Page 187 - SAMRC AnnualReport 2025-26

P E R FOR M A NC E I N FOR M A T I ON
issued in September 2025, following which
9 interns and 8 companies were selected to
participate. The six-month program started in
February 2026.
› The MeDDIC team participated actively
in the Medical Technology Master Plan
working groups, directly contributing to the
development of a national plan and compact
(launched in May 2024). Two GIPD staff
members continue to serve on the MedTech
Master Plan Steering Committee, which is
driving the plan's implementation.
› Completion of phase 1 of MeDDIC was
celebrated in March 2026 through a
stakeholder event held in Johannesburg.
The attendees included the funder (TIA),
the DSTI, industry bodies, NDoH, DTIC, as
well as representatives from the Medtech
Masterplan, HEIs, and the medtech industry.
The purpose of the engagement was to
reflect on the programme’s successes and
challenges over the past years and to solicit
insights to inform its future direction.
The value of MeDDIC is demonstrated by the
strong interest from the Medical Technology
Master Plan initiative in leveraging MeDDIC’s
activities to date and using the cluster to
implement some of the actions supported
in the Master Plan. It is also evidenced by
representation on the MeDDIC Steering
Committee from key government departments,
including the DTIC, DSTI, National Treasury and
NDoH, as well as the three relevant industry
associations, SAMED, MDMSA and SALDA. An
external service provider is currently finalising an
evaluation of MeDDIC. The recommendations
from this, the Medical Technology Master Plan,
and general inputs received from stakeholders
have been incorporated into the design of
MeDDIC Phase 2.
SA M R C A N N U A L R EP O R T 2 0 2 5 / 2 0 2 6 185
SAMRC-TIA Seed Fund
The SAMRC serves as an implementing partner
for the Technology Innovation Agency’s national
seed fund programme. Additionally, the SAMRC
and TIA co-fund a specific seed fund programme
dedicated to medical devices and diagnostics.
These seed funds aim to offer bridging support to
help translate research outputs into fundable ideas
for further development. Here are some highlights
from the SAMRC-TIA Seed Fund.
SINAPI Negative Pressure Wound Therapy
(NPWT) with innovative wall suction application
Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT), or
vacuum-assisted wound closure, effectively treats
acute and chronic wounds. It removes fluids and
microorganisms, reduces oedema, boosts blood
flow, and promotes tissue growth via moderate
suction with a sealed foam dressing. Commonly
used for surgical wounds, burns, pressure ulcers,
and diabetic ulcers, access can be limited in
resource-poor countries due to high costs. SINAPI
Biomedical's affordable, versatile NPWT system
can operate as a mobile unit or with wall-mounted
suction – a unique feature. Clinical trials show
the device’s effectiveness in managing complex
wounds, including infections, open abdomens, and
soft-tissue wounds, with wound closure comparable
to high-cost products and over 70% reduction
in treatment expenses. The technology is fully
developed, with the first version commercialised
and the improved version under industrialisation,
with validated new components. The Sinapi NPWT
offers a practical, cost-efficient solution that
improves access and patient outcomes.
COBA BioManufacturing Disposable
Atraumatic Bulldog Clamps
COBA Manufacturing has developed an innovative
disposable bulldog clamp with soft textured
foam jaws that provide consistent, safe clamping
pressure. Designed for cardiovascular, plastic,
and orthopaedic surgeries, the clamp temporarily
controls blood flow while safeguarding delicate
vessels, reducing tissue damage and supporting
faster patient recovery. Unlike traditional metal
clamps that lose pressure over time and can damage
vessel walls, COBA’s single-use polymer design
ensures reliable, atraumatic performance with every
procedure. Lightweight and cost-effective, these
clamps are produced using injection moulding
technology, making them accessible without