MTPConnect has partnered with the Western Australian Government and The University of Western Australia (UWA) to announce the establishment of its Western Australian Node.
The WA Node of MTPConnect was launched at the Harry Perkins Institute and Centre for Medical Research.
Dr Bronwyn Evans, the chair of MTPConnect, was joined by WA innovation minister Dave Kelly to sign a Memorandum of Understanding to work in partnership on the establishment of the WA Node.
The WA Node will run educational programs to support life sciences start-ups and innovation, working closely with local sector stakeholders to develop skills in product translation and commercialisation, and in attracting investment opportunities.
It will also ensure the local sector is linked to major initiatives, programs and projects, and is focused on the growth priorities identified in MTPConnect’s Sector Competitiveness Plan, including clinical trials and the development of pre-clinical expertise, and capability in precision medicine and regenerative medicine.
“MTPConnect is delighted to work in partnership with the State Government and The University of Western Australia, to grow innovation, business capability and successful commercialisation in Western Australia’s life sciences sector," said Dr Evans.
"The WA Node of MTPConnect will build on local capability strengths of cutting-edge research and innovation to grow competiveness of products and services, and its ability to play a key role as a strategic launch pad for national growth and investment opportunities in the Australia’s MTP sector.”
According to minister Kelly, “The McGowan Government is delivering on its election commitment to diversify the economy and create jobs by establishing a second innovation hub through the $16.7 million New Industries Fund. Through this new life science innovation hub the McGowan Government will support high growth small and medium-sized enterprises and job growth in this exciting and developing sector.
“We have some of the most innovative people in Australia located right here in Perth. With the support of the McGowan Government through this innovation hub, I look forward to seeing what these innovators can deliver for the benefit of our local economy and health sector.”
The state government’s annual investment of $300,000 for four years will also provide funding to run workshops, training and coaching sessions, and bring national and international experts to Perth. MTPConnect will match the funding by contributing $100,000 in cash per year and an additional $200,000 per annum in in-kind support over four years, for joint co-funded activities to support the WA Node.
UWA will provide co-investment of $300,000 via in-kind support to house the Node and directly fund a position to connect university researches and industry across the life sciences sector.
“We have considerable multidisciplinary research expertise and experience in innovation in areas of relevance to the Australian life sciences ecosystem. This node provides numerous opportunities for the nation and state, as we leverage the connections of the WA Government and MTPConnect nationally,” said Professor Dawn Freshwater, vice-chancellor of The University of Western Australia.