"I'm pleased to announce that the NSW Government has appointed an expert group to assess the projects. Professor Mary O'Kane, NSW chief scientist and engineer, will be the inaugural chair of the Medical Devices Fund Expert Group, which will oversee the evaluation of grant applications to the fund," she said.

Professor O'Kane said the $5 million per annum program will build on the economic and social benefits for NSW that local organisations such as ResMed and Cochlear Ltd have already forged. "I anticipate that this fund will be a pivotal contributor to building future medical technology commercial success in NSW," she said.

The other members of the expert group are Mr Neville Mitchell, CFO, Cochlear; Dr Bob Frater AO, vice president, Innovation, ResMed; Mr Michael Still, North Sydney LHD Board Member, Company Director; and Mr Adam Spencer, science guru and radio announcer.