BREAKING: Dr. Nick Hartnell, an esteemed orthopaedic surgeon from Bowral, Australia, has been awarded the Paul Shetler Disrupter of the Year at the 2025 InnovationAus Awards, just four days after the heartbreaking loss of his brother to pancreatic cancer. This poignant moment, filled with both triumph and grief, highlights the profound impact of personal loss on professional achievement.
Standing on stage on December 11, 2025, Dr. Hartnell dedicated the award to his younger brother, who passed away at just 56 years old. “It was emotional,” he stated, reflecting on the bittersweet nature of the occasion. “We said goodbye to him on the Sunday and then four days later we were at an award we didn’t think we’d win. Clearly, he was looking down on me.”
The award recognizes Dr. Hartnell’s relentless efforts over the past decade to revolutionize ligament and tendon reconstruction, a venture that has positioned his startup, Bone Ligament Tendon (BLT), as one of Australia’s most promising biomedical disruptors. “We had no expectation of winning,” he emphasized, celebrating a victory that he described as “fantastic.”
Known affectionately as the “Bone Surgeon” of the Southern Highlands, Dr. Hartnell has dedicated nearly two decades to advancing medical practices rooted in his commitment to country medicine. His breakthrough innovations stemmed from a desire to improve upon traditional metal and plastic implants, leading to the development of engineered collagen scaffolds that closely replicate natural tissue mechanics.
Judges lauded BLT for its “technical depth, commercial maturity, and global potential.” Dr. Hartnell remarked, “It really did start on my desk in Bowral. Early mornings, sweat, and tears – it’s been an exciting journey.” Currently, the startup is completing its final animal trials and is targeting regulatory approval by mid-2026, with plans to treat its first Australian patients later that year. “We’re so close,” he stated, expressing optimism about the positive changes this technology could bring to patients’ lives.
The emotional weight of the award was amplified by the presence of Dr. Hartnell’s family and his dedicated team at the ceremony. “Having a team that believes you, trusts you, sacrifices a lot – it’s humbling,” he shared. His connection to the Highlands community has also been pivotal, as he cherishes the daily interactions that enrich his life and career. “I can’t think of a better medical community. I get rewarded every day just by looking after people,” he said.
As Dr. Hartnell prepares for the next stage of his journey, he embodies the spirit of resilience and innovation. His story serves as an inspiring reminder of how personal loss can fuel a commitment to making a difference in the lives of others.
Stay tuned for further updates as BLT moves closer to its regulatory milestones and transforms the landscape of ligament and tendon reconstruction.
