Bioscience
South Australia is recognised internationally for its scientific excellence and research abilities and its culture of collaboration.
The State is home to internationally recognised hospitals and research institutes and a dedicated commercial biomedical precinct with manufacturing capabilities.
South Australia has a proven track record for commercialising university research and development and creating spin-off companies, especially in the application of science and technology to medicine and agriculture.
Adelaide, South Australia is Australia’s least costly place to set-up and do business, and has been rated as the most cost-competitive city in Australia for bioscience research, clinical trials and product testing.1
Bionomics Ltd, Novozymes GroPep Ltd and Hospira Adelaide are just three of Australia’s leading biomedical companies located in Adelaide. South Australia is also headquarters for major companies such as Protherics Australasia and Numico Research Australia.
Others in the sector include Mayne Pharma, Hamilton Laboratories, Geneworks Pty Ltd, Micronix Pty Ltd and fast-growing start-ups such as Nidor Pty Ltd and vivoPharm Pty Ltd.
With demand for medical services and agricultural products growing strongly, South Australia offers biotech companies significant opportunities to engage in research and development, licensing, strategic partnerships, manufacturing and services.
For emerging bioscience companies, South Australia offers access to the $35 million South Australian Life Sciences Venture Capital fund.
A biosciences business incubator, located at the Thebarton Bioscience Precinct, provides start-up biotechnology companies with laboratory and office space and business development services.
Output
- Bioscience generated $180 million a year in revenue during 2005-06.2
Employment
- 1,200 people employed in bioscience in 2006.2
Workforce Information Service
Number of businesses
- Around 90 core bioscience businesses in 2006, most in biomedical, agricultural or enviromental science.2
Research and development
- South Australia’s bioscience industry invested more than $45 million in research and development spending in 2006.2
- The State is home to public and private national research and development centres, as well as Drug Development South Australia – a consortium of leading preclinical and clinical trials service providers.
Geographic focus
- South Australia’s bioscience industry is concentrated in Adelaide around five innovation precincts.
- The Thebarton Bioscience Precinct is home to one of the largest clusters of commercial medical bioscience companies in Australia.
Case studies
Bionomics Ltd
Novozymes GroPep Ltd
Hospira Adelaide Pty Ltd
Industry groups
AusBiotech
Bio Innovation SA
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