Australia’s premier life sciences investment forum opened in Melbourne earlier this week, bringing together investors, innovators and global partners to explore one of the most dynamic periods in the nation’s biotechnology and medical technology sectors.
Australia’s biotech and medtech ecosystem is experiencing rapid expansion, with close to 1,600 companies now operating across the country. This is double the number from just eight years ago.
Kerri Lee Sinclair, Head of Investment at AusBiotech, said this year’s event underscores the maturity and momentum of the sector. “AusBiotech Invest continues to evolve as a strategic platform to connect capital with innovation,” she said. “The calibre of investors and companies participating this year reflects the maturity of Australia’s life sciences sector. We’re not just seeing promising science. We’re seeing repeatable commercial success and globally significant deal flow.”
The two-day program featured presentations from 23 innovative listed and private companies, offering investors a direct connection to organisations seeking funding and collaborative partnerships. Presenters included Amplia Therapeutics, Arovella Therapeutics, Avecho Biotechnology, Chimeric Therapeutics, Immuron, Prescient Therapeutics, QBiotics Group and others across oncology, infectious disease, diagnostics and advanced therapeutics.
The event’s thought leadership program explored capital formation strategies and the technologies driving the next phase of biotech growth. Highlights included an opening session with Megan Hooton, President of IQVIA Biotech, and Sarah Meibusch of OneVentures on how AI and global trends are reshaping clinical development. A panel discussion on 'Building Australia’s Future Life Sciences Capital Stack' brought together senior investors from Cochlear R&D, ARCHIMED, Brandon Capital and 5 Horizons Ventures to discuss the ingredients for sustainable investment success.
Other keynotes examined ASX market performance with Blair Harrison of ASX, and explored how global venture capital models could help build Australia’s next generation of life sciences leaders, with insights from Nick Pachuda.