FLINDERS FACTORY OF THE FUTURE

FORGE

Turning ideas into products

FORGE

Turning ideas into products

Turning ideas into products.

FORGE takes the guesswork out of innovation. Through a structured pathway, expert guidance and access to specialist expertise, facilities and networks, we help innovators progress ideas from concept to validated opportunity.

Our approach considers more than technology and product development. We work with innovators to understand the market opportunity, customer needs, commercial model, intellectual property, regulatory requirements, manufacturing pathways path to market, reducing uncertainty and creating a clear plan that focuses effort on the activities most likely to create value.

Built on the 18-year track record of Flinders University's award-winning Medical Device Partnering Program, FORGE combines proven innovation methodologies with access to expertise across the Flinders Factory of the Future, Flinders University, industry and our local and global networks.

What you can expect

A dedicated Innovation Manager to guide you through the process and connect you with the right expertise.
A structured discovery process that brings together technical, commercial and industry expertise to comprehensively evaluate your idea and current position, challenge assumptions and determine the most effective path forward.
A roadmap of priority actions and recommended next steps.
A tailored project designed to answer the most important questions, generate evidence, derisk your idea and fast-track your path to market.
Retention of your intellectual property, with confidentiality arrangements in place and no requirement to transfer equity or IP.
Access to the broader FORGE network, including researchers, manufacturers, commercial advisers and industry partners.

What you'll need to commit

FORGE is a collaborative process. To get the greatest value from the program, you will need:

Time to participate in workshops, meetings and review sessions.
Openness to feedback, expert advice and constructive challenge.
A financial contribution to the project.

Eligible medical device innovators may receive substantial support through FORGE Medical Devices, thanks to funding from the Australian Government and the Government of South Australia, significantly reducing the cost of participation.

FORGE Ideas

FORGE Ideas helps innovators assess, refine and progress an early-stage idea. Through commercial assessment, targeted expert input and a focused concept validation project, we help you test key assumptions, reduce risk and establish a clear pathway forward.

The program typically runs for around six months, with value beginning from your first conversation with our team.

FORGE Pathways

FORGE Pathways supports innovators who have established a proof of concept and are ready to undertake the coordinated product development, manufacturing, quality, regulatory and commercial activities needed to progress towards real-world validation.

The program typically runs for around 12 months and begins with a comprehensive assessment of your current position, identifying the gaps, opportunities and priorities that will shape your pathway forward.

In addition to the support across all FORGE programs, those selected* for Pathways can expect:

Access to residency opportunities at the Flinders Factory of the Future, including co-working, collaboration and assembly space.
Access to practical templates, tools and frameworks, including quality management system (QMS) documentation and product development resources.
Coordination of student internships.
Connections to investors, commercialisation partners and future funding opportunities where appropriate.

Ready to take the next step?

Medical device innovator?

Access government-backed support through FORGE Medical Devices, helping innovators progress ideas from concept through to clinical-trial-ready products while significantly reducing the cost of development.

Learn more

Working in another sector

FORGE can be adapted to support innovators across a broad range of industries. If you have an idea, product or technology you'd like to explore, we'd love to discuss how the FORGE model could support your journey.

Enquire about FORGE

Our impact

Research to recovery: transforming knee rehabilitation

For thousands of Australians undergoing knee replacement surgery each year, rehabilitation can be one of the hardest and most overlooked parts of recovery.

Flinders University researchers and MAXM Skate are helping people get back to doing the things they love.

Watch the video

Safe Steps – Enabling safer, more accessible in-home care

A collaborative Flinders-led project is developing a step-climbing shower commode to help older Australians safely navigate bathroom obstacles without costly modifications.

Find out more

Perfect Squeeze – Improving precision in life-saving ventilation

A Flinders–industry collaboration is developing a real-time guidance system to help first responders deliver precise ventilation during resuscitation. Perfect Squeeze reduces guesswork, improving outcomes when every breath matters.

Find out more

Pulse Tile – Accelerating lifesaving decisions in cardiac arrest

A Flinders–industry collaboration is developing a compact pulse-detection device to help responders quickly identify cardiac arrest and act with confidence. Pulse Tile reduces uncertainty, enabling faster CPR decisions and improving outcomes when every second counts.

Find out more