Digital tools tackling high-risk pregnancies and bone reconstruction feature at MedTech Showcase

NEWS  - eHealthNews editor Rebecca McBeth

More than 300 people attended the MedTech Explorer Showcase 2026 where 20 exhibitors presented innovations ranging from AI-powered diagnostics to a tool designed to reduce stillbirth risk in high-risk pregnancies.

Clinicians, students, academics and industry representatives gathered for the annual showcase, hosted by Te Tītoki Mataora | MedTech Research Translator, as part of a national initiative bringing together universities, industry partners and Health New Zealand to accelerate the development of medical technologies and improve health outcomes across Aotearoa New Zealand.

Jo James, a professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the University of Auckland, was exhibiting SADIE, which uses physics-based models to predict stillbirth risk in high-risk pregnancies with greater accuracy than available methods.

She explained that when a baby is not growing and is being closely monitored, clinicians face a critical decision about when to deliver. 

SADIE brings together the relevant clinical information to support that decision with greater precision. The project has secured funding for a retrospective trial in the United Kingdom, where the clinical lead is based.

Also on display was a bone reconstruction algorithm which combines simple joint measurements with data such as a patient's age, sex and available imaging to recreate what a healthy bone looked like before disease set in.

Ted Yeung, a research fellow at the Musculoskeletal Group at the University of Auckland, said reconstructive surgery relies heavily on a surgeon’s experience and intuition so the algorithm can help to inform their decisions.

"A lot of times doctors want to reconstruct a patient's function, so this gives them a good idea of how the joint worked before it was diseased," he told eHealthNews.

An afternoon session highlighted Pacific-led digital health innovations where Amio Matenga-Ikihele of Moana Connect, a partner organisation of MedTech-IQ Aotearoa, talked about the role of emerging technology in addressing health disparities.

"Our aim is to inspire communities and clinicians to explore how digital health and emerging technologies, including AI, can be harnessed to address health challenges and create healthier futures for Pacific peoples," Matenga-Ikihele said.

Diana Siew, who co-leads the Te Tītoki Mataora programme, said the showcase gives rangatahi a direct connection to the people shaping the future of healthcare.

"For young people, this showcase provides a chance to meet researchers, clinicians and entrepreneurs who are creating solutions that can change lives,” Siew said.

“By being part of the health technology, engineering, digital innovation and research sector, they can be an instrumental part of shaping the future."

If you would like to provide feedback on this news story, please contact the editor Rebecca McBeth.

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