Leading voices in biotech, medtech, investment and policy came together in Sydney last week for the BioNSW Catalyst Dinner.
The dinner aims to advance new financing mechanisms, foster collaboration, and strengthen commercialisation pathways across NSW’s life sciences sector.
The dinner was the second instalment in the three-part 2025 BioInvest Catalyst series, following the success of the inaugural event in March. Guests enjoyed an evening of connection and discussion with senior figures from across the life sciences ecosystem. The series will conclude in November with a formal investor pitch event.
“The BioInvest Catalyst series is about unlocking the full potential of NSW life sciences,” said Dr Brad Walsh, Chair and Co-Founder of BioNSW.
“By bringing together the people who can shape funding reform, champion new investment models, and transform local breakthroughs into real-world health solutions, we are laying the groundwork for long-term growth and global impact.”
NSW is home to more than 50 pharmaceutical companies, 400 biotechnology firms, 500 medtech businesses, and over 100 ASX-listed life sciences organisations. Collectively, Australia’s ASX-listed life sciences sector is valued at more than $100 billion.
“If we want NSW to remain globally competitive in biotech, we need forward-thinking, collaborative solutions and that starts with conversations like this,” said Dr Walsh.
Recent public funding commitments, including the NSW Government’s $23 million investment in RNA research and commercialisation, and the $3.5 million Biosciences Fund, are helping to create stronger foundations for early-stage innovation.
Dr David Atkins, who chairs the BioNSW Investment Committee, brought his experience in drug development, commercialisation, and biotech leadership to the role. Drawing on his expertise at the intersection of science and investment, he helped steer conversations on expanding NSW’s global footprint in life sciences.
“It is a privilege to be able to initiate and lead such an extensive program over 12 months that brings together a diverse and influential group of leaders. Strong, sustained funding is the fuel that drives our discoveries from the lab into the real world. Events like our BioInvest Catalyst series foster the connections and investment momentum that helps create tangible outcomes for patients,” said Dr Atkins.
The 2025 BioInvest Catalyst series will conclude with a pitch event in November, where innovators will present directly to investors ready to back the next generation of life sciences breakthroughs. BioNSW said it welcomes interest from investors, innovators and the ecosystem that supports them, to join as members and to join the larger pitch event.