Hendon Semiconductors, a Legend Corporation division, has secured a substantial grant from the South Australian Government to bolster its capabilities in developing and manufacturing medical devices.

Secured through the first round of the government’s Economic Recovery Fund, the grant amounts to up to $605,561.

The move forms part of the company’s larger project valued at $1.23m, aimed at enhancing the capability to produce medical devices in the country.

The project will expedite medical product development in South Australia by leveraging existing equipment and integrating advanced technologies.

It will enable the production of miniaturised and high-frequency devices.

Hendon said the investment will facilitate the addition of clean room and sterilisation facilities, along with the integration of wafer to chip-on-board (COB) semiconductor processing.

Hendon has accelerated defence programme developments, reducing prototype production lead times from 12 weeks to three days with its advanced equipment.

The company now aims to bring this innovation to the medical sector.

The grant will enable Hendon to revolutionise the prototyping and manufacturing processes of medical devices within Australia.

South Australia is home to a robust medical device innovation sector yet the lack of in-state commercialisation infrastructure often leads to offshore production or premature technology licensing.

Hendon's project is designed to bridge this gap by introducing capabilities that are not available in South Australia or possibly even in Australia.

In a press statement, Hendon said: “By providing a local solution for the development and manufacturing of advanced medical devices, the project will facilitate industry diversification, create high-value jobs, and enhance export potential for South Australia.”

Hendon is engaged in designing and manufacturing both thick film hybrids and electronic printed circuit board-based controls across a range of industries, including medical, defence, and rail.