BioNSW has launched its inaugural BioInvest Catalyst event. The organisation said the three-part event series aims to foster deeper engagement between investors and life science entrepreneurs.
The inaugural BioInvest Catalyst dinner, which took place on 27 March, is the first in a series of three events planned for 2025, including a mid-year follow-up and a formal pitch event in November.
The state of New South Wales plays a pivotal role in the nation’s biotechnology, medical technology, and pharmaceutical sectors. BioNSW said it is home to 40 per cent of Australia’s life sciences companies, supporting over 32,000 direct, high-value jobs and more than 100,000 indirect roles.
Dr Brad Walsh, the chair and co-founder of BioNSW, said, “BioNSW was established to champion and accelerate the life sciences sector in NSW, and I am pleased to see the Investment Committee delivering on this commitment to our members. The sector is thriving in NSW, providing important, lifesaving medicines, medical devices and diagnostics for patients around the globe. The BioInvest Catalyst events encompass the first step in a broader strategy to increase sector-specific funding and drive long-term growth.”
“We have identified a knowledge gap shared by a variety of investors. Namely, a greater understanding of the life science investment opportunities and the appreciation for the potential returns and societal benefits life science companies will provide. There is certainly appetite from investors to participate in life sciences in a way they otherwise wouldn’t have,” said Dr Walsh.