19 January, 2026
Medtronic Robotics Surgical Technologies and IMRA Surgical Inspire Future Innovators Through STEM Innovation Day
At Medtronic, our Mission inspires us to expand access to STEM learning and open pathways for students from non‑traditional background especially those who may face barriers to tertiary education. As part of our global 10‑year Medtronic Spark commitment to propel 1 million students into health‑tech careers, we were proud to partner with IMRA Surgical to deliver an immersive Innovation Day for 15 students from the Spark Engineering Camp Program.
Hosted at IMRA facilities in Melbourne, the experience enabled students to explore the world of healthcare innovation firsthand meeting leaders across engineering, surgery, medical technology, and AI, and gaining hands-on exposure to tools shaping the future of medicine.
Bringing STEM Careers to Life
Throughout the day, students learned from Medtronic and IMRA experts who offered personal insights into their work, career journeys, and the evolving landscape of healthcare innovation. Adam Clark, CEO, IMRA Surgical emphasised the power of early exposure:
Opportunities like this can spark a passion that lasts a lifetime. STEM careers aren’t just about technology—they’re about people, problem-solving, and making a tangible difference in someone’s life.”
— Adam Clark, CEO, IMRA Surgical
Students also heard from Medtronic’s Director of Medical Sciences, Dr Quinlan D Buchlak, whose session on AI and the future of medicine generated lively discussion.
Healthcare is in the middle of one of the most significant transformations in its history,” said Dr Buchlak. “By showing students what’s possible with robotics, data, and AI, we’re not just teaching skills we’re helping build the next generation of innovators who will reimagine care for decades to come.”
— Dr Quinlan D Buchlak, Director of Medical Sciences
Michael Blenkin, Business Director Robotic & Digital Surgery provided an inside look into Life at Medtronic, sharing career pathways and opportunities within the company.
Many of us didn’t take a straight path into STEM, what matters most is curiosity and the courage to keep learning. Innovation days make STEM feel accessible and that’s how we build a more diverse and creative workforce. If today helps even one student see their future differently, then we’ve succeeded.”
— Michael Blenkin, Business Director, Robotic & Digital Surgery
Students also participated in a session on material science with IMRA’s Anita Chen and heard a compelling firsthand account of surgical life from Dr Jade El Mohamed, whose reflections on patient care and the realities of the operating theatre resonated strongly.
Hands‑On Innovation in Action
The highlight for many students was the immersive, practical component of the day. Guided by Medtronic and IMRA volunteers, students rotated through suturing and surgical skill development, Robotic-Assisted Surgery (RAS) operations and controls, laparoscopic simulation exercises, virtual reality training modules.
For Spark Engineering Camp participants, many of whom had never set foot inside a surgical or medical technology environment, the impact was profound.
A Spark student described the experience as transformative:
I absolutely enjoyed the simulation, particularly being an avid user of digital technology and games didn’t know much about medical technology before today, but now I can actually imagine myself working in this field,” they said. “Seeing the robots, talking to engineers, and trying things for myself showed me that these careers are possible for me.”
— A Spark student
Medtronic is proud to support community programs that align with our vision of transforming healthcare and advancing equity in STEM. Innovation Day reflects our commitment to fostering diverse future talent, empowering young people to discover their potential, and demonstrating the real-world impact of engineering in healthcare.
This innovation Day was sponsored by the ANZ Philanthropy Committee Employee Resource Group. Learn more on Medtronic Spark Program and our commitment here.