Biotechnology
World-class research and industry innovation are the hallmarks of biotechnology in Australia's national capital.
Canberra's biotechnology industry is recognised globally for its intellectual asset base, research capability, knowledge generation capacity and its global connectedness.
The sector has leading capabilities in a number of areas including genetics, immunology, molecular bioscience, neuroscience, phenomics and medical devices.
World leading research and educational institutions such as the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organsiation (CSIRO) and The Australian National University's John Curtin School of Medical Research and the Research School of Biological Sciences give Canberra's biotechnology companies a competitive edge.
Importantly, all of the key Australian government agencies with biotechnology roles and the industry regulators are based in Canberra.
Not surprisingly, most of Canberra's private sector biocompanies can trace their roots to institution based research and development conducted in Canberra. To date, around 30 Canberra based biotechnology spin-off firms have emerged from this research base.
Canberra's biotech environment comprises a strong network of participants from a range of industry players including technology innovators, spin-off companies, service providers (such as patent attorneys), and industry associations and advocates - all of whom draw on the city's skilled and knowledge rich workforce.
The ACT Government is committed to the development of knowledge based industries, including biotechnology. The continued growth in biotechnology applications and the flow of development capital to the sector complements the significant commercial opportunities in the future.
John Curtin School of Medical Research in Canberra
Within 50 years, the John Curtin School of Medical Research in Canberra has made major discoveries and contributions to world health and won two Nobel Prizes:
- Sir John Eccles won the Nobel Prize in 1963 for his work on the elucidation of mechanisms of transmission of signals in the nervous system
- Professors Peter Doherty and Rolf Zinkernagel won the Nobel Prize in 1996 for the discovery of the role of the major histocompatibility complex.
The ACT Government is committed to the development of knowledge based industries, including biotechnology.
Case Study: BARLEYmax and Canberra Business Development Fund
A combination of the ingenuity of the CSIRO, ACT Government support and private capital has resulted in the development of a significant breakthrough in the health benefits of a cereal grain.
The new grain, known as BARLEYmax, is a non-GM patented barley developed by the CSIRO. It is a nutritious wholegrain that provides an excellent source of both soluble and insoluble fibre, including resistant starch.
Already in use in breakfast cereal, the grain is attractive to the health conscious. Supermarkets around the country have been inundated with requests for the cereal product.
The ACT Government's involvement with BARLEYmax stems from its investment in a joint venture with the CSIRO through the Canberra Business Development Fund (CBDF), an equity investment vehicle for local technology based companies.
The CBDF is a joint venture between the ACT Government and Australian Capital Ventures Limited (ACVL) and aims to provide expansion capital for Canberra regional businesses with growth potential.
For more information contact:
www.csiro.au
www.jcsmr.anu.edu.au
www.rsbs.anu.edu.au
www.business.act.gov.au
Phone Canberra Connect:
1800 244 650 (Australia)
+ 61 13 2281
