Qlicksmart

What Qlicksmart does

Qlicksmart is an Australian privately-held medical device company founded in 1998 in Brisbane by doctors Neville Henry and Michael Sinnott. The company designs, manufactures, and distributes single-handed sharps safety devices—primarily scalpel blade removers and glass ampoule openers—used by healthcare professionals in hospitals, operating theatres, and outpatient surgical settings. Its core product portfolio includes the BladeFLASK and BladeFlask EVO (multi-use scalpel blade removers capable of removing up to 100 blades per unit), the sterile single-use BladeCASSETTE, BladeNeedleSYSTEM, and BladeSINGLE products, and the SnapIT family of ampoule openers (Personal/LITE/Trolley). Supporting accessories include the MountingBRACKET, SnapIT O-Ring, and the CheckCLIP medication identification device. The portfolio is complemented by the Qlicksmart Digital Platform and an Interactive Training App that supports staff competency certification for safe blade removal.\n\nThe company's business model is a hardware-sales model with unit pricing in the AUD 7–40 range per SKU. Distribution is the centerpiece of the go-to-market: Qlicksmart reaches over 50 countries through a network of 140+ distributors, independent medical representatives, kitpackers, and online channels, with channel management outsourced to a dedicated entity called Smartstream. Direct-to-customer e-commerce is limited; the company instead relies on third-party logistics in the US, Netherlands, Malaysia, and Queensland to service distributors. Qlicksmart reports cumulative usage of 160 million+ blades removed and 9,400+ injuries prevented across its installed base, with 2,000+ US healthcare facilities, ~220 UK hospitals, and 185 Japanese hospitals as named adoption benchmarks. No revenue is publicly disclosed; the company has 1–10 employees and has historically funded operations through product sales and limited government grants (e.g., CSIRO Innovation Connections, 2020).\n\nThe company is led by co-founder and director Dr. Michael Sinnott and General Manager Dr. Chamindika Konara, under whom export business reportedly grew by 30% and overall profit by 35%. No institutional investors, private equity, or parent-company ownership structures are disclosed. Product compliance is a defining operational feature: ISO 13485:2016, FDA 21 CFR Part 820, EU MDR Class 1, TGA, AS/NZS 3825:2020, ISO 23907-1:2019, and UN dangerous-goods transport certification collectively govern market access across the US, EU, UK, Australia/New Zealand, Japan, and Asia-Pacific.

Name

Qlicksmart

Legal name

Qlicksmart Pty Ltd

Website

https://qlicksmart.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1998

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Qlicksmart is an Australian medical device company that designs and manufactures single-handed scalpel blade removers and ampoule openers, selling through a global network of 140+ distributors across 50+ countries to hospitals and surgical centers.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Medical Sharps Safety Devices

NAICS

Surgical and Medical Instrument Manufacturing (339112), Surgical Appliance and Supplies Manufacturing (339113), Medical Equipment and Supplies Manufacturing (3391)

SIC

Surgical & Medical Instruments & Apparatus (3841), Orthopedic, Prosthetic & Surgical Appliances & Supplies (3842)

akta.pro primary industry

Sharps Safety, Needlestick Prevention & Disposal (Safety Devices, Sharps Containers) (HLAHANAH)

Keywords

• Sharps safety devices
• Scalpel blade removers
• Medical safety equipment
• Ampoule openers
• Sharps injury prevention

Headquarters

HQ city

Brisbane

HQ country

Australia

HQ region

Oceania

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Medical Safety Device Sales: Sale of sharps safety products including scalpel blade removers (BladeFLASK, BladeFlask EVO, BladeCASSETTE, BladeNeedleSYSTEM, BladeSINGLE), ampoule openers (SnapIT, SnapIT LITE, SnapIT Trolley), and accessories (Mounting Bracket, O-Ring, CheckCLIP). Products sold directly and through global distributor network.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

Qlicksmart designs, manufactures, and distributes sharps safety medical devices—primarily single-handed scalpel blade removal systems (BladeFLASK, BladeFlask EVO, BladeCASSETTE, BladeNeedleSYSTEM, BladeSINGLE) and glass ampoule openers (SnapIT family)—for healthcare professionals in hospitals, surgical centers, and clinics worldwide. Its products enable the safe single-handed removal and containment of used scalpel blades and safe opening of glass ampoules, reducing sharps injuries during surgical hand-offs and medication preparation.

Product overview

Qlicksmart offers a comprehensive portfolio of sharps safety medical devices primarily focused on scalpel blade removal systems and ampoule opening solutions. The core product lines include the BladeFLASK and BladeFlask EVO (multi-use scalpel blade removers), the BladeCASSETTE, BladeNeedleSYSTEM, and BladeSINGLE (single-use sterile scalpel blade removers), and the SnapIT family of ampoule openers (Personal/LITE/Trolley editions). Supporting accessories include the MountingBRACKET and SnapIT O-Rings. The portfolio is complemented by the CheckCLIP medication identification device and a Digital Platform for sharps safety management. Products are designed for use across hospitals, operating theatres, surgical centers, and other healthcare settings, with compliance to ISO 13485, FDA, EU MDR, TGA, and multiple international safety standards.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• BladeFLASK: Multi-use scalpel blade remover - the world's first single-handed blade remover
• BladeFlask EVO
• BladeCASSETTE
• BladeNeedleSYSTEM
• BladeSINGLE
• SnapIT
• SnapIT Lite
• SnapIT Trolley
• CheckCLIP
• MountingBRACKET
• O-Ring
• Qlicksmart Interactive Training App

Products and services

• BladeFlask EVO Enhanced multi-use reusable scalpel blade remover with single-handed operation that accommodates multiple BP scalpel handle types and automatically deactivates upon reaching maximum capacity. Designed for hospitals, operating theatres, and surgical centers.
• BladeFLASK Original multi-use single-handed scalpel blade remover and world's first of its kind, safely removing and containing up to 100 blades at point of use with automatic deactivation and a puncture-proof sharps container. Targeted at hospitals and surgical centers.
• BladeCASSETTE Single-use sterile scalpel blade remover for safe removal and containment of up to 3 used blades in the sterile field, with audible click for safe removal confirmation and transparent cartridge for easy counting. Designed for operating theatres and sterile surgical environments.
• BladeNeedleSYSTEM Dual-purpose safety device combining single-handed scalpel blade removal and containment with a 20-count needle counter for accurate counting and efficient disposal of both blades and suture needles. Targeted at surgical teams needing combined sharps safety and needle counting.
• BladeSINGLE Single-use sterile scalpel blade remover for removal and containment of 1 used blade in the sterile field, with transparent cartridge for easy counting and audible QLICK confirmation. Independently tested by NATA accredited laboratory for AS/NZS 3825:2020 compliance.
• SnapIT Personal Reusable aluminium ampoule opener designed by a nurse to prevent cuts from glass ampoules, with simple insert-and-snap action. Autoclaveable to 135°C, compatible with most 1-15mL ampoules, available in multiple colours. Designed for nurses, anaesthetic staff, and clinical teams.
• SnapIT LITE Lightweight plastic reusable ampoule opener for safe opening of scored glass ampoules, available in Regular (1-15mL) and Large (5-25mL) sizes with keyring for on-the-go use. Targeted at nurses and clinicians needing portable ampoule safety.
• SnapIT Trolley Aluminium ampoule opener designed for facility use with larger ampoule compatibility, autoclaveable for sterile environments. Targeted at hospitals and clinical workstations.

Quantifiable outcome

• 160 million+ scalpel blades removed safely
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature7 records

Partnerships

13 partnerships are on record, tiered core, flagship and minor.

• SmartstreamcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSmartstream is the dedicated Channel Management Company for Qlicksmart products. Established to meet the need for specialist distribution management as Qlicksmart grew, Smartstream manages the global distributor network, allowing Qlicksmart to focus on R&D, product development, and manufacturing supervision.
• Medline Assembly Australia Pty LtdflagshipChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorBest Overall Distributor of 2023 (Dr Neville Henry AM Golden Scalpel Award). Medline has demonstrated exceptional work in improving staff safety in healthcare, improving staff safety across numerous Operating Theatres in Australia.
• Bosco Medical (Australia)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorRegional Distributor of the Year (Australia) 2023 and 2024. Completed more than 40 educational sessions and in-services at hospitals across Australia, including major metropolitan locations with hundreds of staff.
• Steriline Sdn Bhd MalaysiacoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorRegional Distributor of the Year (Asia) 2023. Distribution partner since 2006, has doubled sales of Qlicksmart products in 2022 and 2023 while retaining loyal customer base.
• Cresmed Hospital s.r.l ItalycoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorRegional Distributor of the Year (Europe) 2023. Continued business despite challenging year with government scheme affecting public hospital suppliers, continuing to service customers and expand to new territories.
• Medviz SA MexicocoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorRegional Distributor of the Year (Americas) 2023 and 2024. Collaborating closely with Qlicksmart to create Mexican guidelines for sharps safety. Recipient of consecutive Golden Scalpel Awards.
• Inter-Lab Pty Ltd ChinacoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorNewcomer Distributor of the Year 2023. New addition to Qlicksmart's global distribution network in 2023 with pro-active approach and enthusiasm for introducing Qlicksmart devices to hospitals in China.
• Swann-Morton (United Kingdom)flagshipChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDistributor of the Year 2021. Long-standing distributor demonstrating commitment to Qlicksmart message with pro-active approach to promotion of BladeFlask EVO, collaboration on marketing materials, trade show attendance, and market expansion.
• Cincinnati Surgical (USA)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDistributor of the Year (Americas) 2022. Distribution partner for over 15 years, committed to promoting Qlicksmart's safety devices and message of 'one safety culture for both clinical staff and patients.'
• Hospithera S.A. (Belgium)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDistributor of the Year (Europe) 2022. Twenty-year partnership (since 2002) in improving safety of healthcare workers in Belgium.
• United Italian Corp. (HK) Ltd.coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSafety Advocate Award 2021. Continues to promote staff safety in Hong Kong, working with nurses and organizations to raise awareness of sharps safety. Supported Hong Kong Association of Occupational Health Nurses at their symposium.
• Trade and Investment Queensland (TIQ)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGovernment partner supporting Qlicksmart's export growth through Go Global and New Market Program grants. Assisted with office visit by Assistant Minister for Treasury and support for export initiatives.
• CSIRO SME Connect / Innovation ConnectionsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGovernment research body partnership that supported development of the Qlicksmart Interactive Training App through Innovation Connections Facilitation and Graduate Placement Grant.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Ansell: Ansell provides PPE and safety solutions for healthcare including sharps protection gloves and safety devices used in surgical environments. While its core focus is gloves and protective apparel, its sharps protection line addresses the same healthcare worker injury prevention problem Qlicksmart targets, serving overlapping hospital customers.
• Swann-Morton: Swann-Morton is a traditional British scalpel and blade manufacturer and also serves as Qlicksmart's UK distributor. Its core surgical blade range addresses the same operating room customers as Qlicksmart, and through its distribution role it influences purchasing decisions for sharps safety accessories in the UK market.
• Smiths Medical: Smiths Medical manufactures Portex safety scalpels and sharps injury prevention devices as part of its broader portfolio of anesthesia, infusion, and airway management products. It competes with Qlicksmart in the surgical sharps safety category, but operates across a much wider medical device range rather than specializing in blade removal.
• Symmetry Surgical: Symmetry Surgical manufactures surgical instruments and accessories used in operating rooms including scalpel handles and related surgical hand-off tools. It overlaps with Qlicksmart's surgical workflow context and sells to the same hospital and surgical center customers, though its core focus is reusable surgical instruments.
• ICU Medical: ICU Medical manufactures medical connectors, needlefree devices, and other needlestick prevention products. Its needlefree IV connectors and closed system devices compete in the broader needlestick prevention category that overlaps with Qlicksmart's sharps safety mission, though it focuses on injection and infusion safety rather than blade removal.
• Cardinal Health: Cardinal Health distributes medical and surgical products including sharps safety devices, surgical instruments, and procedure packs. It serves the same hospital channels as Qlicksmart and offers alternative sharps safety product lines, but as part of a much broader medical distribution and products portfolio.
• BD (Becton Dickinson): BD is a global medical technology company offering safety-engineered scalpels, needlestick prevention devices, and sharps disposal systems through its Medical segment. It overlaps with Qlicksmart in the sharps safety workflow but addresses it primarily through integrated safety scalpels rather than standalone blade removers, and serves a much broader portfolio of injection and infusion products.

Others

• Medline Industries: Medline is a large medical supply manufacturer and distributor that also operates as Qlicksmart's Australian distributor. It competes in adjacent categories including procedure packs, surgical supplies, and PPE, and supplies many of the same hospital customers that use Qlicksmart products — making it both a channel partner and adjacent competitor.

Direct peers

• Aspen Surgical: Aspen Surgical manufactures sharps safety products including safety scalpels, blade removers, and surgical accessories used in operating rooms. It competes directly with Qlicksmart in the sharps safety device category, particularly in US hospital channels, with overlapping product portfolios around blade handling and neutral zone devices.
• Sandell Safety Products: Sandel Medical (an Ansell brand) produces safety scalpels, neutral zone devices, and sharps safety accessories used in operating rooms. Its product range overlaps directly with Qlicksmart's blade-removal and sterile-field sharps safety portfolio, targeting the same surgical hand-off injury problem with safety-engineered scalpels.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/qlicksmartandbesafe
• Instagraminstagram.com/qlicksmart
• Xx.com/qlicksmart
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/qlicksmart-pty-ltd

Compliance9 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Qlicksmart