A world leader in artificial intelligence-enabled medical technologies is expanding its global footprint in Victoria, turbocharging the state's position as a hub for lifesaving medical research, health technologies and AI.
Minister for Economic Growth and Jobs Danny Pearson today announced that Optain Health will establish its Asia-Pacific headquarters and substantially expand its global Research and Development (R&D) and Engineering Hub in Melbourne.
Backed by the Allan Labor Government, the new headquarters and expansion will create up to 49 new jobs and $10 million in R&D expenditure, boosting local employment and economic growth.
Optain is a healthcare technology company applying AI, robotic retinal imaging, and teleophthalmology to detect eye and systemic disease earlier.
The groundbreaking technology was first developed in Victoria and has since scaled internationally, recently launching in the United States with the backing of global software investor Insight Partners and seven major U.S. health system strategic investors.
Optain enables earlier detection of health conditions such as diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, and even cardiovascular disease risk - all from a simple, non-invasive eye test, using a portable robotic camera and integrated AI workflows.
Optain will now be able to develop new AI applications for more accurate, rapid and efficient detection of a wider range of conditions, while unlocking the potential of oculomics - the science of using the eye as a window into whole-body health.
Optain's APAC headquarters and R&D and Engineering Hub will deepen partnerships and collaboration across Victorian industry, universities and government.
The Labor Government is fostering a robust AI sector, and positioning Victoria as a national hub for AI in medical innovation with the Melbourne CBD now home to 188 AI companies and about 22 per cent of all clustered Australian AI firms - the most significant single AI cluster in the country.
Health technologies and digital technologies are identified as top priority sectors in Victoria's Economic Growth Statement, which is unlocking the state's economic growth opportunities, driving job creation and fostering a culture of innovation and cutting-edge ideas.
As stated by Minister for Economic Growth and Jobs Danny Pearson
"Optain's groundbreaking AI-driven technologies will improve the accessibility of healthcare - and further cement Victoria's standing as a global leader in both medical research and digital technology adoption."
"This exceptional technology was developed right in here Victoria and taken to the world, and now this APAC R&D hub will create more jobs and opportunities for locals and boost economic growth across the state."
As stated by Optain CEO Jeff Dunkel
"Melbourne offers a unique combination of world-class technology talent, proactive government support, and a proven track record of exporting breakthrough products globally. That's why we're proud to make Victoria the permanent home for our global R&D team."
As stated by Optain President Dr. Zachary Tan
"We're thrilled to be deepening our investment in Victoria's world-class AI and scientific ecosystem. As Australia makes research translation and productivity growth a national priority, we're proud to be exporting local AI innovation into global healthcare impact."
