It’s that time of year when we return at our most refreshed and teeming with ideas and resolutions to make this year the most successful yet. AusBiotech’s commitment to the sector remains stronger than ever, with the new year providing a timely opportunity to revise and refresh strategic priorities for the year ahead.
After a very successful 2023, where the industry broke new ground and celebrated milestones and achievements that collectively elevated the entire ecosystem, AusBiotech is anticipating an even stronger 2024, with a focus on connecting the biotech community and advocating for the life science industry’s advancement.
Resolution one: bolster AusBiotech’s investment attraction programme to connect more innovators with investment
Access to capital remains one of the largest challenges for biotech companies in Australia. To support the building of meaningful connections between the investment community and investment-seeking life sciences companies, AusBiotech has a strategic focus on increasing access to capital for Australian biotechs.
After making significant strides within the investment attraction programme last year to develop metrics and resources to support the sector’s success, members will see a renewed focus for investment attraction this year via AusBiotech’s investment programme, events, and policy activities. AusBiotech will imminently be inviting member feedback on a capital attraction white paper with more information to be announced later this week.
We look forward to announcing our capital attraction initiatives over the next few months and throughout the year - watch this space for more details.
Resolution two: advocate for and on behalf of the sector to support its advancement
As the voice of industry, AusBiotech will continue its work on activities that support the priorities outlined in the Biotechnology Blueprint: A Decadal Strategy for the Australian Biotechnology Industry, after 2023 saw progress on developing metrics and benchmarks to track the Blueprint’s progress and success.
AusBiotech looks forward to the release of the National Reconstruction Fund’s sector-specific co-investment plans, after the higher-level investment mandate was released in November 2023. The summer also saw the Industry Growth Program’s advisors announced and applications open. Read about the Program here.
AusBiotech will also be continuing to respond to key consultations; providing a sector voice on key government programmes such as the National OneStop Shop; shaping policy positions to advocate for the advancement of Australia’s life sciences ecosystem; and running our annual invitation-only c-suite state-based roundtables in the first quarter of 2024 to engage members on AusBiotech’s advocacy plan ahead. It looks forward to working closely with members for the betterment of the sector.
In addition to the above, it will continue to promote opportunities to champion the sector and share the success of our members throughout the year.
Resolution three: connect industry through major life science events
Continuing to facilitate opportunities for collaborations, partnerships, and investment is crucial for the growth of Australian life sciences sector and ultimately for continuing Australia’s position in the life sciences sector globally. After a record-breaking year of event attendance during 2023, AusBiotech’s 2024 events programme is gearing up for the biggest year yet.
Save the dates below for more key industry events:
- BioCheers: kicking off from February and March 2024 across the country. Watch this space.
- NSW Women in Life Sciences Luncheon: 8 March 2024. Register now.
- AusMedtech 2024: 22-23 May, Adelaide, South Australia. Save the date.
- AusMedtechInvest 2024: 21 May, Adelaide, South Australia. Announcement coming soon…
- BIO 2024: 3-6 June, San Diego, USA.
- AusBioInvest 2024: 29 October, Melbourne, Victoria. Save the date
- AusBiotech 2024: 30 October - 1 November, Melbourne, Victoria. Save the date.
We look forward to a busy year ahead and working with members to make it the biggest yet.