Technology in Aged Care: How Australia Can Lead the World in Assistive Tech Exports
Australia has a global reputation for innovation in healthcare — but one of our most untapped opportunities lies in aged care technology. With the right investment, policy alignment, and industry collaboration, Australia could become a world leader in exporting assistive tech to meet the demands of ageing populations everywhere.
The Global Opportunity
The numbers are staggering:
By 2050, 1 in 6 people globally will be over 65, according to the UN.
The global assistive technology market is projected to exceed AUD $50 billion by 2030, growing rapidly as demand for remote care, smart devices, and AI-powered health monitoring increases.
While many countries are scrambling to adapt, Australia has a unique edge:
Proven aged care innovation (from telehealth to AI-enabled fall detection and even fall prevention).
A strong regulatory and clinical standards framework.
Experience delivering services in diverse and challenging environments — from major cities to remote communities.
Government support for individuals ageing in place.
Where Australia Already Shines
Australia’s aged care innovators are already producing world-class solutions:
Smart in-home monitoring devices that detect changes in movement, speech, or behaviour.
Videoconferencing platforms designed for people with cognitive or dexterity impairments.
AI-powered translation and captioning tools to overcome language and hearing barriers.
Digital medication management systems to support carers and clinicians in real time.
These aren’t just “nice-to-have” gadgets — they address core challenges faced by aged care providers worldwide: workforce shortages, rising costs, and the need to maintain quality of life for older adults.
Why the World Needs Australian Solutions
1. Workforce Pressures are Universal — Australia’s experience in using technology to amplify carer capacity — rather than replace it — is highly relevant in Europe, North America, and Asia.
2. Rural & Remote Expertise — Our history of delivering care in geographically isolated areas mirrors the needs of many nations with dispersed populations.
3. Regulatory Credibility — Australian products that meet strict local compliance standards are well-positioned to meet or exceed international requirements.
Unlocking the Export Potential
For Australia to truly lead, three things need to happen:
1. Cross-Industry Collaboration — Bring together aged care providers, tech firms, researchers, and export agencies to align product development with market gaps overseas.
2. Export-Ready Design — Build technology with multi-language capability, modular compliance settings, and local network adaptability baked in from day one.
3. Branding Australia as a “CareTech Nation” — Just as New Zealand is known for agritech, Australia could position itself as the global hub for trusted, ethical, and human-centred assistive technology.
What Businesses Can Do Now
If you’re in health, technology, or manufacturing, there’s a window of opportunity to:
Adapt existing solutions for international markets.
Partner with aged care providers to pilot new export-ready models.
Engage with Austrade, ARIIA, Ageing Australia, ATSA, and other industry bodies to identify priority markets.
The Role of James Anthony Consulting
At JAC, we work with innovators in aged care technology to design, integrate, and scale solutions that meet the highest security, compliance, and usability standards. We also work on deep research relevant to ageing tech and disability tech. We understand both the domestic care landscape and the requirements for international market entry — helping turn local success into global impact.
The Bottom Line
With ageing populations reshaping economies worldwide, assistive technology is no longer a niche sector — it’s a growth market with humanitarian and commercial significance. Australia has the expertise, the innovation culture, and the credibility to lead. The question is: will we seize the opportunity before someone else does?
