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 (3 with medical schools) 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
Home to more than one-third of approved FDA drugs from Australian universities
8 of Australia’s 15 biodiversity hotspots
244 life sciences organisations, employing nearly 24,000 people
Highlights
Genomics and proteomics
Western Australia has substantial expertise and capabilities in ‘omics’ technologies, which enable biomarkers and/or signature profiles to inform treatment options. Western Australia is home to Genomics WA, Proteomics International and the Australian National Phenome Centre (ANPC).
International research collaboration
Located in Western Australia, the ANPC is the international centre of expertise in metabolic phenotyping and is affiliated with the International Phenome Centre Network (IPCN). Its sophisticated biological analysis technology will transform and optimise disease prevention, diagnosis, and precision health.
Biodiversity hotspots
8 of Australia’s 15 biodiversity hotspots are in Western Australia. This biodiversity presents bioprospecting opportunities for researchers and industry practitioners to identify characteristics in native flora and fauna that could have commercial applications in health.
Longitudinal and Cohort studies
Western Australia has a number of unique, well-established longitudinal and cohort studies such as the Busselton Health Study, the Raine Study, and the ORIGINS Study.
Data science and high-performance computing
Western Australia has strong data science infrastructure and high-performance computing to support health and medical research and translation, including the Pawsey Supercomputer and DUG Technology high performance computing as a service (HPCaaS).
Precision healthcare
Western Australia is committed to supporting growth in the life sciences industry to enable the convergence of advances in emerging technologies and knowledge domains that are enabling the pursuit of new, more precise models of healthcare.
Why Western Australia
In Western Australia you will find:
- 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 health and medical organisations, including at least at least 41 biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, 89 medtech and digital health companies, 22 research institutions and 63 services and support organisations.
- unique geographical opportunities with a large concentration of biodiversity hotspots
- an emerging health and medical life sciences industry with growing support from all levels of government
- locally based specialist advice and services available in intellectual property (IP) protection related to the commercialisation of innovative products and services.
Opportunities
Health and Medical Life Sciences Industry Strategy and Funding
The new Health and Medical Life Sciences Industry Strategy will guide Western Australian Government initiatives to stimulate and strengthen the industry over the next four years. The strategy includes $8.65m in funding over this term. Read More for information on the • Strategy • Grant Funding • Events • Careers • Health and Medical Life Sciences Industry 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.
WA Future Health Research and Innovation (FHRI) Funding Opportunities
The WA FHRI Fund represents an exciting long-term, strategic approach to investment into elevating the state’s standing as a centre of excellence in health and medical research, innovation and commercialisation. The FHRI Fund releases funding programs in four cycles each year. Read more for the current funding opportunities.
Research and Development Tax Incentive
The research and development (R&D) tax incentive is an Australian Government initiative, aimed at boosting the competitiveness and improving productivity across the Australian economy. Read more how your company can innovate and grow by offsetting some of the costs of eligible R&D
The WA Health and Medical Research Strategy 2023-2033
The WA Health and Medical Research Strategy 2023–2033 outlines the priorities and direction of health and medical research for the state. The strategy leverages the distinct advantages and opportunities of WA's unique geography and population to strengthen research capability across the sector.
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.
London Tech Week 2024
Spanning 5 days, this global tech event attracts over 5,000 start-ups and 1,000 investors. Gain insights from cross-industry leaders, deep-dives into the start-up ecosystem and power conversations on social impact from the biggest names at the forefront of tech transformation, business and politics.
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.