AusBiotech has appointed experienced biotechnology leader Anthea Stephenson as its new Industry Growth Program (IGP) Lead, strengthening national support for early-stage Australian life science companies as they navigate the complex journey from research to commercialisation.
Stephenson, who will be based in Melbourne and begin in the role on 15 December, will work closely with start-ups, small and medium-sized enterprises, and emerging companies across biotechnology, medtech and digital health. She will guide innovators through commercialisation pathways, help them build investment readiness and support capability development as they prepare to scale.
Her appointment brings more than two decades of experience at CSL, where she led major vaccine programs from early discovery to commercial launch. With deep technical expertise, strong governance credentials and a proven track record delivering global influenza and COVID-19 vaccine initiatives, Stephenson is widely regarded as a collaborative leader focused on outcomes and sector impact.
AusBiotech serves as an Industry Partner Organisation under the Australian Government’s Industry Growth Program. Through this program, the peak body provides commercialisation advisory services for biotech and medtech companies, offering tailored mentoring and strategic connections to help SMEs advance research translation and move toward market entry.
Deputy CEO Rosanne Hyland said Stephenson’s appointment would significantly strengthen AusBiotech’s support for innovators participating in the program. “Anthea brings deep program management and vaccine development expertise, alongside an impressive track record leading cross-functional teams from research to commercialisation. Her skills in governance, stakeholder engagement, and strategic delivery will be invaluable to start-ups and SMEs in the Industry Growth Program. We are delighted to welcome her to AusBiotech,” Hyland said.
Stephenson said she was excited to join the organisation at a time of accelerating growth in the life sciences sector. “I’m excited to join the team at AusBiotech as Industry Growth Program Lead and contribute to advancing Australia’s biotechnology sector,” she said. “I look forward to using my skills to support innovators on their development journey by guiding them through critical steps, improving their investment preparedness and laying the foundations for long-term success. I look forward to building strong partnerships across the sector to support the development of new technologies.”