Shirley is the Research Lead for Turanga Health, providing expert guidance on research and engagement particularly in the context of a hauora provider and the Turanganui a Kiwa Community.

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Simon Fraser

Professor of Industrial Design at Victoria University of Wellington

Simon’s career as an Industrial Designer ranges from professional practice through to research and teaching in academia. Industry experience includes Fisher and Paykel appliances as well as their early medical devices, followed by more than 20 years at the internationally renowned Porsche Design Studio as Assistant Design Director. Simon joined Victoria University of Wellington/Te Herenga Waka as the founding Programme Director of Industrial Design and subsequently as Head of the School of Design Innovation and Associate Dean, Research & Innovation. Current activities include facilitating translational research by bringing together science, design and industry via active affiliations with Te Tītoki Mataora and the NZ Product Accelerator.

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Simon Malpas

CEO and Co-founder of Kitea Health

Simon’s research interest lies in cardiovascular control, neuroscience and creating novel medical devices. He has founded 3 companies from his research the latest being Kitea Health which as a big audacious goal of changing the way healthcare is delivered for those with chronic health condition. He is a Professor of Physiology and Bioengineering at the University of Auckland. He has published over 150 publications and given +50 invited lectures. He has patents in the area of wireless power, pressure sensing and wireless communications. In 2017 he was elected as a Fellow of the Royal Society of New Zealand. His main aim in life is to stop others making the same mistakes he has made in commercialising research.

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Soteria Ieremia

Founder of Pacific-i and Co-Director Pacific at Pūtahi Manawa

Soteria Ieremia is a prominent Pacific Science/STEM leader and the inaugural Co-Director Pacific at Pūtahi Manawa, Centre of Research Excellence focused on Heart Health Equity for Maori and Pacific Peoples. She hails from the villages of Vaie’e, Saoluafata, Lepea, and Faleasiu in Samoa, reflecting her deep-rooted connections to Pacific communities. She is the founder of Pacific-i, focussed on advancing Pacific in the Research, Science and Innovation sector with notable achievements across the science communication and engagement fields and reflected through her leadership of the Kudos Science Trust, Kudos Science Excellence Awards and Science Spinners programmes. In her role across these platforms, Soteria is instrumental in advancing community engagement in Science, and pivotal in establishing one of the first hands-on STEM programmes igniting pathway potential for our underserved high school students. Soteria is key to fostering Pacific-led research initiatives, inspiring a collaborative environment that bridges cultural perspectives with scientific inquiry. Her leadership is pivotal in shaping a research agenda that is inclusive and representative of Pacific peoples' health needs and STEM aspirations. Beyond her professional endeavors, Soteria's work embodies a commitment to community empowerment, cultural integrity, and the promotion of health equity within the Pacific diaspora. Her contributions continue to inspire and pave the way for future generations of Pacific researchers, health and STEM professionals.

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Sunny Feng

Co-founder of RosterLab

Sunny is the co-founder of RosterLab, where she leads product, marketing and operations. She designed the platform from the ground up, turning complex PhD-level optimisation research into intuitive rostering tools for healthcare. Sunny specialises in hiding algorithmic complexity behind user-friendly and health-centric software solutions, enabling hospitals to generate fair, compliant, and flexible rosters in minutes. Her work helps reduce staff fatigue, cut costs, and improve patient care by making advanced workforce planning accessible to everyday users. Sunny recently steered RosterLab through its seed investment round, giving her a fresh, founder‑side perspective on what early‑stage investors want. She also mentors aspiring entrepreneurs through the University of Auckland Business School’s Women’s Mentoring Programme.

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Valerie Caginitoba Cokanasiga

Student at the University of Auckland

Valerie is of Fijian descent from Natauloa, Nairai (Lomaiviti), and Somosomo, Taveuni (Cakaudrove). She is an emerging research scientist who recently completed her final semester of a Bachelor of Science at the University of Auckland, majoring in Biological Sciences with a specialization in biochemistry and cell biology. Valerie plans to continue her academic journey through postgraduate study, with a focus on health research and innovation. Valerie was awarded a summer studentship through Te Tītoki Mataora (TTM) and the Auckland Bioengineering Institute (ABI), where she worked as a research assistant under the supervision of Dr Prashanna Khwaounjoo. Her project focused on streamlining the development of a non-invasive, mobile phone-based cardiac diagnostic tool. This work included observing the existing device in use on post-surgery patients at Auckland City Hospital and presenting a research poster titled "Beating the old ways with a hands-free, no-strings heart check" at the 2025 ABI Research Forum.. A recipient of the 2025 MacDiarmid Institute Piki Ake Scholarship, Valerie has been recognized for her resilience, scientific curiosity, and commitment to academic growth. She is also a certified Dangerous Decibels Educator and recently co-led a hearing health education workshop for Pasifika youth in a primary school setting. Valerie is passionate about advancing equitable access to health education and scientific innovation, especially within Pacific communities. Her long-term goal is to build a career in medical research that bridges cutting-edge science with culturally informed, real-world healthcare solutions.

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Vignesh Kumar

Co-Managing Partner at GD1

Vignesh is Co-Managing Partner at GD1, investing from a c.$150M fund into Aotearoa’s boldest startups. His passion for health tech is personal: after overcoming blood cancer, he founded the digital oncology platform, Journey Health. This firsthand experience guides his investments in Health Tech companies such as Alimetry, Formus Labs, Junofem, and Heart Lab, among others. Prior to GD1, Vignesh led hardware execution at Apple and previously to that designed neonatal resuscitation tech at F&P Healthcare. Vignesh is a Kauffman Fellow and Fulbright Scholar, he holds an MBA from the Wharton School and engineering degrees from the University of Auckland.

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William Lin

Commercial Sales Manager at The Insides Company

William Lin is the Commercial Sales Manager at The Insides Company, where he leads APAC and Rest of World expansion efforts for a new category of life-saving medical devices designed for patients with severe colorectal and gastrointestinal conditions. With a background in physiology and bioscience enterprise, and commercial experience spanning channel partner management, new product launches, key account development, and international market strategy, William has introduced The Insides Company’s innovations to patients across Oceania, Southeast Asia, and South Africa. He is passionate about advancing early-stage MedTech and driving commercial strategies that improve patient outcomes.

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XB Pang

Investment Associate at WNT Ventures

XB is an Investment Associate with WNT Ventures, New Zealand's longest-running deep-tech incubator and VC firm. Now in its fourth Fund, WNT remains focused on backing early-stage, science-backed companies with the potential to drive long-term impact on society across key themes like Healthcare/ Medtech, Sustainability, Agrifood and Advanced Manufacturing. Prior to WNT, XB spent the last 3 years at SEEDS Capital, the early-stage deep-tech arm of the Singapore government with over US$500M in AUM, making over 15 investments across different themes in Healthcare (Digital Health, Biotech, Medtech) and helping a number of founders raise Series A/ B funding.

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