The University of Wollongong or UOW (NSW, Australia) has signed a strategic collaboration in Visakhapatnam (Vizag), India, bringing its expertise in 3D bioprinting techniques to India’s first integrated medical devices manufacturing zone.

AMTZ (Andhra Pradesh Medtech Zone) is India’s first integrated medical devices manufacturing zone being created to provide a one-stop solution covering common scientific, manufacturing and commercial facilities for medical device manufacturers and innovators.

Several research and training initiatives will be established under the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), signed on Tuesday 10 September, 2019.

Among the collaborative research initiatives being pursued by AMTZ and UOW is a project to develop a scan and printing package to produce 3D printed ears. This will be coupled with innovative programs to support widespread deployment of the technology in India and Australia.

Joint training initiatives will primarily focus on 3D biofabrication.

TRICEP - UOWs Translational Research Initiative for Cellular Engineering and Printing - will provide critical input into both research and training initiatives.

TRICEP houses world-leading research infrastructure to develop innovative technologies in 3D bioprinting, including printer manufacturing, biomaterials, and bioinks.