Start-up company Organovo and Melbourne based Invetech have been jointly awarded the Engineering Innovation Award for the development of the world’s first commercial 3D bioprinter.

 

The printer will eventually allow for the production of human tissues on demand, allowing the creation of three dimensional organs through a printing process.

 

Congratulating Organovo and Invetech, Innovation Minister Senator Kim Carr said that their success showed the power of innovation and its ability to have a real impact on human life.

 

“The Engineering Innovation Award recognises a project’s potential contribution to the national economy and the impact of its R&D. I congratulate Invetech and Organovo,” Senator Carr said.

 

“Invetech and Organovo are a great example of what innovation can do. For decades the goal of tissue engineers has been to advance beyond simple cell cultures to creating three-dimensional organs. This partnership took just nine months to solve these engineering challenges and design, develop, manufacture and ship the world’s first commercial 3D bioprinter.

 

“Australia has world-class research and creative, clever firms. This is a potent combination and the Australian Government is investing more than ever before to use these strengths to drive innovation and secure Australia’s long term prosperity.”