Seven months of intensive design thinking, rigorous research, and strategic planning culminated in an inspiring showcase on 8th December, when four Perth Biodesign teams presented innovative business solutions to complex medical challenges. The presentations offered a glimpse into a future where these healthcare innovations could transform patient care and clinical outcomes.

Perth Biodesign brings the world-renowned Stanford Biodesign framework to Western Australia, adapting its proven methodology for our local healthcare landscape. The program has cultivated a thriving community of over 800 alumni who form a vital network within WA's health and biomedical innovation ecosystem.

Two Fogarty Scholars participated in this year's program, supported through the Fogarty Foundation's Expand Fund initiative. This fund provides Scholars with breakthrough opportunities and meaningful exposure to technology, enterprise, and innovation ecosystems, ensuring they develop both clinical excellence and the entrepreneurial mindset needed to drive real-world change in healthcare.

This year's cohort formed four teams: Reaxa, Herova, Agni.s, and EchoNova. The program brought together clinicians, researchers, engineers, and business professionals who immersed themselves in real clinical environments to identify unmet needs, then developed medical technology or digital health solutions with comprehensive business implementation plans.

Fogarty Scholar Shreeya Naroth was part of Team Herova, which developed a solution to enable timely recognition and management of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) in women undergoing ovarian stimulation. Reflecting on her experience, Shreeya shared: "Innovation in medicine to me means pushing the boundaries of what's possible… It means creating a safer, more accessible, and more equitable healthcare system for all people."

Fogarty Scholar Joel Peiris was part of Team EchoNova, which developed a solution to enable earlier clinical intervention of acute decompensation in patients with heart failure, aiming to reduce hospital admissions and readmissions. Joel noted that the program "shifted my perspective from technology-driven innovation to need-driven enterprise," developing his skills in problem validation and value proposition design. The team's thorough approach earned EchoNova the winning title for the evening.

The Fogarty Foundation extends sincere thanks to Perth Biodesign and Oliver Bazzani for welcoming our Scholars into this exceptional program. Congratulations to all participants who worked tirelessly to create solutions that will hopefully improve the lives of patients and healthcare providers alike.