BioGeelong

BioGeelong Cluster Development Project (Stage 2) - Completed

9/05/2008 9:52:55 AM BioGeelong

This four part project had a total cost of $200,000 comprising $100,000 from City of Greater Geelong / BioGeelong and a grant of $100,000 from the Victorian Government's Regional Innovation Clusters Program.

Appointment of BioGeelong Cluster Facilitator

Dr Bree Gorman was appointed as Cluster Facilitator and commenced on Jan 8th 2007.

Laboratory Feasibility Study

This project involved preparation of a full feasibility study into the viability of a centralised laboratory to facilitate growth of the BioGeelong cluster. Atholl Consulting were appointed and have now completed the project. The final report detailed the concept of the laboratory including costing and business model. It was found that evidence for demand of the facility needed to be more strongly established.

Biological Manufacturing Scoping Study

This project was a scoping study to determine what is required to position Geelong as a base for industrial scale biological manufacturing of pharmaceuticals. The Federal Government called for applications for a $10M one off grant to establish a Mammalian cell facility and the feasibility study focused on the possibility of developing such a facility in Geelong. The key findings from the market analysis conducted by Interface Innovation Pty Ltd were as follows:

  • The majority of the biotechnology firms in Australia that require access to mammalian cell production are located in NSW and Victoria. Locating the MCF in one of these two states would maximise the chance of integrated relationships being developed between the MCF and local biotechnology firms.
  • In selecting a contract manufacturing organisation (CMO), the key decision criteria for both international and Australian biotechnology firms are a solid track record especially in quality and timeliness. Cost and local area convenience are lower order considerations. This indicates that in order to signal that CMO service is sound, reliable and timely, a new Australian MCF needs to partner with an established international CMO that can bring this reputation.
  • A key trend in the CMO market is the growing number of partnerships between large and small CMOs (such as the proposed MCF in Australia). There is growing consensus that these partnerships enable CMOs to provide a full service offering to biotechnology firms. This is another reason why the Australian MCF should partner with a large, established CMO as it could enhance its service range and increase its ability to generate sustainable business.

BioGeelong Positioning Activities
This aspect of the project involved upgrading the BioGeelong website, producing material promoting BioGeelong and Biotechnology, running events and promoting biotechnology amongst local school students.