Dr Dimity Dornan AO – Founder and Chair

Dimity’s advocacy for multi-partner, multi-sector collaborations to bust the silos of endeavour in medical bionic innovation is legendary. As the founder and Non-executive Director of Hear and Say, providing hearing services for people around Queensland and the world, Dimity’s passion is to transform lives with bionic devices and treatments.

She is a member of the Queensland Business Leaders Hall of Fame, a former Queensland Senior Australia of the Year and Chair of the Industry and Innovation Forum of the Australian College of Technology & Engineering (ATSE).

Dr Robyn Stokes – CEO and Director

Robyn joined Bionics Gamechangers Australia after successfully leading her own business Stokes Strategy and Research for more than a decade. Robyn is widely recognised for her successful career as a university lecturer, her visioning and strategy expertise, research and marketing insights and capacity to leverage major projects and events including Australia’s G20 hosted in Brisbane.

As Co-Chair of Bionics Gamechangers Australia and subsequently the CEO, Robyn designed and delivered Australia’s inaugural Bionics Challenge (now an annual event) and a suite of growth-enabling projects designed to build a successful bionics industry cluster.

Matthew Ames – Director

Matthew has an in-depth understanding of strategy, risk and cultural change from his almost 20 years as an environmental engineer. Since 2012, Matthew has found valuable and innovative ways to apply his knowledge and expertise after suffering toxic shock from streptococcus and the loss of all four of his limbs.

As the first recipient of bilateral mind controlled bionic arms in the world, Matthew is immersed in many worthwhile endeavours in the health sector. He is Chair of Hear and Say, and a member of steering committees for Queensland Health, the Australian Digital Health Agency and Bionics Gamechangers.

Bernie Woodcroft – Director

Bernie is currently Senior Vice President of Microba, one of Queensland’s fastest-growing edTech companies. He is an Honours Engineering (electrical) graduate from the University of Queensland and a Graduate of the Australia Institute of Company Directors (GAICD). Bernie has been deeply engaged in innovation at all levels for over 30 years.

As a leader in technology innovation, Bernie has supported over 200 new startups during his tenure as Director of ilab and helped raise over $90 million in related startup investment and grants. He has mentored hundreds of early-stage founders on their journey and developed key government, university and corporate relationships to underpin these programs.

Bernie brings a unique blend of experience across innovation, university, government and the corporate sectors both nationally and globally as well across numerous industries including health, sports, energy and finance. 

Dr James Scott – Director

James is currently an independent consultant and Chief of Commercial at Precise Light Surgical, a company developing a surgical laser able to reduce adverse events associated with tissue resection and optimisation of healthcare practice and value.

To date, he has built a successful career across multiple therapy areas, disease states and markets. Notably he led Medtronic’s ventilator and essential supply response during the initial wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Australia and New Zealand.

As a Senior Executive with extensive strategy, marketing and business development experience in medical technology and research domains, James has experience in building partnerships, delivering operational and commercialisation strategies and facilitating new businesses and technology.

James also has a very strong focus on community, societal and sustainability initiatives, with a history of involvement in community volunteering and philanthropic causes. In particular, he has invested his time and insights to understand and uplift the wellness of communities in need, including our First Nations people of Australia, the homeless and those living a transient life.

Petra Andrén – Director

Petra is an innovation leader, experienced board member, investor, and business builder with over 25 years’ experience traversing international markets and advanced technology sectors. Petra has expertise in navigating the complexities of taking IP-rich technologies to market, supporting, and scaling high growth technology ventures, and as the inaugural CEO of global award-winning deep tech incubator, Cicada Innovation, building high impact innovation ecosystems.

Having held CEO and executive roles driving innovation and strategy for global corporations, research organisations, venture capital funds and most recently government, Petra brings a unique skill set to the medtech innovation space.