Health and medical life sciences
One of the world’s greatest mineral and resource provinces
Internationally recognised excellence in health and medical research and innovation
Western Australia boasts a world-class medical research base with a skilled and collaborative workforce and strong entrepreneurial talent. This is supported by outstanding research infrastructure including 5 universities, all with strong biomedical science programs, and multiple highly-regarded medical research institutes.
The Western Australian Government is committed to supporting this important industry through the Health and Medical Life Sciences Industry Strategy and the Health and Medical Research Strategy, investments such as the Future Health and Research Innovation Fund, and technologically advanced hospitals and healthcare facilities.
With our unique set of strengths and capabilities, Western Australia is a smarter, more secure place to do business.
Quick facts
7 FDA approved drugs developed from university research
Our health and medical life sciences industry doubled in size over 5 years
Over 100 biomedical companies and medical research institutes employing thousands of people
Highlights
Funding
Biomedical companies based in or working in Western Australia can benefit from a wide range of funding opportunities. These include the Future Health Research and Innovation Fund, backed by Western Australia’s $1.8B sovereign wealth fund, which provides dedicated long term funding to support medical research and innovation.
Manufacturing
Western Australia hosts a range of leading-edge specialist manufacturers of pharmaceuticals, advanced therapy medicinal products, RNA products, medical devices and digital health products. These include Contract Manufacturing and Development Organisation (CDMO) BioCina, providing sterile liquid pharmaceutical contract manufacturing services at its state of the art facility in Bentley, Perth.
Infrastructure
Western Australia hosts a wide range of biomedical infrastructure. Key sites include the 28Ha Queen Elizabeth II Medical Centre, which is co-located with a world-leading university, 4 major medical research institutes, 3 hospitals, clinical trials facilities and a range of startup companies.
Clinical trials and CROs
Western Australia has several experienced clinical trials providers and CROs, with some of the most advanced clinical trials facilities in the Asia-Pacific region. Key among these are Linear Clinical Research’s 3 facilities, with on average 70 actively recruiting studies for oncology and a wide range of other therapeutic indications.
Precision health
Western Australia has significant expertise in precision health. Our strengths include using oligonucleotides (small RNA) to treat rare diseases, using mRNA to treat cancers, manufacturing advanced cell and gene therapies, substantial ‘-omics’ capabilities and robust disease data sets.
Remote health
As the world’s largest single health jurisdiction, Western Australia has strong expertise in the development of remote and virtual healthcare infrastructure, products and services. In doing so, Western Australia is able to draw on its world-leading expertise in remote operations gained through its mining, energy, agriculture, space and defence industries.
Why Western Australia
In Western Australia you will find:
- significant funding opportunities and incentives for the biomedical sector, including through the Future Health Research and Innovation Fund, the Western Australia Venture Capital Initiative, and the Health and Medical Life Sciences Industry Strategy.
- an internationally recognised research base achieving scientific excellence, commercial success and life-changing health and medical outcomes for Australia and the world.
- world-class research infrastructure and over 250 biomedical organisations and support services.
- locally based specialist training, advice and services for the commercialisation of innovative products.
Learn more about WA's unique strengths and capabilities and why it is a smarter, more secure place to do business. Read the prospectus.
Learn More
Support
Learn about the WA Government’s support for the sector through the Health and Medical Life Sciences Industry Strategy and the Health and Medical Research Strategy including: - Funding - Events - Careers - Prospectus
Western Australian Life Sciences Innovation Hub
The WA Life Sciences Innovation Hub is co-funded through the WA Government, MTPConnect and the University of Western Australia to accelerate economic growth and create new jobs and industries. It delivers programs to connect the innovation community, build capacity and new skills, attract investment, and foster commercialisation.
Industry Directory
Search WA industry capabilities through the Life Sciences WA Directory.
Research and Development Tax Incentive
The research and development (R&D) tax incentive is an Australian Government initiative, which aims to boost competitiveness and improve productivity across the Australian economy. Read more about how your company can innovate and grow by offsetting some of the costs of eligible R&D.
Clinical trials
Learn more about WA clinical trials capabilities, including regional clinical trials
Perth Landing Pad
The Perth Landing Pad supports international startups at different points in their business journey to immerse themselves in one of the most innovative business ecosystems to create global WA-based businesses.
More information
VeinTech Is Finding The Right Vein, First Time, Every Time
Founded in 2020, VeinTech is developing and commercialising a medical device to assist with correctly inserting a cannula into a vein in situations when intravenous access is difficult.
The Ministerial Council on Trade and Investment was co-hosted in Perth
Ministers, Senior Government Officials, and leaders from across the Commonwealth gathered in Perth to discuss emerging issues and investment and trade priorities.
Get in touch
If you are looking for opportunities in business, investment or trade, contact our experienced team at Invest and Trade WA.
Our in-house experts can support you directly and provide referrals or introductions across our network of overseas offices, industry bodies and government agencies.