Dr Buzz Palmer

Founder and CEO of the MedTech Actuator, Founding Investment Partner at Synthesis Capital, and Founding Partner at Dialectica Group. A serial entrepreneur and Professor at the University of Melbourne, passionate about medical innovation through strategic execution and commercialisation.

A dynamic business leader with a proven track record in medical technology translation, driving next-generation innovations into new markets. Experience spans startups to large corporations, with successful M&A and IPO exits across Europe, North America, India, the Arabian Gulf, and Asia-Pacific.

With a background in orthopaedic regenerative medicine and microsurgery, uniquely positioned to strategically advance MedTech solutions that create meaningful societal impact. Has supported over 750 MedTech startups and entrepreneurs in securing almost $750m of early-stage capital and navigating commercialisation.

Brings a broad skill set in technology assessment, market entry, and business growth, ensuring smooth transitions into target markets. An effective communicator and connector, adept at engaging diverse stakeholders across industries, geographies, and cultural backgrounds.

• WHO Foresight Committee, World Health Organisation, 08/01/23, present
• I2I committee member, National Health Innovation Centre Singapore, 07/01/23, present
• Dept Health & Human Services, Victorian State Government, 01/01/20, present
• Non-Executive Director, Carrington Health, 04/01/17, 04/30/19
• Innovation Expert Panel, Victorian State Government, 06/01/15, 06/30/18
• NHMRC Innovation Council, National Health & Medical Research Council, 01/01/15, 06/30/18
• Development Grant Panel, National Health & Medical Research Council, 05/01/15, 06/30/18
• Industry Advisory Council, Swinburne University, 03/01/14, 06/30/17
• Chief Scientist of Australia Working Group, Australian Government, 11/01/13, 02/28/18
• Research and Innovation Expert/Strategic Board, European Commission, Brussels, Belgium, 04/01/12, present
• CAESIE Industry Facilitator, Australian Government and European Commission Program, Australia, 11/01/12, 09/30/15

• Venture Capital, University of California, Berkeley, 09/01/16
• Design Thinking Action Lab, Stanford University, 01/01/14
• Technology Entrepreneurship 1 & 2, Stanford University, 05/01/13
• Start-up Boards – Advanced Entrepreneurship, Stanford University, 08/01/12
• Advanced Concept to Clinic Course, Ausbiotech, Melbourne, 04/01/10
• Best Practice Valuation in Biotechnology, Ausbiotech, Melbourne, 09/01/09
• Leadership and Emotional Intelligence, Swinburne, Melbourne, 09/01/09
• Effective Workplace Relationships, Swinburne, Melbourne, 07/01/09
• Finance for Non-Finance Managers, CAE, Melbourne, 06/01/09
• OECD Principles of Good Laboratory Practice, NATA, Melbourne, 04/01/09
• First Aid at Work Course, Red Cross, Melbourne, 03/01/09
• Internal Audits Training Course, NATA, Melbourne, 03/01/09

• Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder, The MedTech Actuator, Australia, Singapore, Japan, 06/01/17, present, Designed and co-founded medical technology catalyst to capture and capitalise on the strong opportunity within the APAC region; launched offices in Australia, Singapore and Japan with activities across Australia, Singapore, Japan, India, UK, Spain, Netherlands, Vietnam, Indonesia, Thailand, South Korea and Canada. Partnered with over 150 global partners including J&J, Medtronic, Samsung Medical Centre, Cook Medical, KPMG, Philips, Mayo clinic, NHS, Bangalore Innovation Centre, and Singhealth in Singapore. Assisted in catalysing investment to the value of $750M+ for 200 portfolio MedTech Actuator startups. Maintained a 56% IRR year on year growth, and enabled 3 health Unicorns, 2 IPO’s and 3 M&A’s, to-date.
• Investment Partner, Synthesis Capital, Australia, 08/01/22, present, Synthesis Capital invests in early-stage medical, health, and wellbeing-related deep technology ventures across the Asia Pacific region, from pre-seed to series A. Marries early-stage capital with market-leading venture development – scaling investment, as risk is actively managed and addressed.
• Professor, Faculty of Medicine, University of Melbourne, 02/01/23, present, Designed and initiated innovation programs aimed at health impact and commercial outcomes. Launched the Impact Health Catalyst in Malawi for Faculty members exploring global impact projects. Provide strategic advice to Faculty of Medicine on entrepreneurship and innovation enhancement.