Taking research to market

Queensland science is characterised by a high number of new companies arising from the cutting-edge research being undertaken at Queensland institutes.

Queensland Government initiatives such as the Translational Research Institute and Life Sciences Queensland are helping translate this research into commercial outcomes.

The industry currently has around 100 companies, including:

• Pfizer Animal Health (formerly Catapult Genetics Pty Ltd), launched the world's first DNA tests for tender beef
• Alere (formerly Inverness Medical Innovations Pty Ltd) developed the world's first commercial diagnostic assays for Ross River fever, dengue fever, and West Nile virus and is now a global exporter of innovative diagnostics for over 30 infectious diseases
• Alchemia Ltd produces novel drugs to treat prostate and lung cancer and eye diseases
• LEO Pharma (formerly Peplin Ltd) is in Phase II clinical trials for drugs derived from weed sap for the treatment of skin cancer, leukaemia and bladder cancer
• Farmacule Bioindustries Pty Ltd, a subsidiary of Leaf Energy, is using cutting-edge technology to produce ethanol from sugarcane without compromising sugar yields
• Tissue Therapies Ltd  is developing biomedical technologies for wound healing, tissue regeneration and various cell culture applications.
• ImpediMed has developed an innovative medical device for early detection of lymphedema

Bio-venture Fund

A new US$200 million bio-venture fund, supported by global biopharmaceutical leader Eli Lilly and Company and managed by HealthCare Ventures LLC, supports the development and commercialisation of new biotechnology products from across the globe, including research and technology produced by Queensland's biotechnology industry.

Medical Research Commercialisation Fund

Queensland is also involved in the Medical Research Commercialisation Fund (MRCF), which provides a supportive investment environment to foster innovation emanating from Australian medical research institutes and allied research hospitals. The MRCF - alongside OneVentures Pty Ltd, Brandon Capital Partners and HealthCare Ventures - has made one of Australia's largest ever investments in a biotechnology start-up company. Queensland's Vaxxas Pty Ltd recently received A$15 million to further develop a revolutionary needlefree vaccine delivery system.

Uniquest

UniQuest is one of Australia's leading research commercialisation companies, specialising in global technology transfer and facilitating access for all business sectors to world class university expertise, intellectual property and facilities.

UniQuest's innovation portfolio includes the Gardasil vaccine, biotech IPO QRxPharma Ltd, the Triple P Positive Parenting Program, and University of Queensland's superconductor technology used in MRI machines.

Bluebox

qutbluebox pty ltd ('bluebox') is the technology transfer and commercialisation company for the Queensland University of Technology.

Griffith Enterprise

Griffith Enterprise is the commercialisation and technology transfer office of Griffith University

Commercialisation support

Queensland offers opportunities for businesses to grow through investment in research and innovation. Learn more about the support services available in Queensland to help businesses and researchers commercialise their products.

Find out more:

• Translational Research Institute
• Life Sciences Queensland
• HealthCare Ventures
• Medical Research Commercialisation Fund
• UniQuest
• qutbluebox pty ltd
• Griffith Enterprise
• Research commercialisation